MEXICO

Snapshots from Tulum | October 2017

January 24, 2018

HANNAH SHELBY: Snapshots from Tulum 2017

Our time was short and sweet on our third trip to Tulum, with only a couple days in paradise before heading to Merida for our friends wedding. But if you ask me, any amount of time in Tulum is well worth it. Our previous two trips took place in March and April, considered as the “high season” compared to the slower pace of October. With the ever growing popularity of Tulum, this was a nice change and kept things very relaxing. There’s just something about this little town that pulls you in. The thought and creativity put into each boutique hotel, restaurant and shop—combined with the pure natural beauty of the place—make it irresistible.

We stayed at the unassuming but very charming Playa Canek, located at km 7.5 within easy walking distance to some of our favorite spots: Sanara, La Zebra, Gitano, Casa Banana and Hartwood.

This time around we spent a day eating and lounging around Nomade. You can’t beat the perfectly laid-back vibe of the beachside restaurant—sitting on pillows and Persian rugs at low to the ground tables right on the sand. Plus, the food feels light and healthy and the drinks perfectly refreshing, so you don’t feel so bad eating and drinking all day long. The whole place has such a cool community feel, with lots of beach beds and hammocks scattered about. It was a great way to spend a day and Nomade is definitely on our short list for places to stay next time we visit.

MEXICO, TRAVEL, FASHION

Mérida, Mexico | The Gem of the Yucatán

January 18, 2018

HANNAH SHELBY: Merida Mexico Travel Guide

My love affair with Mexico runs deep. The more I visit this beautiful country, the more that love grows. In October we had the chance to return to Mexico with a short stop in Tulum followed by a few days in the colonial city of Mérida. This trip was centered around our friends wedding celebration at Hacienda Sac Chich, located 40 mins outside the city, and was the perfect opportunity to visit this buzzy city that’s long been on my bucketlist.

Mérida, the capitol city of the Yucatán, is artsy with European-influenced colonial architecture and a lively food scene. In the late 19th and early 20th century, Mérida was said to house more millionaires than any other place in the world. Today, it has become a popular refuge for the modern day creative class looking for an inexpensive place to call home—and its easy to see why. The architecture around the city still echoes the past’s glitz and glamour. And the real estate is extremely inexpensive—we’re talking what would be million dollar homes back in the states for $200,000. I imagine if you had time to sink into the city and explore all the lesser known bits, you would really uncover that allure. A bit of grit, a bit of free-spirited bohemia, and a bit of enchantment all wrapped into one.

With so many beautiful homes and boutique hotels, choosing a place to stay can be tough. We landed on the modern Casa del Limonero, a two bedroom home with soaring ceilings and a unique layout complete with an outdoor courtyard + pool. Casa del Limonero is located in the Santiago neighborhood, within close proximity to some of the cities best restaurants and parks.

MEXICO, TRAVEL

Hacienda Sac Chich + Casa Sisal: Opposites Attract in the Yucatan

June 1, 2017

HANNAH SHELBY: Hacienda Sac Chich and Casa Sisal

Mexico will always have a piece of my heart, and it’s properties like this that continue to ignite that love affair over and over again. If you relish in old world charm but are a sucker for modern design, this oasis in beautiful Merida, Mexico might just be for you. Located 45 mins south of the city on adjacent properties, you’ll find Hacienda Sac Chich and Casa Sisal, opposite in design, but equal in allure. Hacienda Sac Chich with its colonial roots, and Casa Sisal, a modern architectural masterpiece, can be rented together or separately, making them a perfect location for a family retreat, wedding, event, or simply a romantic getaway for two. For more information and bookings, visit Urbano Rentals.

From Urbano Rentals:

“One could easily drive past the Hacienda Sac Chich without ever knowing you had bypassed one of the most magical gardens and enchanting properties in the Yucatan, as only the 85 foot chimney is visible from the street. The previous owner of the hacienda was a botanist who had a plant nursery with many acres of gardens. Josephina Larrain, a landscape architect, bought the Casa de Maquinas and began to renovate the property and improve the gardens. The current owners have lovingly restored the hacienda and renovated the buildings with the help of Josephina and her husband Architect Salvador Reyes Rios.

Casa de Maquinas has two houses that are available for rental, the Casa Vieja and Casa Nueva. These houses share a garden and the pool. They are joined by an arcaded loggia living area surrounded by large lily ponds. This common living area has a dining table for 10, a fireplace and two lounge areas with comfortable sofas and chairs. On the roof is a star gazing platform and seating. The perfect location to see the sunset and enjoy the jungle breeze in the evenings.”

MEXICO, TULUM, TRAVEL

Hotel Lust: Hotel Esencia

February 21, 2017

What if you could drop everything you’re doing. Right now. And jet off to a blissfully serene tropical hideaway. You wouldn’t even think twice, right? With it’s own private beach located on the crisp white sands of the Rivera Maya, Hotel Esencia is an oasis for pure unplugged relaxation. And if the private beach isn’t enough, the immaculately landscaped grounds, calming decor, and fresh local food are a few more of the high points that make Hotel Esencia completely lust-worthy. I’m already mentally packing my bag now, which doesn’t include much more than a handful of swimsuits, a few breezy dresses, and some easy slip on sandals. Continue Reading…