Episode 12 – Paulina Sierra’s story: Realizing her dream of a hotel during the pandemic
/Welcome to La Tulumeña: a magical hotel, restaurant and community space in downtown Tulum. Magical also, because it came to life in a time in which the world stood still, global travel bans were in place and the tourism industry was paralyzed. Nevertheless, Paulina Sierra build the hotel of her dreams together with her dad’s and brother’s architect’s minds.
Paulina is from Mexico City and heard about Tulum from her friends. Curious about this place, the marketing and PR specialist finally visited the “Bali of America” six years ago. Enchanted by the energy of the beach town, she felt like in another dimension. “The vibes of this place and the vibes of the people is something that you cannot find in any other place in the world," states the passionate traveler with sparkles in her eyes.
Funnily enough, her dad made the move to the Caribbean first, but what set a home base for Paulina in Tulum. After a 3-month-stay in the real Bali in 2018 she visited her father again where their dream took root. With three generations of experience in the gastronomy industry they envisioned their own hotel and restaurant in Tulum. But then Corona happened. And yes, the Sierra’s stopped dreaming – but only to start acting! During lockdown the family team got creative and remodeled an old hotel in Tulum downtown.
Since July 2020, Paulina is the proud co-owner of La Tulumeña and responsible for marketing and booking. But although the hotel and restaurant is now reality, she doesn’t stop dreaming. She’s bubbling with ideas to fill the space with life, love, likeminded souls and much more magic.
Website of La Tulumeña
La Tulumeña on Instagram
Paulina Sierra’s travel & food blog @potspotting on Instagram
La Valenciana, the cantina in Mexico City founded by Paulina’s grandfather
