There are places, where time simply stops. Moments spent there are so beautiful that we just want to stay there and bask in the beauty for eternity. The older I am, the more I want to keep these moments only to myself. Especially when I travel. There are so many unusual places, in which you can just raise your glass in toast to “here and now”, enjoy a perfect view or dine a meal, which was prepared with passion. I love finding such extraordinary spots. They are like a reward, a lavish celebration or icing on the cake. And I truly appreciate them.
During my trip to Mexico my plans just had to include Tulum, which is becoming an iconic place. It is associated with intimate tranquility and a romantic spark with its specific boho vibe. It was just as I imagined. I planned to hide there for a few days and I got what I had asked for.
Tulum is definitely smaller and less crowded than touristic and loud Cancun. It’s also less busy than the Mecca of digital-nomads, i.e. Playa del Carmen. In simple words, Tulum is a perfect place for a few-days-long getaway. Especially, if you like to be “here and now” and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding nature.
I arrived at Tulum in mid-December, a while before the beginning of the peak season. And it was the best moment, because it seemed like everything around was slightly suspended, like it waited for something but in the same time silence and calmness were all over the place. When I went to the beach in the morning, I usually was there all by myself, which only enhanced the quality of my relaxation and the feeling of being close to the nature.
Tulum is famous for its unique boutique hotels. They are definitely a value added for this place. So if you consider coming there, I would definitely pick such a unique hotel, even only to grab the vibe of its peculiarity and ambiance.
I wanted so badly to give myself a few days close to the ocean, with some nice view. I just wanted to immerse in the beauty of nature. All in all, I deserve it from time to time, don’t I? :) I was wondering how would I want my perfect place in Tulum to look like. And I imagined… The early mornings on a terrace by the ocean, accompanied by slow breakfasts. Or reading a book on a white beach. So it was, my Mexican, tropical dream.
I have eventually chosen a place, which at first glance looked original, different from all the other. The Keniza Beach Hotel has become my choice. It is an extraordinary, cozy hotel directly on a heavenly beach.
You can’t imagine, how happy I was when I was told, a few moments after we arrived, that we were going to be the only hotel guests. What a privilege it is to have a whole hotel only for you! It happened to me for the first time and I really hope that it was not the last one. By the way, it was a gift from the fate, because right after we left, the hotel was fully booked.
Keniza is located at the end of Tulum, so we easily found it. Even the entrance looks way different than everything around. At the gate we were welcomed by astonishing and colorful mural of a jaguar. And it was just the beginning…
The hotel area is filled with many other murals of famous artists. Senkoe, whose style is known for its color saturation and dynamics. In addition, in Keniza this artist tells the story of Riviera Maya. It really makes a breathtaking impression. In my opinion, those are the murals that distinguish this place from any other.
The hotel itself looks like a beautiful, tropical cottage. The wooden terraces, wicker banisters, hammocks hanging here and there… and everything surrounded with palms.
The neighborhood is literally thriving with nature. Yet, I have to admit that only after I was flying my drone I understood how unique this place was. The bird’s-eye view gives a broader picture of the area. The color of water and dense jungle stretching out as far as you can see. Just take a look at the pictures. I think the beauty of Mexican nature will leave you speechless.
The hotel has 8 rooms only, which is in fact a huge plus, because even if it’s fully booked, you would not feel this in any way.
I had a room facing the beach, with a huge door to the terrace. The shore was almost below my feet. It was my favorite spot at any time of day or night.
In the morning, I sat there with coffee, served by the greatest Lolita in the world (Lola, if you are reading this, thank you for making me feel like the queen of the world). Then, I enjoyed a perfect breakfasts with the view (just look at how carefully prepared the meal is).
In the night, I was watching the endless sky with millions of blinking stars. By the way, sky in Tulum was the most beautiful one I saw last year. The stars were so close and so sharply visible. I had the impression that if I reached out, I could easily grab them.
The second favorite spot was the private beach. When it comes to Tulum, access to a beautiful beach is definitely a privilege. And the fact that Keniza has a direct access to the ocean was a really rare thing. Besides, the beaches in Tulum, are incredibly beautiful. The sand grains are so tiny and delicate that you feel like walking barefoot on the powdered sugar.
Every sunset literally colored the area in pink gleam. It might seem that it was only a sunset, but on my trips I collect such simple moments and feelings that accompany them. I do a “freeze frame”, breathe the moment and take a picture in my mind. Then, when I’m sad I remember those beautiful moments and I also realize that I am such a lucky girl, cause I had a chance to experience all of this. The trip to Mexico was the last one in 2018, so my last sunset at the ocean was in Tulum. Silence, delicate breeze, murmuring waves and thousands shades on the sky. For me it was the perfect end and summary of 2018.
But if you cannot stay still for too long, the area is filled with many attractions. For the active ones there are numerous cenotes, in which you can swim and dive. The famous Mayan ruins in Tulum (hailed the most beautifully situated in the whole world – literally on a heavenly beach) or the famous ruins in Chichén Itzá.The city center of Tulum is 10 minutes drive from the Keniza hotel. There, you can find many scuba diving schools. This area is a great place to learn and later practice, e.g. in caves or in the ocean.
The location of Keniza was perfect for me. Literally, across the street was, probably the most famous café – Matcha Mama serving colorful smoothies and acai bowl. Right next to it, was something for foodies – La Onda pizzeria.
It took me only 20 minutes to get around the area by foot. It is full of boutique shops with boho clothes and accessories, furniture, dream-catchers fluttering in the wind and the whole bunch of cozy cafes. All of them are hidden in tropical gardens (I recommend you Casa Jaguar for iced chocolate latte – what a kickass!). In Tulum, you will also find restaurants and bars serving cuisines from all over the world. In my opinion it’s worth to go for Mexican delicacies, which are often served with a modern twist. Trying different types of tacos became my hobby (I think it will never get bored with them). Those with grilled octopus and shrimps were the best… Sometimes I still dream about them in the night.
For me, Tulum was an escape from civilization. It was my dream about a tropical paradise coming true. However, it was also a perfect base to see the local attractions. Looking back in time, it was one of my most favorite places during the whole trip to Mexico. Definitely, the one that I would gladly visit again.
Also have a look on my video. Tropical paradise: found!
*** Also, answering your frequent questions about the equipment I use: I have a DJI Mavic Pro drone, so all the bird’s eye views that you see on my blog and in social media are done with it :)
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