Itza La Veleta: Tulum's Hidden Gem You NEED to Discover!
Itza La Veleta: Tulum's Hidden Gem (Or Did My Expectations Just Get REALLY High?) - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill ALL the tea on Itza La Veleta in Tulum. Is it the dreamy, sun-drenched paradise Instagram promises? Well… let's just say it's complicated. Prepare for a review that's less pristine press release and more… well, me trying to remember everything while battling a serious case of post-vacation blues.
First Impressions & Accessibility (Or, Did I Pack the Right Shoes for This?)
Right off the bat, finding Itza La Veleta was an adventure. Tulum, you see, is a glorious mess of sandy roads and "whoa, is that a Mayan ruin?" moments. While the hotel claims accessibility, let's be real – Tulum in general is NOT. The roads are bumpy, the sidewalks are… well, nonexistent in places. If you're relying heavily on a wheelchair, you'll need to plan carefully. Getting to the public areas, a lot of which aren't on flat ground, might require a bit of extra effort. Accessing specific rooms, or even some parts of the hotel isn't as straightforward as other hotels.
Once I did arrive, though, the vibe was… cool. Laid-back, bohemian chic. Think whitewashed walls, breezy fabrics, and a definite air of "I'm on vacation, and I deserve a margarita." Car park [on-site]? Check. Free car park? Check again! That's a huge win in Tulum, where parking can be a Hunger Games situation.
Rooms: My Oasis (Or, Did I Snore Loud Enough to Wake the Mayans?)
My room? Oh, the room. Air conditioning? Hallelujah! Air Purifier? Wonderful! Blackout curtains? Crucial for those post-beach naps. The bed was… ah, the bed. Perfectly firm. The linens? Crisp and clean. I sunk into that bed like it was a fluffy cloud. Wake-up service made easy, no more worrying about a digital alarm. And yes, I confess I used the alarm clock at least once.
The bathroom? Perfectly functional, with a separate shower/bathtub. Toiletries were provided, and surprisingly good quality! Free bottled water? Always a nice touch, especially after a day baking in the Tulum sun. Hair dryer? Saved me from a serious case of beach-hair-gone-wild. The safe box? Peace of mind, although the only thing worth stealing was my tan.
The non-smoking policy was great, and the soundproof rooms? Essential. Let's just say I may or may not have enjoyed a late-night karaoke session in my head after a few margaritas.
Dining & Drinking: Tacos, Margaritas, and… More Tacos! (Or, My Stomach's Still Recovering)
Okay, let's talk food. This is where Itza La Veleta truly shines. The restaurants are amazing. A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Asian cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar these are just a few of the options. Seriously, pack stretchy pants.
The breakfast buffet was a symphony of flavors. Fresh-squeezed juices, perfectly ripe fruit, fluffy pancakes, and the best chilaquiles I’ve ever tasted. The Coffee shop was a must-have, the coffee was strong! I even braved the Asian cuisine in restaurant, and it was delicious. The poolside bar was a constant temptation. The Happy hour? Let's just say I made some friends. They have Vegetarian restaurant! This place took care of everyone's needs. Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after those late nights.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa, Pool, and… Oh, the Torture! (Or, Did I Ever Actually Leave the Hotel?)
Okay, so here's where I went full-on vacation mode. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Spectacular. The perfect place to spend an afternoon gazing at the blue and working on my tan. They also offer Pool with view, which provides an extra element of relaxation.
And the spa… Oh, the spa. I booked myself in for a massage. The therapist was a magician! I felt all my city-weary tension melt away. They also offer Body scrub and Body wrap, which I might have tried (don't judge me!). There's even a Sauna and Steamroom if you're feeling extra fancy.
But here's the thing. They also have a Gym/fitness, which I, uh, saw. And a Fitness center. Let's just say my idea of a workout involved lifting a margarita to my mouth. My only regret? Not trying the Foot bath.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (Or, Were They Really Sanitizing Enough?)
This is a big one, especially these days. Itza La Veleta took safety very seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, and staff that were trained in safety protocol - all huge plusses. They even had Anti-viral cleaning products and Hand sanitizer everywhere. The Staff trained in safety protocol really makes people feel at ease. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property provided even more assurance.
They also offered a Safe dining setup, but I can't say I spent a lot of time worrying about it. (I'm more a "eat first, worry later" kind of gal.) They offered, Breakfast takeaway service. Hot water linen and laundry washing? Check. Individually-wrapped food options? Yup. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Well, that was more up to the other guests, but the space was big enough. They even have Doctor/nurse on call.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks of Paradise (Or, Did I Actually Need Half of This?)
Itza La Veleta is good at what it does. Concierge? Super helpful. Daily housekeeping? Thank you, lovely people! Laundry service? Saved my life (and my suitcase!). Luggage storage? Perfect for those pre- or post-check-in adventures. The Facilities for disabled guests were there, though the overall accessibility outside the hotel made using them a little tricky.
They also had the usual suspects: Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, a Gift/souvenir shop (hello, tequila!), and Safety deposit boxes. Things like Air conditioning in public area were a no-brainer.
For the Kids: Fun for the Little Ones (Or, Did I Even See Any Kids?)
I didn't travel with children, but Itza La Veleta seemed pretty Family/child friendly. They had some Kids facilities listed, and mentioned Babysitting service, if needed.
Getting Around: Tulum on Wheels (Or, How Did I Even Get There?)
Airport transfer? YES! Seriously, book it. The ride from the airport is a bit of a trek, and the last thing you want is to be haggling with a taxi in the middle of nowhere. Bicycle parking was available, and I'm pretty sure I saw a Car park [free of charge]. They even offered Valet parking, which is a nice touch!
Internet: Connected in Paradise (Or, Did I Finally Unplug?)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! Although, let's be honest, I spent most of my time unplugged. There was plenty of Internet access, Internet access – wireless. But the point of being there was to relax, and be at peace with yourself. They didn't skip out on Internet [LAN] options either.
The Bottom Line: Should You Go? (Or, Would I Go Back?)
Itza La Veleta is a beautiful hotel with seriously good vibes, amazing food, and generally fantastic service. It's not perfect. Accessibility is a definite consideration, and you'll need to embrace the "Tulum Time" pace. (But hey, that's part of the charm, right?)
My verdict? Yes, you should go. It's a solid choice for anyone looking for a relaxing and luxurious escape.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!
Here's My Special Offer To You:
Book your stay at Itza La Veleta through my affiliate link (insert link here, wink wink) and receive:
- A free bottle of premium tequila in your room (a $75 value!).
- 10% off a spa treatment of your choice.
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a balcony. (Limited availability)
Don't just dream about Tulum. Experience it. And trust me, you'll be dreaming about those chilaquiles for weeks.
Just book now before the prices go up!
Ho Chi Minh City's BEST Kept Secret: A Stunning Décor Studio INSIDE a Coffee Shop!
Tulum Tingles, Tantrums, and Tequila: A "Sort Of" Itinerary
Alright, buckle up Buttercups. This isn't your perfectly Instagram-filtered Tulum itinerary. This is the REAL Tulum, complete with sunburns, sand in places you don't want sand, and existential dread fueled by overpriced avocado toast. Let’s see if I can keep track of what day it is… I THINK I landed yesterday? Maybe the day before? Time gets squishy down here.
Day 1 (or, at least, the First Day That Seems Remotely Relevant)
- Morning (or, the Time I Woke Up): Finally dragged myself out of bed at Itza Tulum. Okay, let's be honest, the bed. The bed at Itza? Dreamy. Like, I think I almost didn't leave it. But then the hunger pangs hit, and the promise of "authentic" Mexican breakfast drove me onward. Found a place that promised "the best chilaquiles in Tulum." Spoiler alert: they were pretty damn good. The tortilla chips were perfectly crispy, the salsa had a gentle kick… okay, maybe I'm already in love with this place.
- Afternoon: The Beach Blunder. Okay, so I thought I was being clever by avoiding the "touristy" beach clubs and going for a "quieter" stretch of sand. Turns out, "quieter" also meant "infested with seaweed." Traipsing through thigh-high sargassum is not exactly my idea of a good time. Learned a valuable lesson: sometimes, the tourist trap is the lesser evil. Managed to find a somewhat clear patch, applied sunscreen (a minor victory!), and promptly forgot to reapply. Payback, sunshine, you beautiful sadist.
- Early Evening: Back at Itza, thankfully. Needed a shower, STAT. The sargassum was clinging to me like a lovesick octopus. Luckily, Itza’s shower is phenomenal, powerful, and oh so necessary. Wandered the grounds, which are gorgeous, mind you, finding the pool. I mean, it's got a vibe, you know? Like, "I'm chill, I'm not gonna judge you if you drink your margaritas by 4pm." Which, by the way, I just did. No regrets.
Day 2: (or, possibly Day 3 – who can tell?)
- Morning: Okay, so I woke up to the sound of… chickens? Yes, chickens. I swear, they sound like they're plotting something. Made my way to the Itza restaurant, and found a new dish on the menu. It was terrific. It's like the best food, the whole ambiance is just… beautiful. I need a nap.
- Afternoon: Cenotes & Existentialism. Booked a tour to some nearby cenotes. (Pro-tip: book early, otherwise you're stuck with the crowds.) The water? Crystal clear. The light filtering through the trees? Magical. The feeling of floating in a subterranean cavern? Utterly breathtaking. It was all I could do not to weep with joy. I took a moment to just… BE. Floating in the coolness, the only sounds were the drips of water and the faint echo of other people enjoying the experience. It was a profound moment of peace… until a rogue fish tickled my toe and a little voice inside me wondered if I was doing anything with my life. It happens.
- Evening: The Taco Trials and Tourist Traps. Decided to brave the main strip for dinner. Big mistake. Or… was it? The tacos were… okay. Nothing to write home about. But the people-watching? GOLD. Witnessed a proposal in front of a restaurant (cue the happy tears!), heard a debate about the merits of different types of kombucha (eye roll!), and saw a girl wearing a pineapple on her head (I genuinely do not understand this trend). By the time I staggered back to Itza, I just needed the bed.
Day 3 (Or Is It?) - The Sea of Regret
- Morning: Sunburn. Yep. Completely underestimated the power of the Tulum sun. My face is a delightful shade of lobster. I'm blaming the tequila. And the fact that I spent all day on the beach… okay, I'm blaming myself. After some healing, I went to the restaurant at Itza and enjoyed a breakfast that was pure joy.
- Afternoon: I wasn't going to do it. Really, I wasn't. But, it was there. I went to the beach. Yeah. I know I'm supposed to hate it because of the seaweed and the crowds, but the water is gorgeous. I spent a few hours just wandering in the calm, blue, sea. I even spent some time just… staring at the nothingness.
- Evening: Massage Mania and Mystical Nonsense. Splurged on a massage in Itza's beautiful spa. Worth. Every. Penny. My knots disappeared, my shoulders relaxed, and I swear, I almost floated off the table. This was the pinnacle of my day, and I will treasure it forever.
Day 4 (Maybe?) - The Day of Leaving?
- Morning: Itza life. I can't wait to come back.
Overall Tulum Takeaways (aka, My Unsolicited Opinions):
- Itza is the Bomb: Seriously, staying at Itza was a game-changer. Beautiful accommodations, amazing service, and a vibe that makes you want to linger. If you're looking for a place that feels like a tranquil oasis, this is it.
- Embrace the Mess: Don’t strive for a perfect, Instagrammable trip. Let yourself get lost, get sunburned, say something incredibly embarrassing in your broken Spanish. Those are the moments you'll remember.
- Pace Yourself: Seriously, Tulum’s got a lot going on, but don't try to cram everything in. Choose experiences that resonate with you, and give yourself permission to just… relax.
- Seaweed is a Reality: It will probably be there. Learn to live with it. Or, you know, go to a beach club.
- Tulum is Expensive: Accept this fact. Embrace the higher prices, and savor the moments when you find a hidden gem.
So there you have it: My messy, honest, and slightly over-the-top Tulum experience. Go forth, traveler, and make your own memories. And for the love of all that is holy, reapply your sunscreen!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Sapanca Bungalow Awaits!
Itza La Veleta: Tulum's Hidden Gem… Or Is It? Let's Get Real.
Okay, so what *is* Itza La Veleta? Is it even worth the hype?
Alright, let's rip the bandage off. Itza La Veleta isn't your typical Tulum experience. Forget the glitz and the Instagram-filtered perfection. It's… well, it's *different*. It's a collection of boutique hotels, cute cafes, the *promise* of a more local and less packed vibe than the beach zone (god, the beach zone...), and, honestly, a whole lot of dust. I’m talking, like, a lot. Prepare for it. Did you bring a mask? Good. You'll need it.
Is it worth the hype? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, I went in expecting a pristine utopia. I left… well, I left with a story and a slightly clogged air filter. I'd say… it’s worth experiencing, but temper your expectations. Really, really temper them. Especially about the 'hidden' part. Everyone seems to have found it.
What’s lodging like? Are there any specific hotel recommendations?
Lodging is a mixed bag, I can tell you. You have the boutique hotels, the Airbnbs, the places with names I can't pronounce… It's all very "rustic chic," which, in Tulum, sometimes translates to "pricey and slightly unfinished."
I stayed at *[Insert Name Here - but I really want you to find your own, because... ]*. It was pretty darn great, actually, but read the reviews *thoroughly*. I didn't and was *slightly* surprised by a late-night rooster symphony. Never thought I'd say "damn you, rooster," but here we are. On the plus side, breakfast was fantastic! Seriously, the pancakes… *chef’s kiss*. But the internet was spotty. I'm working on the story of my life, I needed to post! Okay, I needed to post a *photo* of those pancakes. Seriously, consider that. Find places with good reviews about a good internet! You need to learn from my mistakes!
Food, glorious food! Where do I *eat*? And should I avoid any restaurants?
Okay, the food… this is where Itza La Veleta really shines. Forget the overly-stylized, expensive joints on the beach strip. The food here is generally more authentic, more affordable, and just… *delicious*. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.
I'm still dreaming about the [mention a specific restaurant and dish]. It was simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Seriously, I considered going back every single day of my trip. And the little taco stands? *Absolute gold*. Don't be afraid to try the street food, just use common sense. Don't eat at the *one* stand that looks like it's powered by a rusty bicycle. Use your gut feeling.
As for places to avoid? Hmm… I'd say steer clear of anything that feels too… polished. Or too loud. Or too… well, you know when you walk into a place and it just screams "TOURIST TRAP"? Trust your instincts. And watch out for the places that are outrageously expensive. You're here to experience the 'real' Tulum, right? Then eat like it!
Transportation: How do I get around?
Okay, so you're going to need wheels. Or a lot of patience. And maybe a hat. And sunscreen... and a whole lot of water.
Taxis are available, but they can get expensive, especially if you're going back and forth to the beach. The real MVPs of Tulum are scooters or bikes. Seriously, get the bike! The roads are a mess, but riding a bike feels the real vacation and allows you to explore at your own pace. Just be careful! This is a real story! I almost ate pavement after hitting a pothole. Fortunately, no broken bones, just a bruised ego and a very dusty pair of shorts. Also, wear a helmet. I didn't. Don’t be me.
Car rentals are an option, too, but parking can be a nightmare. I say go for a bike. Embrace the adventure! (And the dust.)
Dust! Dust! Dust! How should I prepare for the dust?!
Right, let's talk about the elephant in the room: THE DUST. Seriously, pack a mask. And maybe two. And some goggles. Maybe a full hazmat suit. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but you get the picture.
The roads in Itza La Veleta are, shall we say, *rustic*? They’re dirt roads. They’re unpaved. They’re… dusty. You'll find it in your hair, in your clothes, in your teeth, in your lungs... You'll find it everywhere. I spent a lot of time brushing it off my face. It's part of the experience, I guess? Embrace the grittiness. Or, preferably, buy a really good air purifier for your hotel room.
What's the vibe like in Itza La Veleta? Relaxed? Party-central?
Okay, so the vibe. Itza La Veleta is… chill. It's definitely more relaxed than the frenetic energy of the beach zone. Think laid-back cafes, yoga studios, and a general sense of "hakuna matata."
But don’t expect complete solitude. It’s *becoming* popular. You'll find tourists, digital nomads, and the occasional influencer trying to capture that 'authentic' Tulum vibe. So, it’s not *completely* undiscovered. Just try to find your own special quiet corner by walking around. A good idea from a local is to explore by yourself! You get a more real experience that way! It’s still worth the trip if you search.
Is Itza La Veleta safe?
Generally, yes. Tulum is relatively safe, but use the same precautions you would anywhere. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Don't flash expensive jewelry or wads of cash. Stick to well-lit, populated areas. I mean, I didn't have any issues, but I also wasn't wandering around dark alleyways after midnight. Common sense, people!
There have been some reports of petty theft (like anywhere), so keep an eye on your belongings. If you're renting a scooter, make sure it's insured. Again, use your common sense... and don't be an idiot.
