TULUM, Mexico -- Advice for those traveling through the new Tulum International Airport: Bring snacks and don't forget your sunglasses.
Earlier this month, I was heading back home to New York after spending a few days with ALG Vacations in Tulum and Cancun for the wholesaler's new mega fam.
I spent time at the Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club at the end of my trip, and flying home from Tulum was a faster and more convenient than Cancun.
The front entrance courtyard at the new Tulum airport. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
Inside the airport, I immediately took note of the natural light flooding the passenger terminal, thanks to the lofty ceilings and glass windows. Creative design motifs throughout the terminal were easy to spot. I could tell that artistic touches were inspired by Tulum's jungle surroundings, making use of earth tones, woods and other natural materials. And there were plenty of cultural motifs paying homage to the region's Mayan heritage, with plenty of geometric designs and wood carvings throughout the terminal.
Outside in the courtyard, there were interesting works of sculpture art. One sculpture in particular -- a giant hand emerging from the grass and a palm tree growing from the palm -- showed the spirit of Tulum, its organic spirituality, innate mysticism and air of otherworldliness.
A Mayan design motif is recognizable at Tulum's airport. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
I wandered from end to end, enjoying the brightness and artistic beauty of the new airport. But it wasn't long before I noticed the airport was missing my favorite component: food and beverage options.
There's hardly anything open in the passenger terminal after security or the arrivals terminal prior to screening.
I don't speak Spanish but I could understand that "proximamente" likely meant "coming soon." There were a lot of those signs under the logos of familiar fast food and fast-casual dining chains on the tarps that covered where these dining spots would eventually open. Some of those brand names coming soon include Starbucks, Popeyes, Burger King, Subway, Applebee's and Le Pain Quotidien.
Not many eateries are open at the new Tulum International Airport, but signs promise that there soon will be. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
The only stores open at the airport post-security were the duty free shop, which sold mostly alcohol, save for a few gourmet chocolates and specialty nuts; Kerico, which seemed to be a local convenience-style market that mostly had Mexican junk food and candy, along with some cold cut baguette sandwiches and soft drinks; and Ay Guey, a clothing store that I doubt had anything edible for sale.
There was also one coffee stand open in the terminal that might have sold pastries (I didn't get a good look at the cart but there was a long line for it, so I assume snacks were available).
I felt relieved that I had eaten breakfast already at the resort but had I known these were going to be the culinary conditions at the airport, I would've thrown in a couple of extra pastries from the resort's breakfast buffet in my bag before heading out. And while I wasn't hungry, I didn't want to get on the plane empty-handed, so I bought a bag of Skittles and a big bag of Mexican-styled Cheetos whose flavor was unfamiliar to me.
The departures hall at Tulum's airport. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
I also did not see any refilling stations for water bottles that have become popular in U.S. airports, so plan on buying water or beverages once you go past security.
Beyond the lack of food and beverage options, I had a comfortable wait at my gate. There are communal charging stations to charge your phones. While the large portable fans blowing inside the terminal made me wonder if the AC was working, I didn't feel overly hot or cold while waiting for my flight to Miami on American Airlines.
Flights at Tulum International Airport operate out of one main terminal that has 13 gates. Major U.S. carriers currently operating include American, Delta and United. JetBlue is expected to launch service in June.
There's plenty of art installations at Tulum's airport, such as this sculpture in the front courtyard that shows a hand emerging from the ground with a small palm tree seemingly growing out of it. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo