Sharleen, I LOVED Tulum. There is a nice quiet place with a small cute little bar/restaurant called Pancho Villa. We hung out there nearly every day. You can almost see the ruins from there.

When you drive into the town of Tulum and turn left at the main light to go to the beach...you then turn left instead of right at the Y in the road by the police station. Go about a mile and a half just past El Paraiso beach and there is a turn up a sandy road towards the water. You can park for free and walk to the bar. If you turn right at the Y instead, there are lots of cute bars, restaurants and places to stay, however, we liked the quiet relaxed atmosphere of Pancho Villa. We stayed in a Wellness Center between Akumal and Tulum. Next time I want to stay on the beach.

If you go to my Facebook and click on photos and then click on my albums, you will see a folder in the second row labeled Mexico. I only have a few photos there but it will give you an idea of the area. Also, love swimming in the Ceynotes. Some of the photos are Akumal and also a Tortoise Sanctuary beach where many of the locals go on weekends. It is beautiful too but you have to take your own food.

https://www.facebook.com/sista.irie/media_set?set=a.10152943459742188.1073741854.649367187&type=3

Enjoy your trip.