We were enticed to Casa Arca in Mexico by our muse Jazz Meena for our second photoshoot in Tulum. Teetering on the edge of the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum, has captivated travellers since the sixties, lured by the myth and magic of this idyllic coastal retreat.
The perfect FARA itinerary
So this is our perfect one day itinerary of our favourite things to do in Tulum… Picture yourself, immersed in a crystal clear cenote linked to the underworld rivers. Eat tacos at a roadside stall. Sip a jungle martini at Nu. Listen to your heartbeat as you watch the sun rise.
PHOTO CREDIT CLARA CHRISTINA PHOTOGRAPHY
Tulum Travel Guide
WHERE TO STAY
CASA ARCA @casaarcatulum
Capturing the chic side of modern Tulum – we chose to shoot the collection at Casa Arca. Honouring traditional architecture but with a rooftop pool surrounded by the jungle – this place creates constant inspiration from both nature and design – and sometimes we were inspired to simply relax.
CASA PUEBLO @casapueblohotels
In the heart of the Mayan Riviera, Casa Pueblo’s chic stone exteriors are surrounded by lush foliage and hints at the folk art of Mexico with Yucatan style tiles and antique pieces gathered from around the country. It’s a beautiful place to stay… to be…
HABITAS @habitastulum
We fell in love with the Bohemian luxe tents at Habitas… sleeping under canvas has never been so seductive. Some are set in the jungle while others are almost stepping out onto the beach. These are tents with a difference – air conditioning, hot water and ocean wave soundtrack.
PHOTO CREDIT CLARA CHRISTINA PHOTOGRAPHY
Our favorite seafront spot, Be Tulum has a laidback and luxurious boutique vibe – it’s hard to choose… but I think I loved the Aire suite most… or maybe the Tierra suite. Modern tropical with a stunning spa and ceremonial steam/ sweat lodges at the Yaen Healing Sanctuary.
DINING OUT
MEZE @meze.gitano
We love MEZE for it’s delicious fresh fish and Mediterranean flavours. Chef and founder Alex comes from just outside Athens and has brought his homeland inspiration to the shores of Mexico. Cocktails are divine.
Feast the senses at Hartwood. Candlelit courtyard, amazing seasonal food straight from the wood fire grill – try the papaya empanadas if you can. The menu changes every day inspired by the fresh catch and the harvest.
NU @nutulum
Deep in the jungle you can look up to the starry night above – NU, serves the freshest seafood and delicious cocktails including a Saint and Tonic with agave gin or try mescal or charanda (a spirit a little like rum).
THE REEL COCONUT at Sanara Hotel @realcoconutkitchen
We found our morning caffeine fix at The Real Coconut at Sanara Hotel. Try the delicious homemade almond milk latte. They offer up a delicious serving of plant based foods and also offer a unique Mayan tasting menu.
CONNECT TO THE SACRED
CHICHÉN ITZÀ
Across Mexico the Mayans and Aztecs built temples to the Sun, the Moon, the Rain Gods – there are depictions of Jaguar Goddesses and Feathered Serpents… when we visit we become immersed in a dialogue between human and the spirit world, between our selves and Nature…
Chichin Itza is just a couple of hours from Tulum. Standing at the foot of the Mayan pyramids, feeling in to where so many have stood before us. This Mayan complex is one of the 7 Wonders of the World… FARA photographer Clara Morberg finds it such a magical place to be and to photograph… she says visit at the golden hour and remember to fully charge your camera…
There are also Mayan ruins perched on a limestone cliff in Tulum itself for a bit of magic closer to the beach. And to get there for sunrise, here’s our trick… Go to the ticket office the day before and buy a ‘special after hours’ ticket for TOMORROW and then you can enter at 6am… before the crowds gather… before the ticket office even opens… and you can hopefully get the gift of being alone with the dawn…
DIVE DEEP
Sink into the underworld – cenotes are crystal clear pools of water that lead to a whole network of underwater rivers lacing beneath the Yuccatan Penninsula. They still hold a magical vibration and were key to the Mayans. Our favourite time is an early morning swim surrounded by the jungle canopy. Lisa Homsy’s blog is a perfect incite into Cenotes.
WHERE TO SHOP
NAKAWE @nakawe_trading
Nakawe Trading sources sustainable and conscious brands. You’ll find beautiful textiles, interiors, clothes, jewellery and swimwear and… naturally they stock FARA. One of the best buys is their collection of cushions and textiles as they work with a Zapotec weaving community and have traditional geometric designs.
CARAVANA @caravanaland
A brand that truly inspires. Natural fibres, earthy dyes and holding the true essence of the nomad at heart. Caravana work with indigenous communities to create conscious collections and have been an inspiration to us for many years. Discover their creations in Caravana ‘Portals’ in Tulum but also in Mykonos, Ibiza, Miami and Saint Tropez
TULUM VIBES
Ecstatic dance is our invitation to surrender, to let go and find our inner fhythm. Head to the Yoga Barn for delicious ceremonial cacao fuelled movement.
Our friends @alchemy.breath.sound sometimes put down roots in Tulum hosting shamanic, somatic and spiritual events. Watch their latest offering live from a cave on insta. (You might also see them in Ibiza…. Costa Rica… another magical time and realm….)
RECOMMENDATIONS BY CLARA
We worked with Clara for the first time with our photoshoot as Casa Arca and we already planning our next with her, She lives with her boyfriend between Tulum and Ibiza and we asked her to giver her most loved hang outs.
RESTAURANTS
Meze, Mestixa, Pizza Papi, Negro Huitlacoxe, Habitas, Be Tulum, Pasha, Arca.
BEACHES
Public beach, Sian Kan, IKAL, Be Tulum, Habitas, Delek.
HOTELS
Habitas, NEST, 16TULUM (Villa).
NIGHTS OUT
Tree house, Habitas (events), Papaya playa, Nomade.
