Tulum: where to eat, drink & stay

It’s time to unwind, says Tilly Macalister-Smith
Views of the spectacular Tulum ruins

The land of the artist Frida Kahlo, avocados and bougainvillea-covered pastel houses promises yawning white beaches and the azure Carribean sea.

When to go?

December and January promise the best time for a break. Swap the coldest time in the capital for beaming sunshine, pristine beaches and the prettiest views in the world at the end of your sunlounger.

Enjoy a cabana on the beach at Sanará

Sundowners

If you’re lucky enough to bag a seat at the bar at Hartwood (top tip: ask for Paulina), make the most of it and order one of each of its seasonal iterations on the classic margarita — try the Morocha with papaya and orange juice.

Cocktails at Hartwood

Where to stay

Shoes have no place at Sanará. The sand reaches from the open reception area 100 paces down to the sea, and what you’ll find is ‘space to heal, breathe and be free’ as reads the hotel’s motto. ‘It’s about a feeling,’ says British proprietor Charlie Stuart Gay, who with his partner, Daniella Hunter, created this retreat in 2014. Each of the 17 rooms is equipped with a footbath outside for rinsing sandy feet. Bliss! Rooms from £140 to £1,800 (sanaratulum.com)

Where to eat

You can taste the sunshine in The Real Coconut’s predominantly vegan menu. Saunter along the sand and drop in for a breakfast of cool coconut yoghurt, plump fresh fruit and a smoothie from the extensive menu. Meaties will love the spicy chipotle chicken served with yucca fries. The turquoise ocean provides the perfect backdrop. (therealcoconut.com)

Dine at the light-filled The Real Coconut and enjoy the delicious super green bowl and Mexican dips

What to do

‘Salute to the sun’ takes on new dimensions when it’s actually shining down on you. A rosta of visiting expert yogis teach three times a day in this alfresco studio. All levels are catered to; there’s no need to know your Vinyasa from your Ashtanga. Yoga classes from £15 or four classes for £60 (sanaratulum.com)

A dramatic cenote cave

What to see

Tulum’s underground cenote caves are a naturally occurring phenomenon. These secret underground swimming holes are filled by rainwater that’s filtered down through the rocks. Avoid the Gran Cenote and its queues; instead try one of the thousand others. If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land but don’t have time to visit Chichen Itza, above, head to Coba’s spectacular ruins that rise above the Yucatan jungle. Closer to home, visit the majestic clifftop Tulum ruins. Go at 8am to avoid the stifling midday heat and crowds. It’s 65 pesos (£2.50) well spent. Tip: the peso is the local currency but you can use US dollars almost everywhere.

Squeeze in a trip to Chichen Itza 

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