Isabella Cavallin and Jannine Vinci, the enviably cool founders of swim and beachwear label Oséree, split their time between Ibiza and Tulum where they’ve recently opened a new boutique.
We get their insider tips on where to go, what to do, and how to find the best hidden gems in Mexico’s bohemian haven.
The best time to visit Tulum:
October to May is the best time to visit Tulum weather-wise. The beaches are at their best, you can drink and dine outside after sunset and the cenotes offer shady, cool-water respites if the heat feels too much.
Our first pitstop should be…
Start each day with breakfast on the beach. Our favourite morning hotspot is Posada Margherita.
Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…
The rooms at La Valise offer pure jungle luxury. They’re treehouse-style, so the architecture is amazing – far from a traditional ‘hotel’, and there’s a tropical feeling to the whole space. Nomade is bigger and less intimate, but more sociable; it’s full of secret spots and it hosts private parties. There’s a gratitude tent, a yoga shala and sage pits burning along each sandy path.
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For an early morning workout head to…
Sometimes there’s really nothing better than a run along the beach, especially if you catch the sunrise and make it out before anyone else. Alternatively, Holistika Tulum is the place to know for the best yoga classes. Its entire concept embodies holistic, retreat-style living and its schedule is ample, spanning a range of styles from Hatha to Kundalini.
Where should we go for breakfast?
If you’ve made it to an early Holistika yoga session, there’s no need to venture further afield. It serves fresh, healthy smoothies and acai or cacao bowls using local ingredients that make the perfect post-stretch complement. Matcha Mama is a casual roadside shack-style bar with similarly delicious options, and Burrito Amor does lovely fresh juices and elixirs if you want something light.
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
Libélula in Sian Ka´an is the kind of place you can stay all day. It serves authentic Mexican cuisine cooked outside on a grill or wood oven and the beach club feels more private than some of the alternatives in Tulum – it’s a bit of a hidden gem.
Your favourite restaurant in town?
Mestixa is an Asian restaurant that serves innovative dishes and the best cocktails. It doesn’t have a website – many of the best places in Tulum don’t – and you have to book a table via whatsapp.
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And for dinner with friends?
Mezzanine close to the ruins is a hotel with a Thai restaurant that’s great for big groups because it serves the kind of food you can share between the table. The views here are incredible – the stretch of beach it overlooks is pretty spectacular.
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The drink to order at the bar…
Mescalina Maracuyá. Every time.
The best place for people watching is…
If you take the boat tour around the lagoon of the Sian Ka´an reserve, the people are just one of the beautiful sights you’ll experience.
The best place to treat yourself is…
Treatments at Holistika and on the Nomade beachdeck are highlights. There’s something about the people of Tulum and the magic of Mexico that makes any holistic experience all the more memorable. The prices are indulgent but worth it.
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Where can I go shopping?
We’ve recently opened an Oserée store at Plaza Tulik next to Be Tulum where you can also shop small boutiques selling locally produced clothing, jewellery, homewares and keepsakes. I love the soft furnishings and little homely touches like bunches of sage and woven place mats – the kinds of things you can pack in your case to remind you of your trip.
For the best views head to…
The views from the roof at Hotel Delek span both the sea and the jungle. You almost feel like you’re sitting up inside the trees which makes you appreciate just how green the surrounding area is.
A book to read before we go (or while there)
Definitely read about Tulum’s cenotes and learn a bit about the Mayan culture so there’s context to your stay. Understanding the local area and its history can amplify the experience of a place and help you to absorb everything more readily.
In one word, Tulum is:
Magical.
A must-try spot for date night?
Casa Jaguar is in the midst of the jungle and so true to what Tulum is all about when it comes to dining – real, authentic, fresh food in natural surroundings, and with genuinely passionate people behind the recipes.
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Your favourite neighbourhood is…
La Veleta is a new neighbourhood. It’s super residential, with a small street where you can find cool restaurants and nice boutiques, so we’ll be exploring that more over the next few months. You heard it here first!
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Any Questions or Tips to add?