Mexico, the perfect American getaway, but also a bucket-lister for us beach addicts all over the world, is a playground for those that crave sparkling waters and soft sandy beaches. Before being a town of idyllic flour-like sandy beaches and mesmerizing turquoise waters, Tulum, the jewel of the Riviera Maya; also the magnet for hip and laid-back cravers, was originally a fortress town of the Mayan empire. Till date, some of the buildings are adorned with diving gods and their day to day lives are inspired by their well-preserved history and culture.
While Tulum in present-day is known only for its dreamy waters and laid-back atmosphere, there is more to the town than meets the eye. Segregated as a beach town, main town and the ruins, Tulum is a paradise unexplored. So pick your best, because there are spa experiences, shopping adventures, nightlife, heavenly beaches and historic marvels to unearth and discover. Rent a bike, because there’s no better way to begin exploring.
Perfectly placed, these three towns mark your vacation routes geographically. What is easier than not having to plan a route at all? Begin with your arrival in the pueblo district; hotels, spas, shopping and eating for a few days makes the start of any vacation a relaxing gateway to utopia. Once the beginning of your rejuvenation has been conquered, head north to the pristine beaches that take over your soul. Enter a realm of coconutty peace and beachy paradise!
Now, for me, it is essential to have one place to mark as an anchor and begin exploring from there. So for me, it would be to arrive at Tulum, head to my beach hotel, and take day trips to explore everything around. Some days, it’s necessary to escape too much relaxation and enter the pueblo town to eat and make merry, and some days, my soul needs some searching. And the ruins of Mayan Tulum do just that. A bike ride up to the true north, and I will find myself reaching far into the 13th-century cities well-preserved ruins; nothing beats some faux archaeology and a knowledge pill. The Castillo is on my list of exploring excavations that sits on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean. Ah, imagine the breathtaking scenery; oh, I definitely need this vacation soon!
My trip would not end without a day at the Sian Ka’an; just a few kilometres south of Tulum and the best way to experience virgin beaches, jungle anthems and the bursting flora and fauna of this wonderful state. 2300 species of birds, pumas, monkeys, ocelots and aqua-life to last you a lifetime of eye-joy!
Yes, this is how my trip would be. And if I had to choose my anchor for a sit-down, it would be the Teetotum in Tulum. See, the point of a Caribbean getaway is to be near the hustle and bustle, but just distant enough to enjoy privacy at your own leisure.
The Teetotum is the perfect place to explore this concept: just 4 rooms adorning this laid-back boutique property with exquisite service, attention to detail and location: just by the beach, but close enough to the town side to rent a bike and head out for the day. Comfort, relaxation and all that your souls need for a reinvention. With a bi-level restaurant catering to guests staying with them, the Teetotum believes in using only local ingredients to prepare fresh menus and tease your senses and appeal to your taste buds. While this is my excuse to head to Mexico, what’s yours?
Written By Mohit Gupta
Week 7, February 2021
