While winter weather has many Americans buried beneath the snow and stuck with icy roads and miserable freezing conditions, Mexico’s lovely Tulum is enjoying its peak season that runs from January through March with incredibly comfortable temperatures in the 70- to 80-degree range and with almost no chance of rain. If that sounds like a little slice of heaven to you, then it’s time to ditch the cold winter and escape to the paradise of Tulum. Festival enthusiasts or anyone who loves superb food and drink along with lots of fun have an extra incentive to visit Tulum this February because that’s when the Tulum Food, Spirits and Wine Festival is held. Read on to learn more about how you can enjoy this exciting event and all that Tulum has to offer.
A Grand Epicurean Adventure
In its third big year, the Tulum Food, Spirits and Wine Festival is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, Feb. 6. Several exciting events will take place straight through Sunday, Feb. 10, and the theme this year is centered on authentic Mexican artisan culture. Top chefs from all over the world will create their own version of Mexican cuisine using fresh, local ingredients along with their own secret spices and ingredients from their corner of the globe. These are just a few of the chefs who plan to participate.
- Gabriela Ruiz (Mexico City)
- Ivy Stark (New York City)
- Diane Dimeo (Mexico)
- Marc Bynum (New York City)
- Jose Luis Hinostroza (Mexico City)
- Jeremiah Langhorne (Washington DC)
- Jesus Gibaja (Mexico City)
- Merlin Labron-Johnson (England)
- Linda Cherem (Mexico City)
- Prateek Sadhu (Mumbai)
- Maricela Zorilla (Mexico City)
- Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins (California)
- Diego Sabrino (Mexico)
- Grace Ramirez (New York City)
- Jose Neri (Mexico)
- Simone Colla (Italy)
- Jonathan Carbajal (Mexico)
- Angel Coronado (Mexico City)
- Miguel Beltran (Mexico)
Party With the Chefs
At 6 p.m. on Wednesday evening, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the guest chefs at Clan Destino. There will be plenty of burgers and booze, and everyone is welcome to have a swim in the cenote. This is a pay-as-you-go event that usually stays hopping well into the next morning.
Chef’s Dinner Series
On Thursday and Friday evenings, the guest chefs will be busy working their magic in the kitchen of many of the best restaurants found throughout Tulum. This is your chance to feast on some amazing Mexivcan cuisine brought to you by at least two chefs in each location who are paired up to create their own versions of traditional Mexican food. Bring your appetites because you’ll be treated to a wonderful meal of four to six courses.
420 Dinner and After Party
Here’s something that you won’t find just anywhere, and those lucky enough to be a part of the 420 Dinner are in for something really special. On Thursday, you’ll enjoy a 6-course cannabis tasting dinner courtesy of two incredible chefs. This dinner will be held at a secret location from 7 to 11 p.m., and a password is required for entry. The 420 After Party will be held right after at Clan Destino, and there will be plenty of creative cocktails along with live musical entertainment.
A Taste of Mexico and Liquid Agave
Head to the Palacio on Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. for this cool outdoor event. A lot will be going on, and you’ll see the local chefs doing cooking demonstrations, have the opportunity to make some great purchases at the farmers market and the artisan market and watch the chefs compete for the title of best mixologist and best ceviche chef. Be sure to cast your vote for your favorite chef and see who comes away with the People’s Choice Award. Those in attendance will also enjoy the talent contest for Tulum’s Got Talent, and you’ll be entertained by singers, musicians and dancers who are hoping to make it big.
White Party
The spectacular closing event, the White Party, will be held on Sunday from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Mia Beach Club. Dress up in your best whites, and come enjoy the guest chef’s elevated renditions of popular street foods. The alcohol will flow, and popular DJs will bring the music. You’ll also be entertained by the live performances from the winners of the Tulum’s Got Talent contest. Those in possession of VIP passes for this event will enjoy an excellent 6-course meal courtesy of Chef Merlin Labron-Johnson.
Event Passes
Individual passes are available for each event scheduled during the Tulum Food, Spirits and Wine Festival. Those who plan to lodge with us here at Exceptional Stays may request that our dedicated concierge team reserve your preferred passes as well as transportation to and from each event so that you’ll have no worries about arriving back to your vacation rental safe and sound. Just let us know which events you’re interested in when you reserve your Tulum vacation home, and we’ll take care of everything. Please be aware that these passes sell out quickly every year, so be sure to contact us as soon as possible while passes are still available.
Come Stay in Luxury at Casa Cantarena
As of this writing, our premier Tulum beachfront villa, the lovely Casa Cantarena, is available for rental during the Tulum Food, Spirits and Wine Festival. It’s just right for up to five couples or 10 of your favorite family members and best friends to stay together, and you’ll have four bedrooms and four baths to choose from. This stunning villa is beautifully situated in the impressive natural wonder known as the Sian Kaan biosphere, and you’ll enjoy more than 300 feet of gorgeous coastline with views of the sea and pretty lagoons. Those who want to truly relax during their stay will be pleased to know that a full staff comes with the rental of Casa Cantarena, so you’ll have a chef to prepare your snacks and meals and a housekeeper to ensure that everything stays neat and tidy. To round out the perfect stay, visitors also have daily access to a butler and a house manager to keep everything running smoothly. Surprise your sweetie with a nighttime trip up to the roof for a romantic view of the stars from the hot tub, or spend some time in the private swimming pool. You’ll also discover a home theater room with super comfy seating and a huge screen to view your favorite movies, and the chef will be happy to provide you with popcorn and drinks.
Trip Planning Available
Here at Exceptional Stays, we’re here to assist you in planning your Tulum visit from your flight here right through your flight back home. Our dedicated concierge team is available to arrange your transportation from the airport straight to Casa Cantarena, make your reservations for the best area restaurants and secure the arrangements for any activities that you may like to explore while you’re in town for the Tulum Food, Spirits and Wine Festival. There’s so much to choose from, and we recommend that you make time for such activities as the well-preserved Mayan ruins, the hopping nightlife, the world-class golf courses, the full service spas, the nature reserves filled with native jungle animals, the clear blue cenotes and the many land and water activities.
