Private Paradise: Tulum’s Exclusive Beach Clubbing Life
Private Paradise: Tulum’s Exclusive Beach Clubbing Life
Situated along the Caribbean coastline, Tulum is a hotspot for partying and lavish nights out. While it gained its popularity predominantly because of its pristine white-sand beaches and awe-inspiring Mayan ruins, Tulum has an exclusive party scene that is unrivalled. There are plenty of beach clubs with an international crowd of trendy people that gather to socialise, dancing the day and night away.
Our how-to guide for this tropical paradise will break down how you can join in on the fun, giving you an overview of Tulum’s day-and-night party scene and sharing with you all the best beach clubs for an amazing time guaranteed throughout your vacation.
A partying guide to Tulum
Whether you’re into EDM or reggae, there’s a little something for everybody. Tulum’s bars and beach clubs are experts when it comes to providing the best music and energy, whatever type of party animal you are. Just like Ibiza and Mykonos, Tulum has made a reputation for itself when it comes to partying.
Beach clubs open their doors at midday, featuring private pools, sunbeds, sophisticated on-site restaurants and table service. Sip champagne while dancing to the tunes of top DJs and celebrate the sunset with cocktails – this is when the party is in full swing.
If there’s one thing you don’t have to worry about while you’re in Tulum, it’s missing out on a good party. The hottest clubs along the beach take turns in hosting parties every day of the week. The party officially starts on Thursdays at Casa Jaguar, then you’ll have to head to Gitano Beach on Fridays. Papaya Playa Project is, no doubt, the place to be on Saturdays. Sundays are usually reserved for winding down and most people will go to La Zebra Hotel for a fun salsa class.
It should be noted there is no real dress code in Tulum. However, we would advise you to leave anything too formal at home and definitely avoid wearing heels. It’s all about comfort and casualwear here. Think relaxed bohemian chic — flowy sarongs, shorts, bikinis, and minimal layers. Tulum is tropical all year round; the summer season can be oppressively hot, with an average high of 33°C — so bare this in mind when packing. And, of course, a good pair of shades is essential.
Dine then dance the night away
Many of the restaurants along Tulum Beach provide a unique fusion of exquisite dining experiences and incredible party energy. One such place is Rosa Negra located in Tulum Beach, specialising in Latin American cuisine. Their bold and daring gastronomic dishes are influenced by South American traditions from the likes of Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil and, of course, Mexico.
Not only are you promised an impressive dining experience here, but also a great evening as they serve spectacular infusion cocktails while music is played by their resident DJ all through the night. However, if you’re craving Italian cuisine, IT is one of the finest Italian restaurants on the Caribbean coastline. Their innovative Mediterranean menu is led by two Michelin-starred chef Nino Di Costanzo and is a creative take on timeless Italian dishes. If you’re looking for somewhere with an impeccable ambience then be sure to visit Karma, a beach club with a highly impressive view and organic jungle decor making for a memorable experience – especially if you manage to book the much sought-after heart table.
The best beach clubs in Tulum
After a day of sightseeing and cenote hopping, you’ll be relieved to hear that the best of Tulum’s nightlife is all concentrated in one area. The elusive Tulum Beach Zone is where all the upscale hotels, glamorous fine-dining restaurants and beach clubs are located. This means you don’t need to plan a complicated journey just to get from point A to point B — a trendy outdoor restaurant will just be a stone’s throw away from your villa, and then about the same distance from there will be your beach club of choice for the evening.
To make for an unforgettable night, make sure you’re at Casa Jaguar on a Thursday night. Located in the Middle Beach Zone, it serves elegant Mexican cuisine during the day but is a different story during the evening. Casa Jaguar is infamous for hosting incredible jungle parties a few times every week, usually on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Saturdays.
Gitano Beach, situated in the Middle Beach Zone, is known as one of the best beach clubs in Tulum. Gitano originally started off as a jungle restaurant, well-known for its delicious Mexican cuisine and mezcal cocktails. Since then it made a name for itself and only a few years ago, Gitano Beach was conceived and the coastal counterpart was open to the public. Here you’ll find a stylish yet mellow crowd swaying along to experimental house and disco music. However, its Mediterranean roots remain just as strong as they are in the original restaurant (now ‘Gitano Jungle’) so you can still enjoy a refreshing watermelon and feta salad while grooving along to the ultimate beach vibes.
Little needs to be said about the illustrious Papaya Playa Project. They are infamous for their full moon parties, where superstar DJs and socialites alike flock to Tulum just for this unmissable event. These parties are not to be compared to or mistaken for the notorious Full Moon parties in Thailand. Instead, expect beautiful socialites and celebrities to flood into the legendary party complex as they dance and mingle to the hottest sets played by internationally-renowned DJs. Saturday nights at Papaya Playa Project are ones to mark on the social calendar and expect the party not to die down until dawn.
Taboo, situated in the Hotel Zone, serves exquisite Mediterranean cuisine in the daytime. This beach club allows you to enjoy an indulgent view of the Caribbean coastline as you dine on lobster linguini and sip on their elemental-themed signature cocktails – such as the show-stopping ‘Fire’ concoction with Unión Joven Mezcal and flambeed fruit. Hang around to lounge into the sunset, and you’ll see this lavish beachfront venue transition into a full-blown beach party by nightfall.
Despite the array of party places to enjoy along Tulum’s coastline, all of the beach clubs have their own unique style and approach. At each club, you can expect to find a great ambience and stunning views, but it’s also worth comparing a few of them to see which one fits your tastes best. No matter which one you choose for your evening, make no mistake — there’s nothing quite like dancing the night away in your own tropical utopia while watching the sun rise over Tulum.
Are you interested in partying all day and all night at some of the hottest beach clubs in the Caribbean? At The Only International, we are a luxury travel concierge and lifestyle management service that specialises in exclusive Tulum vacations. We offer villa rentals, restaurant reservations and VIP table bookings as part of your self-indulgent retreat. As a luxury travel concierge, we are dedicated to providing you with first-class and professional service so you can get the most out of your hedonistic getaway without the stress.
