For the Fourth of July Holiday, I headed down to Tulum, Mexico (2 hours south of Cancun) to visit my friend Heather Marlow, who was living and working at Zamas, a small resort on the beach.
Thursday: Arrive in Mexico
I left California Wednesday night, leaving my new dog Summer with my Mom, and flying first to Chicago and then to Cancun Mexico. When I arrived in Mexico, there was a man with my name on a sign, and I got a ride down the Riviera Maya to Tulum. When I arrived at Zamas, Heather was there to great me and show me around her place.
We swam in the ocean and then headed down the beach to La Zebra for some Salsa lessons. After 30 minutes of lessons, I needed a break, so I rested in a hammock on the beach. We headed back to Zamas, because that night was Salsa dancing night at Zamas, with a live band. It was fun to salsa and dance and play on the stage, reminiscent of many other trips with heather (San Diego, Hawaii, Caribean, now Mexico). I was worn out after dancing and ready for bed.
Friday: Everything Under the Sun
Friday turned into a day in which it felt like we did everything. We started the day by going into to town to look at a map of land for sale...the Mayans were recentally granted land and were now selling it. It turns out the piece being offered was several kilometers into the jungle, so not the best option, but it was interesting to see the parcels and the places.
Next we headed out to the Tulum Mayan ruins. I had been here before, 6 years ago with my mom and sister, and it was fun to come back and check out the cool ruins and also go swimming in the ocean. Tulum was a trading center and has some amazing old buildings.
After a lunch in Tulum town, we went out to Grand Cenote, one of the fresh water pools/caves, for a swim in cool water and afternoon siesta. Once back at Zamas, Heather showed off her organic garden.
We headed into town for a lovely meal before going dancing at Mezzinene - the friday night party place, with a number of Heather's local friends. I was exhaused by the end of the day.
Saturday: Day of Rest
Saturday was a wonderful day of rest. We slept in then headed down to Ocho Tulum to hang on the beach and enjoy the waves. The water is just wonderful, warm and salty and filled with fish.
That afternoon, we went to Maya Tulum for a Yoga class. It was a very relaxing and peaceful yoga class. My life got even better when following the yoga class I got a 90 minute massage out on the back porch of Heather's home.
That night we walked along the beach and then had an amazing meal at the best restaurant in Tulum, Santa Maragrita.
There is very little "Mexican" food in Tulum, it is mostly Italian and Argentinian, reflecting the tourists who came and then stayed. We had pasta and a "salt water" Fish. I got the recipe for the fish and will need to try it at home.
Sunday: Cheeseburgers in Paradise
On Sunday, after breakfast in town, we headed down to Punta Allen. Zamas is on the road to Punta Allen, and after the cabana resorts, there is a biological reserve. The reserve is beautiful, filled with jungle, a lagoon, and beaches.
We stopped at the bridge between the sea and the lagoon, and then headed to Sol Carib, 7 KM north of Punta Allen. Heather called this place Cheeseburgers in Paradise, because it is a paradise.
Beautiful beach, 4 bungalows, and the best cheeseburger I have had in years. SO GOOD.
We had a peaceful afternoon, reading, resting, and swimming. Then it was a quite final night at Zamas.
Monday: Going Home
Monday morning, I went for a swim, then had my favorite breakfast - Huevos Rancheros Zamas style.
Then it was time to say goodbye and head back to the airport in Cancun for the long trip home.
I had such a wonderful time in Tulum, meeting the local dancers and workers, lounging on the beach and just relaxing. I feel so lucky to know Heather and get to spend some time in her little slice of Paradise. Plus, they had 3 dogs to feed and play with, and puppies always make me happy. More Pictures.
