Category: Lifestyle

Tulum Travel Diaries; Sunset Hues & Moonlit Views At Vagalume

March 7, 2026

As the afternoon softened into evening on the shores of Tulum in early February, we made our way down the powdery stretch of sand just as the sky began its nightly transformation for our penultimate sunset of the trip.

While Tulum sits on Mexico’s east coast meaning the sun technically sets behind the jungle, the Caribbean still puts on a spectacular show.

For the evening I leaned fully into the boho beach aesthetic with a long brown maxi skirt from ASOS paired with a brown flower detail bikini top, my pearl necklace from By Alona, a butter yellow handbag from Topshop, and my ever faithful Celine sunglasses to complete the look.

Soft blush pinks, pale blues and hints of lavender slowly spilled across the horizon, reflecting off the sea in the most dreamy way.

We wandered along the shoreline as the light shifted minute by minute, the colours becoming richer and more surreal with every step, and the sky melting into a pastel painting above the water.

Eventually we drifted back towards Vagalume to soak in the final moments of the sunset.

Cocktail hour felt essential so naturally I ordered a spicy margarita, my go-to whenever we’re by the sea.

With the last glow of the evening lighting up the beach club, we took a few aesthetic photos along Vagalume’s famous wooden walkway, framed by the sculptural pair of hands that look as if they’re cradling you.

It’s one of those iconic Tulum photo spots that feels just as mesmerising in person as it does online.

As the last traces of colour faded from the sky, the moon appeared bright, full and impossibly majestic high above the sea.

The beach took on a quieter, almost cinematic feeling underneath the moonlight; a magical moment I will never forget ❤

Tulum Travel Diaries; Dreamy Blue Waters At ATIK

March 4, 2026

Primarily found on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, cenotes are natural, crystal-clear sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, revealing fresh groundwater underneath. So during our stay in Tulum we made it our mission to visit some of the best in the nearby area, one of which being ATIK.

Just a short 30 minute drive out of central Tulum town, it cost about £20 per person for entry to the park which features a number of cenotes, as well as some fantastic art installations.

Arriving in the mid afternoon, it wasn’t too busy so we were able to walk around the park and get photos without any crowds or many other people at all.

We started by exploring the art installations which feature the theme of skulls.

Not my usual taste of art, but the striking wall of colourful skulls made for some great content.

Continuing further into the thicker jungle canopy, there is a ginormous stone effect head sculpture.

Incongruous in its surroundings, this sculpture makes for quite the spectacle amongst the greenery of jungle growing around it.

I couldn’t get over the size of the thing, it made for a brilliant shot of me in front demonstrating its towering size.

Around the corner there was a set of two smaller head sculptures in another clearing which were giving spooky vibes, I wasn’t a fan of those if I’m honest!

It was time to move onto the main event of those dreamy turquoise blue cenotes.

The biggest cenote in the centre of the park is a classic open air one framed with impressive limestone cliff faces.

Nothing matches the magical blue colour of those waters making it feel like you are no longer even on earth, it’s just too perfect.

Although there were a few people swimming, unfortunately it was an overcast day and we weren’t brave enough for a chilly dip.

However on the other side of the cenote pool, there was a large wooden ladder from where we got some picturesque shots.

The way the luscious green vines frame the cenote so perfectly, it’s an Instagram girl’s dream.

I wore my bright coral one piece swimsuit making for an aesthetic colour contrast against the turquoise backdrop.

Another iconic photo spot at ATIK is the small pool within the jungle with a walkway up to another head sculpture.

With the shadows of the jungle canopy above, this photo spot made for a more moody shot.

ATIK park is just made for photos and filming, me and my boyfriend were in our element.

There was also another medium size cenote where there is a manmade large waterfall feature.

Again it wasn’t the perfect weather for taking a dip, but of course we got a few more pics here too.

On reflection, it would’ve been better to go on warmer day in order to experience the cenotes in all of their glory and enjoy bathing in their beautiful blue waters.

That’s not to say we didn’t have a successful trip though as the content we captured was just what I envisioned.

If you’re looking for an Instagramable location whilst visiting the area of Tulum, bookmark ATIK for the most picture perfect backdrops with a touch of abstract artistic edge ❤

Tulum Eats; Every Night’s A Party!

March 3, 2026

The foodie options in Tulum are abundant with plenty of variety, from fine dining restaurants offering lots of alternative cuisines, to health food cafes and of course traditional Mexican street food. However for me when dining out on holiday, it’s more than just the food I’m looking to impress me, but the atmosphere and ambience needs to be on point too.

Now I’m not usually one to necessarily need entertainment with dinner, although we discovered that’s exactly what they like to offer in Tulum at some of the top rated restaurants.

Starting with one of my favourite restaurants for Greek food in Tulum, we visited Ilios twice during our trip and each time had a brilliant experience.

Every night at 9pm there is a fire show and acrobats to entertain guests around the restaurant floor as they enjoy their meal.

It’s quite the spectacle and lasts about half an hour, so you’re getting a great show for free alongside your dinner.

The evening we went for my birthday celebrations we even smashed plates Greek style and had sparklers to dance with, it was such a laugh!

Moving on to Tora where they serve delicious Japanese cuisine, later in the evening we were handed sparklers for a boogy as the DJ played the drums live during his set.

The waiters all get involved too making for a super fun and lively atmosphere amongst diners even after the sparklers are over.

We had a delightful spread of Japanese dishes including the smoked and poached salmon sushi roll which was divine.

Another top restaurant I want to mention for its aesthetic interiors and delectable food is Chambao.

As a traditional steak and grill, the menu is classic dishes done to perfection.

The bread basket with an assortment of three different butters to start was outstanding, and I’m not even usually a big bread basket lover.

I opted for the pear, goat cheese, walnut salad which was beautifully presented and packed with flavour and goodness.

Whilst my boyfriend had an epic steak burger with all the extras, we couldn’t fault a thing.

Although there is no entertainment at this place, the aesthetic interiors and indoor-outdoor style of dining make for a wonderfully romantic setting for a date night dinner.

The only other place I will mention, but save the details as it deserves its own separate post, is Gitano Jungle.

We went here on our final night and were treated to an awesome show complete with disco balls hanging from the jungle canopy.

So that’s a roundup of my top restaurants in Tulum if you’re looking for an elevated dining experience beyond just the food; because every night’s a party in Tulum ❤

Tulum Travel Diaries; An Adventure Day On Bikes

March 2, 2026

Exploring Tulum on push bikes is said to be one of the best ways to get around town and see the sites, so that’s exactly what we did one delightful Tuesday afternoon in late January.

Our morning began with a stop at the Insta-famous Azulik.

Its sculptural wooden forms, woven and curved as if grown rather than built, rise from the jungle floor in perfect harmony with nature.

Walking through the installation felt peaceful and meditative, the kind of place that invites you to slow your breath and soften your thoughts.

From there, we continued our 40 minute cycle along the straight stretch of Tulum’s beach road.

Hotels peeked through palms and every so often, the Caribbean sea flashed between the trees in impossible shades of blue.

The ride itself was a long flat road cutting through the jungle canopy, but those fleeting glimpses of tropical coastline made it feel almost dreamlike.

We made it just in time for the final 3pm entry at the Tulum Mayan Ruins.

After a short walk along a neatly cleared jungle path, the ancient structures revealed themselves against the bright afternoon sky.

Dating back to the 13th century, the ruins carry a quiet strength with their weathered stone walls standing firm against centuries of sea breeze.

Iguanas seemed to rule the grounds, lounging confidently on rocks and darting through the grass, completely unbothered by passing visitors.

The most beautiful view was standing before El Castillo, the old castle perched on the cliff’s edge.

Below it, powder white sand met the endless turquoise of the Caribbean; history and horizon blending into one unforgettable view.

On our cycle back we stopped in at a lovely beachfront hotel restaurant called Mezzanine.

Serving Thai cuisine, it was exactly what we’d been craving in contrast to all of the Mexican food, and of course those beachfront views from the terrace were absolutely dreamy.

I ordered a spicy margarita because when on holiday, an afternoon cocktail is an essential!

We shared a creamy Penang chicken curry with coconut rice, fragrant and comforting in all the right ways.

A hearty curry and my favourite cocktail overlooking that picturesque beachfront, made for the perfect closing chapter to a day that felt both adventurous and beautifully unhurried all at once ❤

Tulum Travel Diaries;  My 31st Birthday Celebrations

March 1, 2026

Being a January baby, escaping the UK winter in search of warmer climates is always the best way to spend my birthday. So for our winter dose of sun at the start of this year, we jetted off to Mexico and enjoyed two glorious weeks in the coastal town of Tulum.

My birthday on the 26th January was about halfway through our holiday, and it was the most perfect sunny day in Mexico which started with some chilled time on the beach.

I had a fresh coconut to enjoy as I read my book, before dipping our feet in the ocean.

My birthday bikini of choice was this cute butter yellow number with ruffle details.

These butter yellow ruffle hot-pants were the ideal finishing touch to my beachside look.

After a few hours relaxing in our cabana, we walked down the beach to have a couples massage.

With the sound of the ocean waves and palms rustling in the light breeze, it was the most dreamy location to indulge in a massage together.

We then walked along the beach road to find the famous Escultura Ven a la Luz.

This iconic work of art by Daniel Popper is a 10 meter tall sculpture made with steel, wood, rope and greenery.

Ven a la Luz  meaning ‘Come to the Light‘, represents the harmony between people and nature and is one of the most instagrammable spots in Mexico.

An afternoon pickup was in need, so we popped into Starbucks for iced coffees and some fruit to snack on.

It was then time for a spot of shopping in the many boho-chic boutiques which line the beach road in Tulum.

I treated myself to a stunning handmade top with flared sleeves and tassels from this shop called Las Lulas.

At £80 it wasn’t cheap, but I just loved the hippy-chic vibe of this piece and the level of detail is exquisite.

Casa Pink Revolver was another lovely boutique selling gorgeous gold jewellery, so I purchased this chunky statement gold ring to add to my collection.

I was yet to choose a gift for my boyfriend to get for me, so with a Sunglasses Hut just down the street, I couldn’t resist the Miu Miu classic round shape sunnies which have been on my wish list for so long.

Not a huge amount of gifts, but each very high quality pieces which I will get a lot of wear out of both on holidays and back home.

Soon the early evening crept up on us and I was hoping for another sunset moment on the rooftop of our hotel, but a huge storm came in bringing buckets of rainfall with it, so we headed back to our room to get ready for the evening.

My birthday dinner fit was this incredible Flook The Label chocolate brown maxi beach dress that my boyfriend bought me for my 30th birthday last year in Bali.

This dress is such a flattering cut and the perfect vibe for a special evening out on holiday.

To complete the look I wore my By Alona pearl necklace, Heaven Mayhem statement gold earrings, my gold swirl bangle, ruffle mule heels from Sol Concept, and my little Bottega dupe handbag from Topshop.

Beachy, sexy and a touch of glam with the pearls, I truly felt like the birthday girl in this outfit.

My restaurant of choice for birthday dinner celebrations was Ilios Greek in the centre of the Tulum beach road.

We’d visited this place earlier in our trip and it was such a fun party vibe with delicious Greek food, we had to come back for my birthday.

In traditional Greek style we did the plate smashing which was super fun.

Then they gave everyone sparklers and we all danced on our chairs!

I ordered my all time favourite, a Greek feta salad which was simply divine.

We also shared the flatbread with hummus, a hearty moussaka, and a fresh green avocado salad.

I had such a fun evening celebrating my birthday and was even surprised with a cupcake and candle from my boyfriend back at our hotel to finish the night.

Another wonderful birthday spent in paradise with the sand between my toes, sunshine on my skin and a big smile on my face; hello chapter 31 ❤

Tulum Eats; Sunday Scenes At Casa Banana

February 28, 2026

When searching the best restaurants to eat in Tulum, one place that came up time and again on recommendation was Casa Banana.

A restaurant with Argentinian roots, the open firewood kitchen is the centrepiece of this warm and rustic dining experience.

It was buzzing on a Sunday night so we had a short wait for our table, but we were pleased to be seated on the high tables at the front, giving us a great view of the bustling restaurant.

We were welcomed by our lovely waiter with an appetiser of smoked hummus toast.

The wood fired beets with goat cheese, garlic chips and balsamic emulsion sounded simply divine and it was one of my favourite dishes of the trip.

My boyfriend ordered the six hour roasted short ribs with black pepper sauce and dominó potatoes; the meat was so succulent it melted in the mouth.

We also shared the arugula salad with aged grana padano slices and citrus vinaigrette.

Everything was delicious, the service was brilliant and the restaurant was a vibe on a Sunday evening.

If you’re visiting Tulum I’d highly recommend Casa Banana as a top restaurant with the complete package.

Warm and inviting interiors, lovely friendly staff, a bustling ambience and of course, exquisite food cooked over traditional wood and fire ❤

Tulum Travel Diaries; Jungle Sunsets Hit Different

February 23, 2026

From the peaceful oasis of our rooftop at Hotelito Azul in Tulum, sundown felt like a private show from nature on repeat every night just for us.

Each evening we’d make our way up to the hotel rooftop, barefoot and sun-kissed from the day, quietly anticipating the main event.

No beach crowds, no music; just us, the sky and the endless stretch of jungle unfolding in every direction.

Of course we added a touch of extra romance with a lovely bottle of vino and some nibbles too.

From up there, Tulum felt wild and untouched, a sea of luscious green treetops rolling towards the horizon.

Those jungle sunsets just hit different with the sun dipping gently behind layers of green, disappearing into the earth as if the jungle itself is cradling it for the night.

The air cools, the breeze softens, and the sky lingers in pastel hues long after the sun has gone to bed.

Then before you know it, twilight is upon us and the moon glows majestically up above, before dusk soon rolls in and the night sky takes over.

It became our favourite part of our evenings in Tulum, a golden hour goodnight wrapped in warmth, colour and serenity ❤

Goodnight from Tulum XOXO

Tulum Travel Diaries; Bagatelle Friday Sundowners

February 17, 2026

I can’t think of a better way to spend a Friday early evening on holiday than taking a stroll down the playa at golden hour and breathing in every hue of the stunning skies as the sun sets.

We arrived at Bagatelle just in time for the horizon awash with pink candy floss tones before the twilight hours were upon us.

Set upon the iconic Playa Paraiso overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Bagatelle Tulum seamlessly mixes the luxury of its French brand with that boho chic Tulum vibe.

My Friday fit were these super cute ASOS butter yellow ruffle hot-pants, paired with a white cropped satin blouse layered over a cream bandeau bikini top, my Sol Concept ruffle heeled mules, and a Topshop butter yellow handbag to match the buttermilk tones of the fit.

And not forgetting plenty of gold and pearl summer themed jewellery and a pair of Celine sunnies to complete the look. I’m obsessed with the subtle ruffle details of this fit and you simply can’t go wrong with butter yellow for summer.

As we sipped our cocktails and watched dusk roll in, it felt like our very own little piece of the French Riviera in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

We enjoyed impeccable service and an electric ambiance that blends laid-back luxury with beachside party vibes.

Cheers to the weekend from Bagatelle Tulum ❤

Dressed Up In Love; A Valentines Date Night Out

February 15, 2026

We’re not usually ones to celebrate Valentines Day and would normally opt for a home cooked meal over going out, but with Valentines Day falling on a Saturday this year, it was an excuse to make our usual date night that little bit more special.

The Valentines outfit of the night was built around my killer snakeskin boot heels which did all the talking. I paired them with these Topshop black skinny jeans, a Missguided nude pink tie front blouse layered over this maroon lace bralet, my vintage gold heart necklace for a nod to the love theme, and my oversized brown fur coat to complete the look.

My Sandro green velvet handbag and these stunning Heaven Mayhem pearl statement earrings added an extra touch of glam to the fit; pearls are so chic and timeless, I’m obsessed.

We had early 6pm dinner reservations at Cosy Club in Basingstoke Festival Place.

Our preference for dinner would’ve been Cote, however they were fully booked so Cosy Club was our next best option and the vibes were on point for Valentines night.

I had the sticky Asian cauliflower salad with kimchi, shredded leaves, pickled mooli, edamame beans and a rice wine dressing which was delicious and full of spicy flavour.

My boyfriend opted for the flat iron steak served with peppercorn sauce, fries, caesar salad and a side of macaroni cheese.

The food came quickly, it was all nicely presented and the service from our waiter was very friendly. Overall a lovely dinner which exceeded our expectations.

Following dinner we had the cinema booked for 7:50pm and I was super excited to see the highly anticipated Wuthering Heights movie.

Fresh popcorn at the cinema is a must and some wine with the movie was another treat being our Valentines date night.

We don’t go to the cinema very often as we have such a great setup at home, so we booked the best seats in the house and felt very comfy indeed in our recliner premium seats.

Wuthering Heights was brilliant and the perfect romantic movie for a Valentines cinema trip.

It was nice to switch it up from our usual date night drill and fully switch off from the outside world for a few hours to enjoy the magic of the movie.

Hope you all had a gorgeous Valentines Day too ❤