ISHINE365 lovers, this Wednesday, we are bringin’ it back to our Wanderlust Wednesday topic with a takeover from one of our own – Christina just recently came back from an unforgettable trip on the islands of Tulum, Mexico & needless to say, it was one for the books… From dining with a bunch of kitty cats to taking a midnight swim in the ocean, this trip did not disappoint – Here’s her take on this amazing mini-vacay:
 
Tulum has become the ultimate boho-chic beach destination. With only a 90 minute car ride from Cancun, Tulum is a nested treasure carved straight out of the jungle, 50 years ago. Waking up with a beautiful view of the island every morning is well worth the extra expense of staying on the beach of Tulum. The island is very laid back (ladies don’t bother bringing heels) and there is minimal wifi connection, so get used to disconnecting for a few days. Riding bike and walking are the best way to get around the town and can be rented at most hotels.  In the main city, you will find various shops and little restaurants which is fun to spend a few hours at one afternoon. The ruins are about 5 minutes north from Tulum; a definite must see… As it feels like you’re traveling back in time to the 13th century and are left wondering “how did they even build these places??!”. Go jump in a Cenote and wash all your worries away (my favorite one is Cenote Escondido). While you’re at it, engage in some Yoga and other holistic rituals in Tulum (www.yogashala.com) – they’re definitely recommended. Sit back, relax and enjoy Tulum as much as I did! 
 
Favorite Restaurant:
 
POSADA MARGHERITA is one of my favorite restaurants in the world. It’s located in a small beachfront hotel. All of their pasta is freshly made and they use only the freshest ingredients from neighboring farmers. Once you are seated at the restaurant, they bring out an appetizer platter (on the house) which consists of an array of freshly made foccacias, cauliflower and parmesan cheese. Their juices and drinks are also made fresh and are DELICIOUS. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 
 
Another favorite is HARTWOOD which is on the forest-y side of Tulum. Get there early if you want to make it in. Seating begins at 5pm but the line is already going by 4pm (no reservations allowed). All the cooking is done over an open fire using only the freshest mayan ingredients. The menu changes daily.
 
Favorite Hotel:
 
LA ZEBRA is my favorite place to stay at while in Tulum. The hotel consists of beachfront colorful cabanas topped with straw roofs. Some rooms are larger than others and each has their own private bathrooms filled with organic products. 
 
COQUI COQUI is a more upscale beachfront boutique hotel but with a more rustic feel. The hotel is beautifully made up of polished concrete floors with beige and white furniture throughout. The hotel also has a boutique which sells all of its own products, candles, perfumes and clothing. 
 
Favorite Spa Treatment:
 
MAYAN CLAY SPA is my favorite spa ritual in Tulum. Their 60 min-2 hour treatments guarantee to have you feeling like a new person. First, you’re given an oil massage and then you are given a mayan clay massage which gets rid of all your toxins. To wash it off, you can either shower and rinse off there or jump in the ocean – seriously AMAZING! 
 
Favorite Place to Party:
 
PAPAYA PLAYA is a beachfront club which hosts different DJs and events. Dance the night away beside their beach bonfire under the moonlight. 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TULUM….
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
XOXO, ISHINE365.