The Bohemian Rhapsody of Tulum, Mexico Shirine Saad - The National
go to original January 8, 2015

Once a laid-back resort village with a hippie vibe, Tulum’s pace has quickened, with new shops, restaurants and nightlife options complementing the broad white beaches and yoga retreats. (The New York Times)

Drive past Cancún and its overcrowded resorts, take a sharp turn before the modest town of Tulum and you’ll find yourself on a long, narrow road tucked between the jungle and the Caribbean.

This is Tulum Beach, known for its rustic elegance, peaceful atmosphere and bubbly nightlife. Its important Mayan ruins, raw landscapes and relaxed vibe attract a colorful crowd. Its endless beaches, where buttery sand shines against the turquoise ocean, were first favored by hippies and New Agers decades ago. Indeed, yoga, shamans, massage centres and spiritual offerings make up Tulum’s bohemian charm, but it’s now equally prized by models, A-list actors and gallerists.

Tulum’s history is deep and rich. In 1200AD, the Maya set up a city and worship center here, protected by a massive fortress, and sailed along its seas to trade goods and produce ­(Tulum is Maya for “wall”). The city was abandoned 75 years after the Spanish conquest. Now, it’s home to about 20,000 Maya and expats, who coexist peacefully, and mostly focuses on the tourism economy.

Exploring the stunning ruins and pristine cenotes amid the festive atmosphere makes for a fun, sun-soaked holiday.

Read the rest at The National

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