When my friend decided to celebrate her 40th birthday with a girl’s trip to Tulum, I was excited but a bit apprehensive. All-inclusive resorts have been hit or miss for me, and my last experience left much to be desired. But my friend had done her homework, choosing the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive—a 5-star resort boasting a private beach, nine pools, a spa, and more than a dozen onsite restaurants. I decided to trust her judgment and dive into what was a memorable escape.
Why I Chose the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
Technically, I didn’t choose the hotel—my friend did, and she couldn’t have picked a better spot. The Hilton Tulum offers the perfect balance of luxury and relaxation. It’s an expansive property with plenty of amenities to keep everyone entertained. With my previous hesitations about all-inclusive resorts, I was curious to see if this one could change my mind.
My Room: The Ocean View Suite
Initially, I booked a Nature View King room, but thanks to my Amex Platinum card benefits, I was pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to an Ocean View Suite on the third floor. This high-floor location provided stunning views of the adults-only pool and the beach below. Waking up each morning to the sight of the turquoise waters and the sound of waves crashing was pure bliss. Check my TikTok for a room tour.
Although the beach was full of seaweed and the stormy weather kept us from fully enjoying it, the views more than made up for it. Plus, having my own room with a king bed was a rare luxury—at home, I share a bed with my husband and 4-year-old daughter. Yes, she has her own room but refuses to sleep in it. This trip gave me the time and space to truly unwind and catch up on some much-needed rest.
Enclave Status: A Game-Changer
During my stay, I was upgraded to Enclave status, which included a green wristband that unlocked access to exclusive amenities. And let me tell you, Enclave is where it’s at!
One of the standout perks was access to Enclave-only restaurants, and I took advantage of that with a delicious lunch at Cocomar Ceviche the day before we left. With dedicated concierge service, I also had priority reservations at other restaurants on the resort.
There’s also an Enclave-only pool and beach area, but I didn’t use it. It was often packed with families and small kids, so I preferred to relax elsewhere.
My Favorite Spot: The Enclave Lounge
The Enclave Lounge quickly became my sanctuary during the trip. This exclusive retreat offered a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence, featuring premium spirits and exquisite cuisine that often surpassed the restaurants’ offerings. I cherished the moments I could slip away from the group to savor solitude in this luxurious space.
Upgrading to Enclave status proved invaluable, though I wish I’d had more time to explore its perks fully. Despite the frequent rain curtailing our beach time, I made the most of my stay by retreating to the lounge. I’d even play host, bringing drinks from the lounge to friends lounging by the pool.
The Enclave experience was so engaging that after three days, I returned home without a tan—courtesy of both the weather and the lounge’s allure!
Hotel Entertainment: A Fun-Filled Experience
The Hilton Tulum offers a variety of entertainment options, from live music and authentic Mexican nights to beach movie screenings. One of the standout moments of our trip was the Silent Disco party on our last night. It was my first time experiencing a silent party, and it was a blast! My friends and I danced to different songs, occasionally syncing up on the same station and sharing the excitement when we realized we were vibing to the same beat. The party also featured a 360° camera, adding to the fun as we took turns capturing unforgettable photos.
Dining at Hilton Tulum: A Culinary Adventure
We dined at most on-site restaurants, each offering a unique experience. On our first night, we ate at Maxal, the traditional Mexican restaurant, where I even tried Grasshopper for the first time!
The food was good, but the ambiance really stood out, especially since we all dressed like our favorite Beyoncé era—a fun theme my friend came up with. Watch a video of us here: Instagram.
Breakfasts were spent at Vela Sur and Maxal, where the buffet-style offerings combined with a la carte options made for a satisfying start to the day.
La Luce, the Italian restaurant, was a bit of a letdown. Neither the service nor the food lived up to expectations.
However, Auma, the steakhouse, was a true highlight. Their grilled octopus was so amazing that I ended up having two servings! And for a taste of fresh ceviche, Chiringuito Cocomar was a must-visit, especially since it was exclusive to Enclave members.
Spa Dreams Deferred: A Missed Opportunity for Relaxation
Whenever I go on vacation, booking a spa appointment is a must for me. The Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya offers spa services, which take place at its sister property, the Conrad Tulum. Unfortunately, the appointments filled up quickly, and by the time I tried to schedule a massage, the only availability was on the day I was set to leave. This meant I missed my usual vacation massage, breaking my streak. The spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, herbal therapies, a purifying gratitude ceremony with a shaman, and a sacred cenote ceremony. They also have an outdoor dynamic pool and revitalization facilities with a sauna, steam room, and cold plunge. Since I didn’t experience these, I have a perfect excuse to plan a return trip!
A Resort That Delivers
My stay at the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive exceeded my expectations and left me with memories of a fantastic girl’s trip. From the luxurious accommodations to the exclusive Enclave perks, this resort offers everything you need for a perfect getaway. While the weather wasn’t on our side, the overall experience made up for it. If you’re looking for a 5-star experience in Tulum, I highly recommend trying the Hilton Tulum—especially if you can snag that Enclave upgrade!
Ready to experience Tulum in style? Click here to book your stay at the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive and treat yourself to a luxurious escape.
Related: All-Inclusive Resorts: Tips for an Unforgettable Experience
