After being grounded in Australia for two years, it was time for a new adventure. I first returned to my beloved India, spending some magical days with the team and overseeing the production of the next collection and having some much-needed catch ups - zoom calls and social media aren’t the same as connecting in person! I was nervous about leaving Australia, unsure I would be able to leave the country due to the extensive protocols in place, but luckily everything happened flawlessly.

Then, we embarked to an unknown destination - Mexico, including some heavenly time out days in Tulum. Being my first trip to an unknown country, I was nervous, unsure what lay ahead in this different place. However, if my various journeys over the years have taught me anything, stepping into the unknown always brings rewards, with new people and places to discover. I wanted to give you an insight into Mexico and some of the invigorating experiences and culture I’ve seen on my trip.

Tulum was in the middle of our stay in Mexico, a stop for relaxation after the fast-paced visit to India (in character for that destination!). Situated on the Mexican east coast, Tulum faces the Carribean seas. We arrived in the golden afternoon sunset, picked up from the busy arrivals at Cancun in a taxi bus. From there, we drove straight down the coast for two hours, taking in the landscape after our flight.

The arrival into the town is dusty, the streets filled with bikes and mopeds dotting the roads. The people were waking from siestas and finishing work, with bikini clad girls cycling to the beach. Our hideaway was right on the beach in Pasada del Sol, with a discreet entrance. To get there, we walked through a beautiful store that sells authentic Mexican ponchos, woven in the outskirts of the town with traditional looms.

The accommodation was sublime, featuring windy paths with inlaid stones of jade, and yellow painted walls decorated with oversized art and wall hangings. Simple, welcoming and authentic. The staff were very friendly and keen to help.

The rooms were stylish and simple with a homely feel, the views were straight out to the sea, and the sunrise seeped through the curtains. Delicious food was right next door, with a selection of cafes and restaurants. However, we found the best food at the hotel - morning pineapple and mango juices, and espresso with cacao and a dash of tequila or Mescal (the later is how we would say farewell to Tulum). The chef made food with the fullest heart, every plate of guacamole and tortilla chips, margarita finished with a shock of spice, or smoked hibiscus and passionfruit cocktail presented like an artwork on handmade black crockery. We found out the cook was from Oaxaco, a place to add to the list to visit on another trip.

Pineapple and Smokey Hibiscus Margaritas

3 Days in Tulum were spent in luxurious relaxation, playing on the beach or having massages in stunning locations, plus a visit to The Cenotes, a bit on this later. If there is a need for some pulse-raising energy, dotted along the coast are plenty of clubs that had pumping music wafting from the walls. Spontaneity is easy - while we had a car, it was quicker to get a taxi, with a constant stream outside.

Our stay was fleeting but invigorating, filled with massages (Dune was my personal favourite), daily tacos and cocktails, walking the streets, and lying on the beach. The time spent in Tulum refills the senses with energy.

Until next time,

Emma x

Mexico Part 1 Tulum