Kanan Tulum
At first glance, the bar at Kanan in Tulum, Mexico may appear unremarkable from the street, as it blends in with the other jungle-themed exteriors in the hotel zone.
Despite having an entrance that may catch the eye elsewhere, in Tulum, it looks like any other bamboo-covered bar where you can relax and have a drink amidst the jungle. Therefore, when a Kanan hotel staff member invited us to come upstairs and spend a minimum of $150USD per person, we were hesitant.
There are many beautiful places in Tulum to grab a beer or drink and watch the sunset. Is it really worth spending $300USD just to see this one bar?
.
.
The host assured us that Kanan’s rooftop was unmissable, and after looking at the dinner menu, we decided to check it out. We navigated through a maze of bamboo elevations and the ceiling gradually opened up. We were greeted by a breathtaking tree-top restaurant setting, surrounded by dense jungle foliage.
After we recovered from our initial awe, we concluded that even if we spent only the minimum amount required, the picturesque view was worth it. We were then shown to our table, where we could hear the distant sounds of ocean waves and witness the gradual sunset behind the clouds. Suddenly, a violinist emerged and began playing, transforming the moment into a magical, unforgettable experience. We were surrounded by the scent of tropical foliage and basked in the warm glow of the sunset as the music filled the air.
As I enjoyed my cucumber G&T, I pondered if anything could surpass this moment. It turned out that there was something better.
The food was delicious and had a great taste. We ordered pork belly, spicy tuna & jalapeno sushi roll, and grilled prawns. All the dishes were perfectly cooked and we highly recommend them to our readers.
The service and delivery of the dishes were excellent, and the waiter was very accommodating to our dietary needs. They offered great suggestions for substitutions when necessary. The starters and main course were so delicious that we couldn’t resist ordering a dessert. We decided to share a creme brulee, which was perfect. The top had a light char and a delicate layer of caramel, while the custard was soft and creamy. We left feeling satisfied and happy, already planning our next visit.
The Kanan mayan jungle nest and rooftop bar is an absolutely exceptional experience and should not be missed while in Tulum. Be aware that there is a minimum spend of $150 per person.
The location is really great for couples who want to celebrate a really special occasion, such as an engagement or anniversary. It’s also a great spot for an intimate dinner.
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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