10 reasons why you should visit Tulum in Mexico in 2016

Ceviche, scenic drives, underground rivers and more are to be found at this hip spot on the Mexican coast...
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Ellie Harrison12 January 2016

Nestled in Mexico’s Caribbean coast, with ivory beaches on one side and luscious jungle on the other, Tulum is the ultimate explorer’s paradise. Whether you’re up for a swim in an underground river or a plate of ceviche in a luxury boutique hotel, this well-kept secret is the place to be in 2016, and here’s why…

It’s the next big thing

Tulum is the word on everyone’s lips: fashion bloggers, indie record labels and Instagram can’t get enough. Not only is it pegged as the best tropical getaway by trendsetters Camille Charriere and Pernille Teisbaek, but The Young Turks sent a roster of amazing artists there for a New Year’s Eve party. FKA Twigs, Four Tet and Grimes were on among them - here’s hoping this will turn into a regular festival.

Unspoilt and eco-friendly

Miles of pristine beaches lined with coconut palm trees remain tranquil, in contrast to the brash and touristy Cancun a couple of hours drive away. Although the town is expanding, and the Mayan coast welcomes major tourism, Tulum still has a charming and bohemian feel about it. With sustainable hotels being launched there, you can unwind free of guilt. Check out Casa de Las Olas for 100 per cent sustainable luxury.

Solar panels at Casa de Las Olas. Press.
Press

Scenic routes

If you’re looking for an excuse to buy a convertible sports car, you’ve got one: Tulum’s coastal road is something to behold. Take a drive and absorb the character of this Mexican paradise as it zips past you on the road. Look ahead and you’ll see local pedestrians, cyclists and motorists hurtling along on their way into town. Look either side and you’ll be mesmerised by the clear blue Caribbean sea or emerald green forest.

Cuisine

Restaurateurs in Tulum are connoisseurs of ceviche. The fish is so fresh it’s practically swimming, try Chamico’s – hidden under the cool shade of palm trees – where no menus are needed, just the catch of the day and an ice-cold margarita. Other popular choices are Hartwood, a wood-fired restaurant on a jungle road, or Hemingway if you’re feeling romantic and fancy a change from Mexican food.

Aktun Chen Parque Natural

Voted by National Geographic as one of the top 10 underground walks of the world, this natural park full of supernatural caves is a must-see for adventurers. Grab your hardhat to explore a den of fossils, stalactites, stalagmites and furry fruit bats. The park also offers snorkelling in the Aktu Chen grotto and zipwire activities, if you can muster the energy.

Cenotes: underground rivers in Tulum. Press
Getty Images

Cobá ruins

Less than an hour’s drive from Tulum, Cobá is famous for its ruins: the lasting remnants of the ancient Mayan world. The ruins are surrounded by lush greenery and the air full of blue morpho butterflies. You can observe the wildlife from a view if you climb the 138 foot pyramid, and admire the jungle and natural lakes for miles.

Cenotes

The perfect way to cool down after climbing a pyramid on a baking hot day is to take a dip in a subterranean pool, of course. Cenotes are gateways to underground rivers, and there are thousands of them in the Yucatan Peninsula. The waters here are as clear as nylon, very deep and mineral-rich.

Mud massages

Mayan clay body treatments are known for their healing and detoxifying powers. Don’t be put off by the idea of being covered in mud: this mud is smooth and creamy, not the gritty exfoliating type you might find after Wireless Festival in Finsbury Park. The Mayan Clay Spa offers massages of up to two hours and also has a bath house.

Boutique hotels

If you like boutique hotels with cutting edge design, views over the ocean, haute cuisine and poolside service, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Tulum. Mezzanine (mezzaninetulum.com) is a great choice, with patios dotted with hammocks and beanbags, an alfresco bar with fantastic cocktails and a delicious Thai restaurant.

Mezzanine Hotel, Tulum. Press.
Press

Bars

Tulum is the ideal setting for beach bars and there are plenty of great venues where you can enjoy hora feliz – or happy hour – at the end of a day in paradise. The crew behind Burning Man have set up Ahau Tulum (ahautulum.com), and unsurprisingly it’s one of the coolest watering holes in the region.

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