Hey Beachcat-i knew very little about Tulum except for research I did on the web..
..I'd go back in a heartbeat-in fact am looking to combine my bucket list of Belize with Tulum next year..
here's my email: serpentmoon@ymail.com
I'd love to posts more for others to see too..im just so busy right now..and they do have spanish/english schools there for people wanting to learn spanish..
It's a super chill-relax vibe place.not alot to do unless you love cenotes (like I do now) and see ruins, I stayed at Coco Tulum -cheapest place I could find right on the beach-yes shared bathroom -but super clean with outstanding location-you want a hotel on the beach..cant go wrong with this little place..couple places down on the beach is there sister property called playa azul-they have the best rest.good food ,atmospheres, djs on certain nites,as well as a reggae soul band.
I just cant rec. the place enough-except if you want lots of ganga and the "activity" that negril 7 mile has- you'll be bored cuz it aint there..but great little beach clubs with djs at night and so many fab food choices...and fellow travelers are low-key from allover..some young European said it reminded them of Ibiza.. (i havnt been yet-so cant compare)
.I just know if i want a truly relaxing vacation-excellent beach and wonderful food/drink with very hospitable people..Tulum hands down..and lots of history out there to see as well as the awesome cenote..
Sorry , I dont have more time but email me-i try to get back by mon.night..
BTW-there were two couples were i was staying that had brought there your children-both kids around2-3 yo...wasnt a problem and kids loved having there own huge sandbox to play i everyday...(check out coco tulum) and try to get beach cabana )though garden ones are cool too-no ac./fans so may get hot-it was very windy most nites(unusually i was told) -so never a problem