We had a rude awakening when we showed up to Azulik Resort for massages I had booked the day prior. Azulik is an epic "adults only" eco resort and architectural wonder in Tulum (seriously if you're traveling without kids, it's an amazing place). I didn't know the "adults only" part when I'd stopped by in person to book a massage. I even told the (English-speaking) guy who gave me a tour that my husband and I wanted to stagger our massages to alternate watching the baby. What got lost in translation somehow was that the baby would be with us, not a nanny.
Long story short, we were denied entry. Which meant we set off to find somewhere to hang out for the day. I'd heard one of Pablo Escobar's former mansions had been turned into a resort – Casa Malca. We learned that for the cost of a drink and lunch you could hang out on the private beach all day. The staff was so sweet, without even asking they brought us a playyard.
And we got to take some epic shots at the popular front entrance, on their suspended couches.
We decided to see where else we could use the day pass strategy, since we were staying in a modest hotel away from the beach (Mestizo Gallery, also incredibly kind staff that played with our daughter every morning). A friend had told me about Nomade Tulum, a boutique hotel with a few restaurants, private beach and New Age offerings like a sound therapy garden.
We showed up and expected to get a "day pass" fairly easily (same deal, buy food and drink) but the host who showed us to our spot (initially this weird tent below but it was too uncomfortable and we asked for the beds instead) asked for money. A wink-wink kind of ask, but still.
But on the positive side – it was hands down the best food I've had in Tulum. So I highly recommend going for that, and if you're a fan of paired down boho aesthetics, they've really done a beautiful job of capturing that vibe. And of course if you can afford it, the rooms looked gorgeous, with hammocks outside (in the $380-480/night range). Steep for us, thus day pass!