Cancun Wedding to Tulum Reset: A Gentle Pause Between Chapters

At the start of this year, I made a promise to myself: Make space for joy, even if you’re still healing. And to be honest, I didn’t know how much I’d need to revisit that promise CONSISTENTLY.

Earlier this year, I went through a tough breakup that left me with more questions than answers. Around the same time, my friend Takaunia was going through something similar—and it reminded me how powerful it is to lean on your people when your world feels heavy.

Sometimes you just don’t want to carry it all alone. And the truth is… you don’t have to.

I won’t get into the details here, but walking away from that relationship taught me something I’ll never forget: choosing yourself isn’t easy—but it’s necessary.

Our friend Danna was getting married in Cancun (this alone was such a beautiful experience), so we decided to pack our bags—both literal and emotional—for a week in Tulum after the celebrations. What started as a weekend of love turned into a full week of restoration in Tulum.

✧ Witnessing Love While Healing from Loss

The Okechuku wedding was stunning—warm, intimate, and filled with a kind of joy that didn’t feel performative. It felt rooted. Watching two people commit to each other so intentionally reminded me that real love doesn’t come with confusion or half-steps. It shows up fully. It supports you without needing to be asked. It’s intentional, not inconsistent, that day reminded me of what’s possible. That healing and happiness can exist in the same room, and in the same heart. That love, when it’s real, doesn’t just promise: it acts, and you feel it in every gesture.

The wedding was a beautiful destination wedding at Breathless All Inclusive Resort, and it was the perfect mix of a solo retreat and partying. We hit the boat on Friday, had dinner that night, and enjoyed a gorgeous rehearsal dinner right on the beach. Everything felt easy: no pressure, just good energy and beautiful moments leading up to the big day.

Since it was Memorial Day Weekend, Cancún was outside. I dipped off one night to downtown to catch the Cancún Jumpoff—it’s basically a weekend-long takeover full of Black travelers, beach parties, and nonstop events. The city was buzzing, and honestly… I stand by it every time: Cancún never disappoints. I’ve never had a bad time there.

That whole weekend reminded me how good it feels to be surrounded by love, community, and people who just get it.

✧ Landing in Tulum: Slowing All the Way Down

After the wedding, we left Cancun and drove into Tulum—windows down, music up, hearts still tender but wide open. We rented a car (highly recommend) and stayed in Aldea Zama, a quieter, residential part of town that kept us close to everything without being in the thick of it.

We both worked remotely during the day, managing our to-do lists while giving ourselves space to just be. And by night, we explored without a plan—cruising through Tulum, discovering hidden gems we never would’ve found without the freedom of our own car. Having control over our schedule and movement made it feel less like a vacation and more like we were true locals to the city.

It also didn’t hurt that our AirBnb had a GORGEOUS rooftop restaurant and bar, that we frequented almost every day.

✧ Where We Ate (and What We Loved)

Tulum doesn’t just serve food. It gives an experience. Here’s what made our list:

• Casa Jaguar – Candlelit, moody, elevated. The jungle vibes are unmatched.
• Encanto – Intimate and luxe. A hidden gem if you’re craving something slower.
• Taboo – Music, beach views, pasta in a bikini. It’s giving main character.
• Vagalume – Instagram heaven. Think: ocean views, dramatic decor, and solid drinks.
• Ilios – Turns up after 9PM. Just know you’ll need to buy a bottle to even sit down.
• RosaNegra – My forever fave. We missed the sparklers this time but it’s always a vibe.
• Walicho – No frills, all flavor. Where the locals eat. Perfect after a grocery run.

We also grocery shopped at Soriana for snacks, water, and wine—because balance. Having a few essentials in the Airbnb made the week feel more grounded.

✧ Things We Tried (Or Meant To)

We visited the Tulum Museum one afternoon. It’s smaller than expected but gorgeous for photo ops. (Tip: no professional cameras allowed.) We also tried to make it to a yoga class… but missed it since we couldn’t find the location (Tip: Download Google Maps as Apple Maps isn’t as updated for finding your destination here). Still, the intention was there—and next time I’m back, I’ll definitely be making it happen.

Sometimes healing looks like rest. Other times it looks like walking barefoot through the sand and giving yourself permission to do less.

Shop My Mexico Outfits here.

✧ Mexico, You’ve Got Me

I didn’t plan on falling in love with Mexico… but babyyy, it got me.

Somewhere between the jungle dinners, the luxe vibes, the random parties, and how this trip poured into me—I caught myself thinking, should I buy property here?!

Nothing’s set in stone (yet), but I know one thing for sure: I’ll be back every year. To explore new cities. To soak up new energy. And to tap deeper into the version of me that keeps evolving.

• Oaxaca
• Mazatlán
• Zacatecas
• Tepoztlán
• Playa del Carmen
• Sayulita
• Bacalar
• Cabo

Mexico just has range. Beaches, mountains, culture, city energy—whatever vibe I’m on, there’s a city for that. And with it being such a quick trip from Florida, it’s not just a getaway anymore… it’s soul care. A non-negotiable.

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✧ What You Need to Know Before You Go

If you’re planning a trip to Tulum, here are my must-knows:

• RENT A CAR – No Uber. Taxis are pricey. Driving gives you freedom and flexibility.
• Bring a portable fan – The heat is different, sis. This saved my whole face.
• One/Size setting spray – Trust me. Makeup won’t budge.
• Bug spray is non-negotiable – You’re dining in the jungle. Protect your peace.
• Follow @BlackInTulum – For events, meetups, and community. You’ll find your tribe instantly.
• Check out Black Zama Luxe – A luxe Black-owned club curated by @thetruthwithjuice, located directly across from Taboo.

Shop my Summer Must Haves here.

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✧A Gentle Pause Between Chapters

This wasn’t just a vacation. It was a recalibration.

It reminded me that growth doesn’t always look like hustle. Sometimes it looks like choosing peace, being present, and letting a new environment shift your perspective.

I didn’t come back with all the answers. But I came back softer. Clearer. More honest about what I want and what I won’t settle for.

And that kind of clarity? I’ll always be grateful for it.