You know Cancun: the high-rise resorts, the nightclubs, the all-inclusives and the attractions. But about two hours away is a very different kind of destination: Tulum, a place that began as a boho-chic hideaway but has since developed into a hip, luxurious, full-fledged beach town. 

For years, the only way to get to Tulum was to fly into Cancun then drive two hours into Tulum. But that just changed in a big way: American Airlines is one of several carriers now flying nonstop into the brand-new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport. 

American Airlines is now flying daily nonstop service from three U.S. cities to Tulum: Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth and Miami. 

All three routes are operating year round. 

Even better? The Dallas-Fort Worth flights are actually operating twice daily. 

American is operating the service on Boeing 737 aircraft. 

The world’s largest airline is already running some 40 flights to Cancun out of 18 different US cities every day, no surprise giving the continued sizzling demand for the Mexican Caribbean from American travelers. 

So if you’re traveling to Tulum, where do you stay? 

There are two very different ways to experience Tulum: in one of the hotspot’s increasing number of major-branded resorts, or in one of the traditional boutique stays that originally put the area on the map. 

If you’re looking for a brand you know, that means resorts like the Conrad Tulum, Aloft Tulum, Kimpton Alona Tulum and Hyatt’s recently debuted Secrets Tulum Resort and Beach Club.

On the boutique side, you can choose anything from the lovely, recently-relaunched Lula Tulum, the Encantada or the lovely Be Tulum, among others. 

If you’re looking for ways to experience Tulum, the official Tulum Tourist Board has some good experiences and booking options, too.