A recent article in the New York Times pondered where the next Tulum might be. They pointed towards the Yucatan Peninsula as a place of rare beauty and appeal, and towards Tulum for its ability to have remained off of the general tourist “radar” for decades. Though more and more are familiar with this stunning destination, it proves that it is still one of those rare gems and a hidden treasure, and it is why you will want to book your upcoming winter holiday in Tulum, and consider Villa Casa Chukum as your ultimate destination and retreat.
Escape to the Sea
An oceanfront hideaway it is tucked against the sparkling white sands of the Mayan Riviera and yet it manages to capture the essence of the tropical setting with lots of shaded and verdant areas to enjoy. It is a luxurious, four-bedroom home that manages to erase the lines between interior and exterior spaces and ensures you don’t miss one moment of those dazzling sea breezes or the dappled shade coming in from outdoors.
The pool area is an especially appealing part of any visit as it is steps from the sand but screened from sight by a native stone wall fitted with an elegant fountain to create the tinkling music of moving water. An oversized plunge pool framed by a wooden deck and two wings of the villa, it is furnished as the ultimate private al fresco lounge. With a hanging basket chair, oversized wooden lounges, and the swaying palms above, it is a complete paradise.
The villa also features an immense veranda that gazes right out to the beach. While that may seem as if it eliminates privacy, don’t worry because the veranda actually gazes out to a swath of private beach screened by a row of mature palms, native plants, and a rustic gazebo. There are two full-sized sun beds, as well.
The veranda is also the ultimate outdoor living area as it too is fully furnished as a lounge and dining space. And while rustic charm pervades the exterior, inside it is all about elegance and style. The oversized living room features a huge banquette that can do double duty as a sleek day bed. Gazing to the sea and sands, it may be a favorite spot to watch the night skies or enjoy a siesta in the afternoons.
Eclectic, tropically-inspired Interior
Decorated in an eclectic, tropically-inspired style, it features floor to ceiling glass doors that run from the living room and great room area into the kitchen. The great room features terra cotta flooring, a palette that emphasizes cream and sea blue against natural wood, and includes a formal dining room and open-air kitchen. The dining area features organic and inspired natural wood seating and an enormous table, while the kitchen is a modern marvel. Equipped with the very best appliances, it includes a kitchen bar, and large island work space, and it opens directly to the al fresco dining on the veranda.
The four bedrooms are as inspired as the rest of the villa. There is a dual queen master suite that opens directly to the plunge pool, allowing you to enjoy the sound of the fountain, the gentle whispers of the swaying palms, and the lovely light. It has a private living room area that also opens to the verandah, and features a remarkably elegant bathroom with some al fresco spaces, including an open to the sky area above the sink.
An upper level bedroom features its own balcony and spacious luxury bath with carved stone basins and amazing views. Another bedroom features a queen bed and large, private bath, and a small bunk room above makes it a perfect family suite. There is also a children’s suite designed specifically to appeal to kids, which offers a large and private bath.
Things to Do in Tulum
And though the villa itself is the ultimate getaway as it places you along the white sands and offers an endless number of indoor and outdoor spaces to savor, there are many things in the immediate area to enjoy. Tulum, after all, is that still lesser known gem of the region.
To make the most of a visit we strongly suggest those in luxury villas like Casa Chukum speak to their concierge about booking a driver and visiting the area’s “cenotes”. There are more than one million of them scattered throughout all of Mexico, and the Yucatan Peninsula is home to some of the most astonishing. They are, in essence, deep caves created when the ceiling of the cave collapsed and made an opening to the land above. The ancient Mayans considered them sacred and relied on them as their sole sources of fresh water.
Today, you can enjoy swimming in them, and they are sure to be a memorable part of your stay.
If you are eager to experience one of the most mysterious and inspiring things in Tulum, you must visit the ruins. The area takes its name from the ancient Mayan peoples of the region, who used it as a base from the 1200s to the 1400s. They are considered the most intact of all Mayan remains in the region, and their position above the sea make them even more visually stunning.
And as one expert in the area said, “the Temple of the Frescoes is one of the must-sees, with haunting paintings on its interior walls and figurines of the ‘diving god’ in niches on its façade,” and is find along the defensive wall outside of the ruins.
Take time to visit Sian Ka’an, the cenote known as Sistema Sac Actun, and the beaches below the ruins, among other amazing sights. The point should be to take in much of Tulum’s natural and historic beauty. It is a hidden gem, but many worry that it may be discovered soon. If you want to see it before it becomes crowded, take time to book your winter vacation to gorgeous Casa Chukum and discover for yourself why so many want to keep Tulum their little secret.