Mexico
Tulum: Sunshine and Music in the Mexican Caribbean
Article and photography by Jennifer Merrick
Young and old, locals and visitors alike mingled in ZAMNA Park in Tulum, Mexico, on a sultry summer evening for the inaugural Mexican Caribbean Music Festival (MCMF). The convivial atmosphere amplified as the music began to play. First up was a popular Mexican band with funky costumes and a catchy beat. Next, a Colombian group, Los Aterciopelados, took the stage, and the audience cheered and danced to their songs of empowerment that resonate throughout Latin America.
But nothing compared to the crowd’s reaction when Sting stepped into the spotlight. At age 73, this British superstar has still got it all going on. The festival’s 20,000 attendees, myself included, joined in as he belted out hit after hit, including Roxanne, Every Breath You Take and Every Little Thing She Does is Magic. We felt a little bit of magic in the air ourselves, and the first MCFC was deemed a success.
The annual event will be held each year in May, and it promises to draw more visitors to the region. Located on the shores of the Yucatan Peninsula, about 80 miles from Cancun, Tulum has become an increasingly popular Mexican vacation destination.
Its white-sand beaches, bohemian-chic vibe, and proximity to ancient Maya ruins make it irresistible to travelers seeking both natural beauty and culture. And now Tulum is even easier to get to. The opening of Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO)in late 2023 means direct international flights from North America and Europe.
Besides rocking out to Sting at the MCMF, some of the highlights of our visit to Tulum included:
Swimming in a Cenote
The Yucatán Peninsula’s limestone shelf has a secret world beneath its surface. Cenotes are natural sinkholes resulting from the collapse of the soft rock, revealing hidden groundwater pools. The Mayans considered them sacred gateways to the underworld.
We ventured to the Atik Cenote, a short drive from the town centre, and it felt like stepping into a dreamscape. The natural park was filled with jungle-shrouded art installations, including massive sculptures and walls of colorful skulls. But nothing compared to Mother Nature’s artistry with the emerald green water of the cenote surrounded by rock. Swimming in its refreshing water with the sunlight filtering down was a surreal and unforgettable experience.
Dining at Mestixa
Tulum’s dining scene has evolved rapidly, now boasting everything from barefoot beachfront cevicherías to multi-course tasting menus.
Our favorite meal of the trip was at Mestixa, a Michelin-recognized restaurant in downtown Tulum. Its Asian–Mexican fusion menu was playful and scrumptious: pork belly bao with smoky salsa, Birria Ramen and house-made caramel ice cream served on a chilled pineapple.
Luxuriating in the Sounds and Sights of the Caribbean Ocean
As much as I enjoyed Sting’s performance, there was another show I relished – listening to the waves and watching the ocean on my balcony at the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort. This beautiful property is a sanctuary of modern luxury, and all 735 of its rooms feature a private balcony. Waking up to the sunrise over the Caribbean and falling asleep to the rhythmic sound of the waves was a concert all its own.
As it turns out, I wasn’t the only one enchanted by this corner of the Mexican Caribbean. Sting himself often vacations in Tulum, and after experiencing its intoxicating blend of sun, sea, and song, it’s easy to understand why.
