MEXICO
Cancún | Holbox | Tulum
Our Journey at a Glance
Cancún → Isla Mujeres → Holbox → Chichén Itzá → Valladolid → Tulum
We began our journey in Cancún, where we stayed one vibrant night to immerse ourselves in the country’s colorful rhythm—street food, music, and a taste of Mexican nightlife. We rented a jeep at Cancún International Airport, which gave us the freedom to explore the Yucatán at our own pace.
After Cancún, we ferried from Puerto Juárez to Isla Mujeres, a tiny island where tropical vibes and crystal waters make it a dreamy day-trip destination—or a perfect short stay for beach lovers.
From there, we drove north to Chiquilá and boarded a ferry to the secluded paradise of Holbox Island. After a few days of barefoot bliss, we drove inland to the colonial gem of Valladolid, which served as our base to explore the majestic Chichén Itzá.
We ended our trip in Tulum, where the jungle meets the beach and boutique luxury meets wild parties. After soaking up every last cenote and sunset, we returned our rental car at the Tulum airport, where we flew out with hearts full and minds blown.
MEXICO
Timeless Moments & Things to Do
Cancún
Modern city meets Mexican soul
Cancún is more than its party reputation. It’s the gateway to the Yucatán and a great intro to Mexican culture. The city offers a blend of polished beachfront hotels and bustling, local energy in downtown (El Centro). You’ll find street food stands, buzzing nightlife, and artisan markets that give you a real taste of Mexico.
Top Experiences:
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Relax at Playa Delfines — a wide, windswept public beach with turquoise waves and one of the most photogenic viewpoints in Cancún.
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Swim at Playa Tortugas — lively and central, with calm waters perfect for a dip before hopping on a ferry to Isla Mujeres.
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Eat tacos al pastor and tamales at Parque Las Palapas, where locals gather for food, music, and dancing.
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Shop at Mercado 28 for handicrafts, textiles, and traditional sweets.
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Indulge in a dinner-to-party experience at Rosa Negra or Taboo — where fine dining blends seamlessly into music, mezcal, and dancing until late.
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Discover tequila & mezcal with a tasting flight guided by locals who share the roots of agave culture.
Isla Mujeres
Small island paradise
Just a 20-minute ferry from Cancún, Isla Mujeres is ideal for a day trip or a relaxed overnight escape. The island is compact but packed with charm. You can rent a golf cart and see the whole thing in a few hours—from quiet cliffs to postcard-perfect beaches.
Top Experiences:
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Spend the day at Playa Norte, one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, with powdery sand and calm turquoise waters.
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Cruise the island by motor, stopping at scenic points, food stalls, and cliffside views.
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Snorkel at Garrafón Natural Reef Park and float over schools of colorful fish.
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Sip mojitos at a beach bar as the sun sets on the western shore.
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Dinner at Olivia or Zama — chic but barefoot, dinner that turns into music.
Holbox Island
A secluded, car-free haven
Holbox is raw, natural, and completely free of cars. The streets are sandy and bumpy, and you’ll need to move around by golf buggy or shared taxi carts. It’s a laid-back, eco-conscious escape with a wild edge—ideal for nature lovers, couples, and those seeking slow travel.
Top Experiences:
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Bioluminescence tour — at night the sea glows with tiny lights; kayak or swim in pure magic.
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Punta Mosquito — shallow sandbanks stretching endlessly into turquoise water.
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Beach hammocks & swings — the island’s iconic spots for slowing down and watching the sky.
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El Crustáceo Cascarudo — famous for its perfectly cooked mixed grilled seafood by the sea.
Tulum
The jewel in the crown
Tulum is the best part of the trip—an effortlessly cool destination where high design meets jungle spirituality. Think boutique hotels, jungle-draped restaurants, barefoot raves, sacred rituals, and hidden cenotes. It’s the full sensory package, perfect for both indulgence and introspection.
Top Experiences:
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Cenote Calavera — swim in crystal limestone caves for <$15.
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Tulum Ruins — temples above the sea, magical in the early morning.
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Swim with turtles in Akumal — calm bay just north of Tulum, pure wonder.
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Cobá Ruins — climb pyramids hidden in the jungle, away from the crowds.
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Beach clubs — from Vagalume to Papaya Playa Project, barefoot dancing until sunrise.
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Healing Sanctuary rituals — spa, massage, and purification ceremonies for two at Yäan Wellness.
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Dinner at Rosa Negra / Taboo — dinner that transforms into fire shows and DJs.
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Street tacos downtown — cheap, authentic, perfect after a party night.
Hidden Retreats
Be Tulum
Tulum Beach, Zona Hotelera
Nestled between Tulum’s lush jungle and the white-sand beach, Be Tulum is an adults-only boutique hotel that captures the essence of barefoot luxury. Its 64 suites blend earthy elegance with modern comfort—think private plunge pools, stone tubs, and open-air showers set in natural wood and woven textures.
Wellness is at its heart, with access to the serene Yäan Healing Sanctuary just across the road, offering temazcal rituals, yoga, and holistic treatments. The vibe is calm by day, sultry by night, with candle-lit paths and low-key music drifting from beach bars.
Dining is elevated yet relaxed. Enjoy fresh seafood and grilled dishes at 4 Fuegos, raw bites at Maresias, or global flavors at the fine-dining spot Ocumare.
Nomade
Isla Holbox
Nomade Holbox is a seaside sanctuary perched on a dreamy stretch of Holbox Island, where emerald water meets powder-white sand and your pace slows to match the ocean’s rhythm. With just 30 adults-only rooms, each space is a quiet escape — think oceanfront suites that open to sea breezes, treehouse suites among palms, and Moon Temple rooms with indoor-outdoor bathrooms that let nature in.
Wellness here isn’t an add-on — it’s woven into every moment. From sunrise yoga on the beach deck, sound-healing ceremonies in the Gratitude Tent, to the “Agua Mágica” water rituals, every day is made for restoring calm.
Nomade is perfect if you want luxe design that still feels soul-deep, moments of silence and connection, and views that burn into your memory long after the trip ends.
