A day in Tulum

Tulum, Mexico

Midday - beach club

Warm air moves through the palm leaves while the wicker chairs sit still in the shade. I twirl in my cotton dress on the sand by the club. Everyday wear here is casual and breezy, so a light cotton dress and sandals suit this tropical heat.

Midday - wooden deck

Salt hangs in the air as I look out from the wooden deck across the Caribbean. The Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest coral reef system in the world, lies just offshore along this Quintana Roo coast. Snorkellers should use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the living coral.

Midday - boho pathway

Dense leaves crowd the sandy path and the green smell of the jungle is close around me. I follow the track between the tropical plants toward the coast. Keen-eyed walkers on these coastal jungle trails often see foraging agoutis and birds in the undergrowth.

Midday - beach club

Shade from the macrame umbrella keeps the white daybed cool against my back. I lounge here at the beach club through the hottest part of the day. December to April brings the pleasant dry season, away from August humidity and the heavy September rains.

Afternoon - coast

Sweet coconut is cold on my tongue while the palm fronds shift above me. I sip from a fresh coconut on the coast this afternoon. Local menus favour freshly caught fish in citrus and chilli marinades, a sensible order beside the sea.

Afternoon - turquoise shore

Cool water laps my feet as small waves break along the turquoise shore. I move slowly at the water's edge this afternoon. Inland, Tulum Town Centre is the everyday hub, with grocery stores, bicycle rentals and independent craft beer spots.

Golden Hour - white sand beach

Orange light lies warm across the white sand as the day slowly cools. I head back along the beach in the golden hour. Breathable, light-coloured cotton and linen stay practical in this tropical climate, so a light dress and sandals are enough.

Golden Hour - white sand beach

The sand is still warm under me while the sky turns from gold to a deeper orange. I sit and watch the sun go down on the white beach. Street-side stalls serve corn-based antojitos, tacos and Yucatecan specialties prepared fresh daily.

Golden Hour - coastline

Heat from the tiki torches reaches my face while the dusk sky cools behind me. I stay still on the coastline as night comes on. Independent breweries in Quintana Roo pour light-bodied golden ales, pale ales and brown ales suited to tropical heat.

Night - Caribbean sea

Night air feels soft on my skin and the stars show clear over the Caribbean. I smile as the day ends beside the sea. Tulum holds ancient Maya heritage together with a laid-back coastline of sandy beaches and dense jungle paths.