Mexico popped up on my wanderlust radar over the last year, when I kept seeing the word “Tulum” thrown around Instagram. Crystal blue waters, palm tree leaves and of course (my one true love) BURRITOS were tugging at my heart strings. I struggle in the winter; I feel the cold in my bones. So flying off to 30’C for 1.5 weeks of sun basking, meditation and pure healthy eating (and drinking Corona like it’s water) was just what the doctor ordered... really me self medicating myself.
I flew 11 hours to the Mexican-Caribbean east coast and drove a further two hours from Cancún to end up in deep downtown Tulum. Hotel Holistika came strongly recommended as a laid back, vegetarian, mindful retreat “where wonderful things are going on”. And it was so true. Nestled in the actual JUNGLE, you could fall asleep with your roof terrace doors wide open to the light sound of grasshoppers, and wake up to tropical birds chirping. An aciai bowl (served in handmade bowls with positive messages carved in the clay) set us up for a either a yoga class, meditation session or a gong ceremony. I’d never heard of a gong ceremony before, so I wouldn’t knock it until I tried it. Held in candle light in a shala, we were encouraged to lie down, close our eyes and let our minds and bodies unwind and surrender to the sound of gong bells and chimes played by a musician. It definitely takes you on a journey, and I felt very light and spaced out after the two hours. I may not delve into a ceremony again, but I totally get why some people release themselves to the therapeautic practise.
Tulum sits on an array of historical and natural wonders. We were spoilt for choice with cenotes (astonishingly beautiful under water caves) and Mayan ruins. Keep an eye out for iguanas, lizards and parrots too! Tulum and nearby Cobá boast insane ancient Mayan cities from AD600! And if you’re wanting to avoid the touristic crowds, I’d opt for a mini cenote like Calavera over the hugely popular Gran Cenote. Bikes here are as common as Amsterdam, and are found available to take out for free in most hotels and Air BnBs.
If you really want to treat yourself, Habitas is worth every penny for a stay. A super secluded, private beach retreat for members only, you can opt for a deluxe beach tent with the ocean lapping at your window, or a deluxe jungle tent the other side of the courtyard (where buckets of incense smoke all day and night). I’ve never stayed anywhere quite like it. From the personal check in with welcome refreshments served in recycled wine bottles sawn into glasses, and Habitas bracelets to wear for your stay, to the live concert sat under the stars on Persian style rugs and cushions and bats flying overhead, it was truly one of the most magical experiences of my life. I even googled “how to work for Habitas” - and I’m still wearing the bracelet.
And if Habitas is all booked up (it’s pretty expensive and very intimate), there’s always Nômade, the opposite end of the beach. Same vibe with the beach huts or jungle huts, just a lot more of them. A fun place to stay, but with less of a community spirit as it’s on a grander scale.
In a nutshell (or a coconut shell), I did not want to leave. No make up, no cares and pretty much no shoes or clothes for a near fortnight cleansed my soul. Everyone in Tulum rides the same wave of positivity and mindfulness; to appreciate our environment, our bodies and each other.
Name a better place to be; I’ll wait. And in the meantime I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.
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