MEXICO

OVERVIEW

Mexico’s rich cultural history only adds to its travel appeal. In fact Mexico combines laid-back, barefoot luxury with a surge of holistic retreats that have popped up in recent years. Isla Holbox lies on the northern tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and gives a feel of desert-island desertion. Electricity only came the island a short time ago and you’ll be mainly exploring on foot or by bike (this is not a place for cars). Lie on a beach drinking from a coconut or spend your days enjoying the local tequila. Days are spent lazing on a hammock and not doing anything too strenuous.

Tulum, however, is Mexico’s newest boho hangout. In fact, it’s one of the few places in the world where you can find heavenly holistic retreats blending seamlessly into 5* accommodation. The flour-white sands of this idyllic coastal location means it’s become the ‘place to be’ but has been home to the hippy community since the 1970’s.

Explore local Mayan ruins or visit the spectacular sinkhole of Ik Kil, near Chichen Itza. And be sure to combine with a few nights in Mexico City if you can. It’s a sight not to be missed.

Mexico is always a good idea

CURRENT FAVES

HOLBOX

HOLBOX CASA LAS TORTUGAS

This simple, relaxed hotel on Isla Holbox lies just 12km from the mainland across a flamingo dotted lagoon. This laid-back beach resort offers kayaking, snorkelling and cycling galore from your boho barefoot hideaway. The curved-wall casitas are the perfect base whilst you can explore the nearby Mandarina Beach Club for a mojito or three.

TULUM

SANARA TULUM

This jungle-meets-beach Mexican hideout has it all; a pristine beach right on its doorstep, a healthy acclaimed restaurant and white-washed rooms (17 in total) with ocean views. With the beach right in front of this trendy retreat, you won’t miss the fact that the hotel has no pool. Sanara also has its Wellness Spa, dedicated to cleansing programmes. This really is all about tranquillity. They use organic produce where they can and the beachfront restaurant, The Real Coconut, is a draw in itself where you can sip sundowners till dawn or stay healthy with a juice. Although daily yoga sessions are the order of the day, you can also explore nearby Tulum or spend the day on the hotel’s private stretch of beach.

PAPAYA PLAYA PROJECT

Cocooned by the jungle on a pristine stretch of coastline, Papaya Playa has become the barefoot playground for the creative community. With 85 stripped back rooms, choose between a room on the beach or nestled in the jungle. Head to their famed Beach Club which is linked to some of the best DJ’s in the world. In addition to yoga, tai chi and meditation there’s also massages and beauty treatments available as well as kite surfing, scuba diving and Mayan Ruins tours.

HOTEL ESENCIA

Originally built for the Italian Duchess of Ferrari, this luxurious hotel is set on the stunning beach in Xpu-Ha. With a fantastic restaurant and organic spa, it also has the added benefit of catering to families. Free babysitting, endless activities for children and a kids’ pool makes this one of the most family-friendly hotels in Mexico. The Casa Principal houses nine rooms and suites, some with private plunge pools set among well-manicured gardens. Furthermore, the white sand beach is faultless. With local Mayan pyramids and the markets of Tulum to explore, this hotel has it all.