At the moment I am sitting on a hammock at Hostel Orquideas in Cancún, having returned here to wait for my flight out of the country. The Australian in the hammock over from me lost his only ATM last card night and when I arrived a few minutes ago, was freaking out that he had no access to any of his money. Going over where he could have lost it, I suggested that it could have been left at the ATM and maybe he should go back and see if it’s on a shelf, fence or window sill close by. As it was a drunken incident from last night, he doubted my suggestion. But 5 minutes ago he came in bursting with joy as he had found his card sitting on top of the ATM, bent but working, all money in his account. We’re now relaxing in hammocks enjoying a round of beers. Welcome to Cancún.
My week has been filled with these kinds of incidents. Everyday. I would try to explain everything that has happened, the perfect timing, the total happiness and contentment…but I really don’t think you would believe me. It is truly magical here, in a way that I can’t really describe. You have to experience it for yourself.
I have had a week of uncanny coincidences, a perfect flow of events and synchronicity. My happiness here in the Quintana Roo region has been the most complete I’ve felt so far. I’ve never felt so relaxed and connected to a place as I have here – and I have visited some stunning places in the world. Everything here just keeps getting better. Every minute of everyday I think to myself yet again, “How can my life get better than this?” But it just does.
I was fortunate enough to travel from Cancun to Tulum and experience this small but enchanting Mexican town. The beaches here are beautiful and easy to get to via bicycle, and the Caribbean Sea is perfect for a revitalising swim.
We rode out to the Cenote caves, about 20 minutes on bike from the main area of Tulum. The caves are popular with swimmers, divers and snorkelers, as the cool fresh water is wonderful after a hot bike ride in the sun. Beneath the surface there are large dark openings that divers can explore. Fish and turtles swim in abundance around you, whilst bats fly above your head when you swim through a particularly dark, cavernous section. The Cenotes are fun, relaxing and definitely worth the $150 pesos entry fee.
My time in Cancún was divided between a hostel stay downtown, and an all-inclusive stay in the hotel zone. I have to say that my time was 100% best spent in the hostel in downtown Cancún. Hostel Orquideas is a relaxed, social, well placed home away from home. Providing free homemade breakfast and dinner, the hostel encourages a social atmosphere with everyone dining together on the combined tables and relaxing in hammocks. Hostel Manager Hermes is a huge contributor to the fantastic atmosphere. Open and available to anyone who has a question, would like advice or just wants to hang out and chat, Hermes goes out of his way to make everyone as comfortable and happy as possible. Located close to restaurants, laundry services, markets and the ADO bus station, Hostel Orquideas is ideal for travelers who don’t want all the touristy crap, but would like a relaxed legitimate Cancún experience.
Conversely I spent my last 4 nights at Celuisma Dos Playas, a lower end all-inclusive resort in the hotel zone and wasn’t particularly impressed. As a solo traveler who has never done an all-inclusive resort vacation before, I thought I knew what I was walking into. I expected there to be plenty of people relaxing with friends and family, which there were, I just didn’t expect to feel so alone whilst I was there. I really noticed the difference staying in hostels with open, friendly international travelers who so easily relate to each other, to staying in a hotel where everyone is in their existing groups, closed to outsiders.
Resorts are great for those traveling with friends. The ability to wake up, eat breakfast, grab your stuff and go lay on the beach for a few hours whilst popping to the bar for a drink is a luxurious break from everyday life. But as someone traveling alone, I found the resort to be lonely and isolating. In my four days there, I did not speak to one guest. Not one, and I talk to everyone. The staff were lovely and I would chat with them whilst enjoying my meals in the restaurant, however sitting alone during each meal with no opportunity to even say hi to another guest was saddening, especially after my hostel experience. I booked the resort as I had read reviews that there was quite a good social atmosphere with many guest activities provided, but I didn’t find this to be the case.
However, my stay in the resort actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I was suffering from a fever the day I arrived. Being able to sleep in a room alone and walk 10 metres to pre-paid food and a beach definitely aided my recovery.
I will be coming back to Mexico – sooner rather than later if I can manage it. The number of ‘firsts’ I experienced here outnumber all of my first-time experiences from everywhere else I have traveled combined. I am addicted to everything here. The beaches, the food, the adventure and the people.
Look out for me Mexico, I will see you soon 🙂
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