Discovering Tulum has been on my list for a while now. My friend Claire, who I recently featured in a post about appreciating friends, wrote a perfect go-to guide to Tulum I’ve had bookmarked in my Travel Lust folder for a while now. When Pandora Jewelry reached out to me to bring to life their summer collection, some of which are inspired by palm leaves, I knew my dreams of Tulum would come true.

Traveling is always such an adventure. You have a mental image of what a place is going to be and then what it is in actuality once you get there. Tulum is that fantasy place, bohemian and still a bit wild so much that you can’t believe a place like this still exists. I’m sure 30 years ago it was even more authentic. Everything is a bit sandy, a lot of locals do not speak English, air conditioning doesn’t really exist, nor the need to wear shoes. In Tulum, you’re supposed to spend your days on the beach, keeping life simple and natural.

I chose three key pieces of Pandora Jewelry’s summer collection to take with me, the Tropical Palm Ring, Tropical Palm Necklace and Tropicana charms which felt appropriate with their graphic leafy palm tree patterns that mimicked the canopy of leaves I quite often relaxed under as a respite from the afternoon sun. I love that now, since my return, when I look at these pieces I’m instantly transported back into that summery feeling from this Mexican oasis.

See my discovery of Tulum, what I wore, where we stayed and more below!

Above~ Waiting to go to dinner at Hartwood in Rachel Zoe’s Leona Ottoman Linen dress, with Pandora Jewelry’s Tropical Palm Ring, and Tropicana charm bracelet and all natural hand woven tote I picked up at Coqui Coqui. 

We stayed at the Papaya Playa Project which we enjoyed very much. It’s comprised of white adobe buildings you maze your way through. We had a “New Casita” which was a two floor loft facing the ocean with huge bathtub on the 2nd story porch. 

   

Below~ Relaxing in the mid-afternoon in our Casita in Tibi Hanae Eyelet Midi Dress in Terracotta, Pandora Jewelry Tropical Palm Ring, Tropical Palm Necklace and Tropicana charms 

Caught in the ocean breeze in a Tibi (remember when I went to Charleston with them?) wrap dress in Mizu Blue, Soludos slingback sandals, Pandora Tropical Palm Ring, and Tropicana charm 

Our favorite lunch spot in Tulum was at Coqui, Coqui which had light and fresh salads and amazing ceviche. 

  

Coqui Coqui is mostly known for their perfumery which focuses on bringing to life all the natural aromas of the Yucatan Peninsula. I purchased the Orange Blossom linen spray which I now ration feverishly because it’s the most heavenly thing to spray on your sheets before bed. Below, you can see more of their handcrafted items they offer in store. 

Above~ in the lobby of Coqui Coqui before lunch in a Creatures of the Wind (remember when I went to Provence with them?!) linen dress. 

Below~ Exploring the Mayan ruins.

I loved watching each sunset on the beach turn into a explosion of pinks, greens, purples and blues. Above in Tibi Momo Peach dress and Pandora Jewelry Tropical Palm Necklace

Above~ Kevin waits for a taxi pickup. You can get around Tulum by bike quite easily but for further distances it’s very easy to catch a cab. 

Below~ Wondering around our resort barefoot in a white Tibi wrap dress and Pandora Jewelry Tropical Palm Ring, Tropical Palm Necklace and Tropicana charms

Below~ Details of the tropical inspired Pandora pieces I wore for our trip: Tropical Palm Ring, Tropical Palm Necklace and Tropicana charms

Above~ The most recommended place in Tulum, Hartwood, lived up to its reputation. We loved it. I would say, the best ceviche of my life. Everything is cooked over an open fire you can watch, the cocktails are incredible and the menu is very limited, based on what is available for that day. You *must* make reservations which is done by showing up in person at 2pm and getting a time slot for that evening. There is no calling and if you’re late they are probably already booked for the night. 

Above & Below~ Waiting to go to dinner at Hartwood in Rachel Zoe’s Leona Ottoman Linen dress, with Pandora Jewelry’s Tropical Palm Ring, and Tropicana charm bracelet and all natural hand woven tote I picked up at Coqui Coqui. 

Below~ Snapshots from around town

This was one of Claire’s highly recommended places and she was right, they are the best fruit pops in the world at Flor de Michoacan. It was quite a long bike ride into town, however, you can check out all the little tourists shops where they sell hammocks and leather goods. 

Above~ Enjoying a Kiwi pop in a J.Crew shirt dress (I originally bought to wear in the Amazon) and Pandora Jewelry Tropicana charm bracelet

    

Thanks to PANDORA Universe for these amazing travel moments.

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Want more Wanderlust? Check out more of my travels to:

Peru || Bali || Brazi || Paris || Chile || Africa || Florence