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Mexico’s most idyllic beach retreat yet

Where palm trees, white sand, day beds and the Caribbean Sea come together in the best possible way – welcome to the delightful Papaya Playa Project in Tulum, Mexico.

Palm tree-lined jungle, a white sand beach dotted with day beds, the Caribbean Sea a barefoot stroll away… the Papaya Playa Project is the kind of place you want to be marooned (BYO Wilson).

Papaya Playa Project overlooks a deliciously warm Caribbean Sea
Papaya Playa Project overlooks a deliciously warm Caribbean Sea.

Location

This unique property in Tulum is far removed from the flashy resorts in the tourist hotspots it’s sandwiched between (Cancun is roughly 130 kilometres north and Playa del Carmen 70 kilometres south).

The decor

Originally designed as a communal playground for creatives in the form of a pop-up hotel, it’s thankfully here to stay and has been given the über cool Design Hotels touch with a refreshingly pared back, barefoot luxury, bohemian vibe.

The food

The hotel has a strong sustainable ethos, sourcing local food for its light Mexican fare-based menu, as well as using green products, recycled water and low-pressure showers and toilets.

It's easy to feel at home in Tulum at a place like this
It’s easy to feel at home in Tulum at a place like this.

The design

The 85 palapa-thatch roof cabañas and casitas have been ecologically built with local materials and designed with the bare necessities.

 

Open planning takes advantage of gentle sea breezes with fresh colours, simple furnishings, cosy beds (some with mosquito nets), and the real clincher – no power.

 

But who needs to stare at a screen when you can gaze out at the breathtaking Caribbean Sea?

Ocean views from guest suites at Papya Playa Project.

To really get into the swing of your castaway-style holiday, pull up a chair (or a hammock, if you’re lucky) on your private deck for an afternoon margarita-induced siesta.

 

As we said, bare necessities.

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Details

Price: Ocean front cabana from $209 per night

 

Website: papayaplayaproject.com

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Join whale researchers on this private luxury island in Panama

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    This luxury private island stay in Central America is taking whale watching to a whole new level.

    The only thing better than spotting humpback whales as they make their yearly migration? Doing so during a stay on a private 14-island archipelago set off Panama’s Pacific coast. Which is exactly what you can experience during the soon-to-be-launched Whale Weeks program on Islas Secas, as part of its wider Marine Safari experience for guests.

    What is Islas Secas?

    islas secas aerial
    Islas secas is nestled off Panama’s Pacific coast.

    Located 20 miles off Panama’s Pacific coast, and on the doorstep to the region’s incredible marine environments, Islas Secas offers luxury accommodation across three properties: Casitas, Tented Casitas and Casa Cavada. The latter is the crown jewel, a four-bedroom exclusive-use super-villa perched high on the cliffs for seemingly endless views of the ocean. Not to mention it’s surrounded by tranquil rainforest. On the property itself, find a semi-Olympic-sized infinity pool, and indoor and outdoor dining areas.

    Islas Secas sits within a vast marine ecosystem, boasting abundant wildlife, the largest Pacific coral reefs in Panama and two protected marine parks. This is why the property focuses on guest experiences to deepen the learning and engagement of the environment around them.

    What to expect from Whale Weeks?

    Humpback Whale jumping on its back near islas secas
    The resort’s marine program will focus on humpback whales in August.

    Whale Weeks will be a month-long program starting in August, designed to showcase the annual humpback whale migration. Guests will have direct access to the waters, researchers and conservation work surrounding this annual event.

    Hear first-hand field stories from, and ask questions of, marine mammal scientists working for Panacetacea, who will be living on site for the entire month. Join expert-led whale-watching expeditions, take part in Whale Songs & Science sessions exploring humpback behaviour and acoustic monitoring and listen to whale vocalisations recorded through hydrophones.

    Once they’ve left the water, guests can become part of the research team by uploading whale photographs to Happywhale, contributing to a global database that helps researchers and citizen scientists identify individual whales and track migration patterns.

    While the focus may be on the humpbacks, guests will get a look into other underwater residents as well – including Panacetacea’s recent confirmation of a resident population of Bryde’s whales. Guests will be able to learn how scientists use field observation, drone work, acoustic monitoring and habitat mapping to understand their behaviour and distribution.

    Whale Week sits within Islas Secas’ wider Marine Safari offering, which also includes snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, nature cruises, conservation talks, birdwatching and private island excursions.

    The details

    islas secas pool
    Spend your downtime relaxing by the pool.

    Dates: Whale Weeks run throughout the month of August, but wider Marine Safari offerings can be enjoyed year-round
    Cost:     Starting from $3500 per night on an all-inclusive basis, including all dining and drinks, one spa treatment per guest/per stay and a variety of activities on and off-island.
    Contact:     islassecas.com or call 800-377-8877.

    Mexico's most idyllic beach retreat yet - International Traveller Magazine