What to Pack for a Tulum Wellness Retreat, with Stephy of Náyade

Yoga at sunrise. Ancient ruins by day. Sound healing after sunset.

Photos by Dani Rose (@dani.rose.art). Interview lightly edited for clarity.

When Stephy of Náyade headed to Tulum to host one of her wellness retreats, we sent a few COCO DE CHOM pieces along for the journey. Her retreat days move between yoga, meditation, exploring, long meals, ceremonies and quiet time in the jungle, so what she packs has to move just as easily.

The short answer: for a Tulum wellness retreat, pack light, easy pieces that work from morning yoga to evening ceremonies. That means one or two flowing kaftan dresses, relaxed pants with a simple top, a kimono layer for cooler jungle evenings, swimwear, sandals and a hat. Stephy recommends light natural fibers like linen and cotton for the heat and humidity.

A Day on a Tulum Wellness Retreat

A typical day begins slowly.

“We wake up to a yoga class, which can be anything from a gentle flow to something more activating depending on the mood of the group, while our private chef makes us a delicious breakfast.”

From there, the day opens up.

“After breakfast we usually have an activity, like discovering pyramids or going to the beach, followed by lunch and some free time.”

Evenings return to wellness.

“We end the day with something like sound healing, temazcal, group Reiki or another wellness activity, then have a nourishing dinner before going to bed.”

One retreat day can move from yoga to exploring, the beach, meditation and dinner. That makes easy, adaptable clothing part of the packing plan.

What Should You Pack for Tulum?

Tulum is warm and humid for much of the year, and rain showers can be part of the trip depending on the season. Lightweight clothing and easy layers make sense for days that move between the beach, town, the jungle and indoor spaces.

“Tulum is hot and humid, and depending on the season there can be rain showers, so I recommend light and natural fibers such as linen and cotton.”

Stephy also sees Tulum as a place where getting dressed can be a little more expressive.

“Tulum is a fun town and you can experiment with your style. You can wear a flowing dress like the Goddess and pair it with hats, feathers or beads.”

Stephy’s 3 Tulum Packing Tips

1. Start with lightweight pieces. Choose clothing that feels comfortable in heat and humidity and moves easily from morning to night.
2. Pack pieces you can wear more than one way. A flowing dress, relaxed pants or a kimono layer can work across several parts of the retreat instead of taking up space for one occasion.
3. Leave room to have fun with your style. Tulum does not have to mean a strict neutral uniform. Bring pieces that feel like you, and add hats, jewelry or other personal details when you want more personality.

The Kaftan Dress She Wore Almost Every Day

The piece Stephy reached for most was the Goddess Kaftan Maxi Dress in Deep Teal.

“I am obsessed with the kaftan and I wore it almost every day.”

Instead of saving it for one dinner or one beach afternoon, she wore it through several retreat moments.

“I wore it during the meditations, the sound ceremony, yin yoga and dinners.”

That is how we like to think about a vacation dress: not something packed for one photo and forgotten in the suitcase, but something that changes with the day.

The Goddess Kaftan has an oversized, flowing maxi silhouette with an adjustable waist tie, a deep V neckline, loose kaftan sleeves, a high side slit and pockets. Wear it loose or shape it at the waist. It is one size that fits most, US 4-18 (S-2XL), and is handmade in Thailand.

Shop the Goddess Kaftan Maxi Dress → · See all Goddess colors →

How Did the Kaftan Feel in Tulum?

One of Stephy’s favorite things about the kaftan was how it worked when the temperature shifted.

“The kaftan was great for the morning and evening chill that comes in the jungle. I felt cozy and chic with it.”

Movement mattered too.

“The fabric is breathable and I love how it flows with movement.”

For yoga retreats and warm-weather travel, that movement is what makes a piece useful: it follows you from a quiet morning practice to dinner without feeling overdressed or too casual.

Another Retreat Uniform: Kimono, Wide-Leg Pants and a Cotton Top

Stephy’s second COCO DE CHOM look was built around relaxed separates.

• Swan Tie Dye Kimono Robe in Black/Beige: a loose, long outer layer in lightweight rayon with long sleeves, two pockets, side slits and a removable waist tie. Wear it open or tied.
• Maya Samurai Tie Dye Trousers in Black: wide-leg rayon pants with an elastic waist and knee-high slits for easy movement.
• Samui Cotton Tube Top: a strapless, smocked crop top in 100% cotton.

Together, they make an outfit that works when the schedule is not completely predictable. Yoga. Breakfast. A walk. A ceremony. Dinner. No complete outfit change required.

Shop kimonos → · Shop wide-leg pants →

What Would Stephy Tell Someone Packing for a Tulum Retreat?

Her answer was immediate:

“Grab a couple Goddess dresses in different colors and the kaftan set. You’ll wear them every single day and look fabulous!”

We may be slightly biased, but we like her packing philosophy. Pack fewer things. Choose pieces you genuinely want to put on again. And leave room in the suitcase for the unexpected.

What to Wear in Tulum: A Simple Retreat Packing List

For yoga and meditation

• Lightweight, comfortable layers
• Relaxed pants
• A soft crop or easy top
• A flowing kaftan for slower practices or after class

For exploring Tulum

• A lightweight dress or kaftan
• Comfortable sandals or walking shoes
• A hat and a small day bag
• An easy layer for changing weather

For the beach

• Swimwear
• A kaftan or kimono cover-up
• Sandals, a hat and sun protection

For dinner and evening ceremonies

• A flowing maxi dress or kaftan
• A lightweight kimono
• Simple jewelry
• An extra layer for cooler jungle evenings

The goal is not a different outfit for every part of the itinerary. It is to bring pieces that move with you.

Meet Stephy of Náyade

Stephy is the founder of Náyade, a world built around yoga, creativity, ritual and travel. Her retreats combine movement, nourishing meals, exploration and wellness practices, giving guests space to reconnect and slow down.

That made her approach to Tulum a natural fit for us. At COCO DE CHOM, we have always believed that vacation is more than a destination. It is a feeling you can wear.

Keep reading: How to Wear a Kaftan · The Versatile Goddess Maxi Dress · What to Wear in Mykonos