Retiro Maya | Tulum

Defined by thatched roofs, stucco walls, concrete terra cotta floors and a bright hippy-chic bedspread with the bed surrounded in a mosquito net; Retiro Maya was rustic and earthy and one of the most relaxing places I have ever stayed. We fell asleep to the sound of the waves crashing. We woke up with the sun as it rose over the sea and streamed in through our bohemian orange curtains. Our raised patio housed a hammock and two lounge chairs, surrounded by lush vegetation and sandy pathways. 

Being here was also a little mysterious. I know I keep using that adjective to describe everything Tulum, but it was a constant for me. Retiro Maya is a small resort to begin with, and probably a quarter of the cabanas sat empty. The common breakfast area was bustling around 8 am, but otherwise Retiro was strangely serene and quiet. By that I mean, their awesome beach bar was never open. Neither was the open air yoga studio. 

I can attribute the overall mystery to a combination of: the vast jungle that stretched out behind us, the abandoned resorts and beachfront property nearby, the Mayan presence, the quiet spiritual ambiance, the dark road that we walked down at night with headlamps, the crazy storms that passed through...

This was such a cool vacation. Tulum is amazing. If you are traveling to Mexico, definitely consider this area of the Riviera Maya. Eco-friendly beachfront cabana accommodations are where it's at.

For additional details, read my review on trip advisor here.