I enjoyed Mexico far too much to choose a favourite thing about it.
I loved the food, the people, the sunshine, the music, the drinks, the ever changing sea, the sand that felt like warm velvet underfoot, just everything about the place.
Though if I were really pushed, I’d probably say the cenotes.
I’ve just never experienced anything like them anywhere else in the world. Perfect, crystal clear, fresh water, turquoise pools, bathed in sunshine, begging to be lept into.
Nothing wants to bite you, eat you, sting you, it’s almost as though they’re protected little bubbles – created just for the pleasure of you and the visiting birds.
Magical. There’s no other word for them.
This felt especially true of Casa Cenote, just outside Tulum.
We went early one morning and had the whole place to ourselves for hours.
Our own private paradise, shared only with a few fish dancing in the dappled light.
We paddled through the shallows, formed by smooth rocks, jutting out into the middle of the great pool.
So perfect it could have been made by the most talented of architects; someone who specialises in natural pools and wanted you to have a nice, gentle way to ease yourself into the water.
Nature’s diving board!
The water is some of the purest I’ve ever experienced.
Cool, clear and quite breathtaking.
This particular cenote is surrounded by mangroves.
Their roots creep into the depths and create a lush oasis in the Mexican heat, filled with curious singing birds.
We hired a kayak from the cenote’s gate keeper and paddled our way to the furthest reaches of the winding pool.
Breaking our way through the morning mists and watching the sunshine dance on the surface.
Hopping on and off for the occasional dip here and there.
Mermaid mummy!
Exhausted from swimming and laughing, we stretched out on some submerged, moss covered rocks.
So soft it felt like a cashmere throw, casually draped over the shaded stone.
Though you have to watch out for crocodiles protecting their spots…
Or was that a hippo?
Either way, we didn’t see another soul all morning long. Which was pretty special.
By about 11.30 we decided to head home.
Literally just as we stepped foot out of the pool a minibus of divers arrived, followed by a bigger bus of excited children.
We increased their excitement somewhat by gushing about how great it was, and headed back to the car.
Feeling very lucky with our timing!
If I could offer you one tip for exploring cenotes- go as early as you can manage. Everyone else heads over just before lunch.
And now, even in the worst case scenario, you’ll just have to share with a few Londoner readers – and they’re pretty nice!
If you need a local driver, try Juan Carlos.
He’s lovely and will wait around as long as you like, taking a little siesta beneath a tree.
Which, funnily enough, is just what I did when we got back to the hotel!
Jashita‘s new pool really is something.
Just the place to read your book and drink in the sunshine.
Or just snooze all afternoon long!
If you’re thinking of heading to Tulum, go to Casa Cenote, it’s one of the lesser known spots.
Take an underwater camera (I use this one) and your snorkel kit (we took these). Pop a bottle of water in your bag (though there is a restaurant just across a dusty track, we didn’t try it but could be fun for lunch!) and a little bit of cash, as you have to pay an entrance fee to the gatekeeper (50pesos which is just under £2).
Water magical place!
