Vacationing at Maya Tulum Resort

Earlier this month, I took a relaxing few days off and vacationed at Maya Tulum Resort in Mexico. I was so excited to be back in Mexico, and had been wanting to go to Tulum for some beach time and hiking in the ruins. The first and last time I was in Mexico was July 2014 when I went to Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita.

Getting to Tulum was easy. I flew into Cancún International Airport and took a SuperShuttle to Tulum, which took approximately two hours away. 

As soon as I got to Maya Tulum Resort, I was welcomed with a glass of pineapple orange juice and cold, refreshing lavender towel upon check-in. I was also given a map of the resort along with the yoga schedule, as yoga was available every morning and afternoon. My bags were then carried to my Ocean View Cabana right on the beach. My friend who flew in from the West Coast had already arrived. 

The view from our cabana and the sound of the waves were just breathtaking! I've always wanted to experience staying in place that had a thatched roof. Our cabana had two double beds, with shimmering netting draped over them. The bathroom had an open shower, and organic shampoo, conditioner, body wash and hand soap. There's a safe in the room, ceiling fans, and freestanding fans, plenty of drinking water, but no television and no wifi access. If you're anticipating wifi, you can only access it in the guest reception and dining areas. Since the resort is right on the beach, you're either going to want to walk around in flip flops or barefoot. At every front door, even in front of the dining hall and yoga studio, are small stone baths to dip your feet and wipe the sand off. 

We started the last two mornings with yoga. Our Monday morning session was with Audra for hip opening / vinyasa yoga, where you have your movements synchronized to your breathing. The Tuesday morning session was with Eugenia, for lyengar yoga, which is focused on the precision and alignment of posture, in holding the poses, and using the blocks and strap. The yoga and instructors were really great, explaining each step, guiding you through it and making sure you are following through properly. In New York City, I don't have the luxury of such small yoga classes. I much rather prefer yoga classes like this where there's only 6-8 people per class. I'm by no means advanced at yoga, but I was able to really focus in each class and keep up. For the lyengar yoga class, it was very interesting because we used the back wall for the class, and learned the fundamentals of doing a handstand. 

After yoga class, we then headed to breakfast, which was complimentary every morning from 8-10am. The buffet style breakfast had several options, including scrambled eggs, black beans, chilaquiles, waffles, and oatmeal. My favorite was the french toast and yogurt, which tasted incredible with fresh fruit, honey and an amazing passion fruit jam! 

Aside from beach time at the resort, we walked around the local area which is very chilled and relaxed, consisting of other resorts, shops and restaurants. If you're into biking, it's a great way to get around the area. Otherwise it was safe to walk around, even at night, since we only walking for about 10-15 minutes to get to the restaurants. There are also plenty of cabs driving by at all times. We tried out a few outdoor spots for lunch and dinner, including Mateos Mexican Grill (the Baja fish tacos were really good), El Diez, an Argentinean steakhouse (great rib eye!) and Puro Corazón (with an interesting steak with coffee-rubbed steak). 

We did enjoy a special dinner on Monday night at Maya Tulum on Monday night, compliments of the resort and Chef Jose Luis Frias, who prepared a very special menu for us. The restaurant serves authentic Mexican vegetarian meals. As an appetizer we started with a shrimp tartar, a salad with beets, kale and sweet potatoes (loved this), and for the main entree grilled snapper with tomato sauce and string beans. The dessert was my favorite part, with caramelized apples and pistachio ice cream topped with mint leaves. The food was very fresh and tasty, and the staff was extremely accommodating. 

On Sunday, we took a cab to the Mayan Ruins. Get there as early as possible, as it was very humid and hot, and gets crowded very fast. I also recommend hitting the beach afterwards since you're already right there! We decided to spend our afternoon lounging at Villa Pescadores hotel and beach club. We had a rock shrimp for lunch and piña coladas (note that rock shrimp is a lot smaller than a Maine lobster and was not cheap! It was $60+ USD). Our pricey lunch was worth it though, to have such a prime, shaded spot on the beach. 

On Monday, we scheduled a trip to the Cenotes Dos Ojos, as recommended by the resort, and also great to go to on a cloudy/rainy day when you can't enjoy the beach. They had made our taxi reservation for us ($45 USD per person) which was round-trip but also waits for you while you are at the Cenotes. I'm not much of a swimmer so I decided to skip the last cave with the bats. The water was about 70 degrees, so we opted for the wetsuits and lifejackets, yet watch your head in the caves because they don't have helmets you can rent. I should have also rented fins because my legs got really tired quickly. It's about an hour and a half to swim through all three caves. There's also a restaurant on site if you get hungry afterwards. 

The start of a tropical storm did take me by surprise during our last night at the resort. We had gotten two nights of amazing sleep with the sound of the ocean at our windows, but the last night was nothing but heavy rain and wind. The storm caused drops of rain and some debris to come through our roof but we survived it!

Overall, we had an incredibly relaxing time, surrounded by friendly guests and hospitable staff. The resort itself had a very exclusive vibe. There was a yoga retreat going on while we were there and though the dining hall was very busy during dinner time, you would only occasionally see guests out and about. I was well aware that it's the rainy season, and there were also mounds of seaweed washed up on the shore and coming in with every wave (note that seaweed is actually really good for you so I didn't really mind). We actually got a fair amount of beach time and sun before the tropical storm started. I didn't have time to book a massage or facial but Maya Tulum does offer a variety of spa treatments which all sounds amazing. Their different treatments are listed on their website, along with any information you need to prepare for your visit at mayatulum.com.

A big thank you to Maya Tulum Resort for hosting such an amazing getaway vacation! 

Ocean Front Cabana

Morning yoga

Restaurant at Maya Tulum

Salad with beets, kale and sweet potatoes 

Grilled Snapper with tomato sauce and string beans

Caramelized apples and pistachio ice cream topped with mint leaves 

Mayan Ruins

At Villa Pescadores

Cenotes Dos Ojos

- Kim Weling

Life Time Athletic at Sky's Summer Solstice Event

On the eve of Summer Solstice, June 20th, I enjoyed a rooftop yoga class at Life Time Athletic at Sky at 605 W. 42nd Street. It was the perfect way to celebrate the start of summer! Following the yoga class, we enjoyed signature cocktails, food and film screening of Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story on the SkyDeck. It truly felt like a staycation right in the city. The view of the city was absolutely gorgeous and it was incredibly relaxing to sit poolside after the yoga class. I would definitely love to explore more of this luxury health club. 

- Kim Weling

Get Ready for the Holidays with B Collection By Bobeau, Hollie Watman and bobble

Get ready for the holidays and with the B by Bobeau Pop Up Shop in the Meatpacking District, at 410 West 14th Street. It's the perfect stopover for your last-minute gifts or picking up new activewear to get ready for the new year! 

I first checked out the pop up shop on December 10th, during a complimentary yoga class to help us get fit and ready for the holidays. The yoga class was hosted by B Collection By Bobeau, Exhale Spa, Hollie Watman, bobble and Rebbl.

After the class I previewed Hollie Watman's athleisure wear collection, and put together an outfit. I immediately fell in love with Hollie Watman's orchid print mesh contour capris (if you love mesh detailing you'll love Hollie Watman, and the XS is a great fit!), which I paired with the B Collection By Bobeau Iris tank in black. bobble helped us stay hydrated for our yoga class, keeping our water cold and refreshing. I love the fashionable colors of the bobble Insulate bottles, especially the  Holiday Insulate designs. I also got to sample some of Rebbl's elixirs, with Maca Mocha as my favorite. 

This is the first ever B Collection By Bobeau retail store in NYC, and the first time I've ever tried their clothing on, which has a great fit and is super comfy! Hollie Watman's NY-based label was just launched in 2016, with a focus on swim and activewear pieces inspired by travel and art. 

The pop up will be around until mid-January, so if you can't make it there before the holidays be sure to make it there after!

It's always great running into Lara of Pretty Connected! She looks amazing in her Hollie Watman outfit. How cool is that mesh hoodie? You can wear it over your swimsuit or workout wear.

- Kim Weling

Menla R&R Hiking Retreat in the Catskills

One of the highlights of the summer was the R&R Hiking Retreat at Menla Mountain Retreat Center for Health and Happiness, from July 8-10th in Phoenicia, NY. Menla is nestled in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, on a tranquil and peaceful 320 acres of forest preserve. Menla, just turning 15, operates as a nonprofit organization sponsored by Tibet House US, hosting approximately 80 retreats a year, from April to November. 

The hiking retreat is the perfect getaway for starting your mornings with yoga, experiencing a variety of beautiful hikes, indulging in spa treatments at Mahasukha Spa, enjoy amenities such as the swimming pool, tennis courts and fitness room and eating amazing gourmet vegetarian cuisine sourced from the organic garden. There's a lot to explore in just one weekend, and Menla's retreat makes it easy to enjoy with a schedule of activities. Here's a breakdown of what my weekend looked like. 

Friday, July 8th

5pm: I had a pretty packed itinerary for the hiking retreat, from the moment I got there. After check-in, my first stop was to my deluxe single room at the Kathmandu House, named after the capital of Nepal. My room was located on the second floor of the two-story chalet-style building, with a Queen size bed, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. I had actually brought my laptop on my trip but trust me - you are going to want to leave that at home. I was easily able to get through emails, texts and social media posts on my phone. 

6-7pm: I was introduced to Michael, Menla's Executive Director, and Lynn, Mahasukha Spa's Director and enjoyed a lovely dinner with Robert & Nena Thurman, who are parents to actress Uma Thurman. Robert is Menla's Spiritual Director and President of Tibet House US and Nena is the Managing Director of Menla Mountain Retreat and Tibet House US. 

Dinner was amazing! Roasted Creole Monkfish with Garden Ranch Sauce, Tangy Collards + Mushrooms, Succotash Skillet Cornbread, Watermelon Gazpacho, and Cherry Berry Cashew Cheesecake for dessert. 

7:30pm: Over at Mahasukha Spa, Michael, Lynn and Nena took us through an overview and Q&A on Menla. We then got a quick tour of the spa, steam rooms and saunas. 

Saturday, July 9th

7:30 - 8:30am: We started the morning off with Tibetan 5 Rites Yoga & Breathing Practices at the Vintage Barn with Nidhi Huba. I have never taken this type of yoga class, which is more focused on spirituality, breathing and stretching than your typical yoga class. It's the type of yoga class that everyone can participate regardless of what level you are at. 

8:30-9:30am: Breakfast couldn't get any better! Avocado Egg Nests with Sundried Tomato, along with Steel Cut Oatmeal with Peach Sauce and Vanilla Chia Pudding.

9:30am: It was time for our hike! We went on the Giant Ledge trail, with peak elevation at 3,725 feet. This was an intermediate trail, and it took us about 4 hours to get through the hike. It was raining for part of the hike, so it got slippery going up but the manmade trail made it easier to climb. It was completely foggy at the top, but glad we made it up there! I would definitely love to hike along this trail again and see the view when it's clear. 

1:30pm - 4:00pm: I was running about a half hour late for my spa appointment, which was supposed to start with the Five Nectars healing bath, which includes artemesia (mugwort), juniper berries, ephedra, cedar leaves and rhododendron, all wild-harvested. I spent about 30 minutes in the soothing bath, and was then ready for my full-body Tibetan KuNye Massage. It was the most unbelievable massage I have ever had! It included some hot stone therapy, stick therapy and cupping. Essential oils, including rhododendron and forest were chosen and worked into my skin. By the end of the massage, I had felt any negative energy leave my body, and my mind and body felt completely connected and stress-free. Nicole, my aesthetician, has had extensive training on the Tibetan KuNye massage techniques, and I highly recommend her. It's hard to go back to a regular massage after having one like this one! 

4:00pm: After my massage I was ready for a late lunch - salad with vegan chili and beans and went back to my room to get showered and dressed for the wine reception. 

5:00 - 6:00pm: We enjoyed a lovely wine reception hosted by Robert & Nena Thurman with hors d'oeuvres created by Executive Chef Charles Goodall.

6:00 - 7:00pm: It was time to enjoy a delicious dinner, of Sake Simmered Sakana (Fish), Sesame Crusted Tofu and Garlic, Carrot Ginger Sauce, Miso Yaki Origiri (Rice Balls) and Roasted Bok Choy, and Pate a Choux for dessert.

7:30pm - 9:00pm: The night ended with a group sound healing session with Nidhi - laying down with our eyes closed, we focused on acoustic instruments and the sound of Nidhi's voice, leaving us relaxed.

Sunday, July 10

7:30 - 8:30am: Nidhi walked us through our last yoga class of Tibetan 5 Rites Yoga & Breathing Practices. 

8:30-9:00am: Another amazing breakfast, and this time with Cloud Eggs! Check out my interview with Chef Charles below as he demonstrates how to make Cloud Eggs and walks us through how to make baked Avocado Egg Nests.

11:00am: To allow us some free time, we decided not to go on the morning hike, and instead ended up wandering around. We were going to get moving on the trail ourselves but ended up getting lost and not hiking to far from where we started. 

12:00pm: We enjoyed our last meal of the day - Creamy Lentils, Crispy Smashed Potatoes, Patty Pans with Zuccini Garlic Scape, Raddicchio, Endive, Fennel and Dijon. 

1:00pm - 2:00pm: For the last hour of the trip, I decided to head back over to the spa to use the sauna. We would have loved to enjoy the pool but the rain all weekend put a damper on that.  

This was the most relaxing, spiritual and peaceful retreats I had ever been on. I definitely intend to come back, even for a day or overnight trip. My favorite moments were definitely my spa experience, the hiking, and all the amazing food (I ate at least two plates during each meal). One helpful tidbit of yoga advice that Nidhi had offered was that baby pose with breath of fire for 3 minutes is equivalent to 2 hours of sleep. This is a great way to start my day, especially when I only get 4-5 hours of sleep. 

If you decide to visit on your own instead of going on a retreat, there is a $30 spa day fee, with meals priced individually. 

The next R&R Hiking Getaway is October 7-10th but Menla also hosts a variety of retreats throughout the year. The retreats includes your room, complementary massage, access to the steam rooms and saunas, morning yoga and hikes. 

Thank you to everyone at Menla, who had made my stay an inviting one. It was such a peaceful and friendly environment to be in, away from the everyday stress of work and city life. Now that it's fall, it's the perfect time to go hiking! 

 - Kim Weling