Tulum

Leaving the airport highway behind, the paved road melted into a lush jungle corridor illuminated by hanging wicker lanterns and copal incense drifting through the palm canopy. I checked into Be Tulum Beach & Spa Resort, the gold standard of bohemian barefoot luxury. My Oceanfront Jungle Suite ($1,300/night) featured a private plunge pool on a wooden rooftop deck, outdoor copper shower, and private hammock swaying mere steps from the powdery white sand of the Mexican Caribbean.

Mornings in Tulum start slowly with wellness and rejuvenation. I walked along the beach at sunrise, followed by a sound bath meditation and a revitalizing cold-pressed pitaya bowl with cacao nibs ($22). In the afternoon, I chartered a private eco-guide to explore the crystal-clear waters of Cenote Calavera and Cenote Sac Actun, descending into mystical subterranean caverns where stalactites hung above turquoise freshwater pools sacred to the ancient Maya.

As twilight settled over the jungle road, Tulum transformed into a candlelit dreamscape. I slipped into a crochet beach gown and walked to Hartwood, Chef Eric Werner’s legendary open-fire kitchen powered entirely by solar and wood flames. Sitting beneath the open night sky, I devoured fire-roasted octopus with habanero-beet glaze, whole grilled Caribbean sea bass, and grilled corn elote ($130), washed down with artisanal smoky mezcal cocktails infused with fresh hibiscus and ginger.

Later, we danced barefoot on the sand at Papaya Playa Project’s full moon gathering, as world-renowned electronic DJs spun deep melodic house under the stars. Tulum combines raw Mayan nature, bohemian aesthetics, and opulent barefoot living into an intoxicating tropical retreat.