Sneaky & Savory Shopping at Suculenta

I nearly walked right past this unmarked hidden treasure. The music in the streets was bumping, the colorful flowers and masked strangers nearly distracted me, but I somehow found this savory little shop in the bustling streets of Oaxaca during Dia de los Muertos. This mystical shop, I later learned was called Suculenta. It smelled of a wild mix of fresh herbs, cedar wood, and peppercorn upon entering which of course peaked my curiosity. 

I was warmly greeted by the only woman in the shop, who was mixing an organic mustard on a steel table and pouring it into small glass jars. I was fascinated. It was like an apothecary for pickles, jams, compotes, and spices. I went through the tester jars that were gathered on the table and was blown away by the local flavors and ingredients. They create and hand craft everything from edible oils, cheeses, and compotes to wild mushrooms from the Sierra Norte. Everything is then bottled and placed around the store on custom built wooden shelving and old antique scales. 

My favorite things on the shelves were the dill pickles, the organic honey with cardamom, and the spicy mustard I got to sample. Oaxaca is known for their incredible food, culture, and rich traditions… but the shopping is also absolutely amazing. If you are in Oaxaca, I definitely recommend popping into this sneaky little shop for a sweet and savory expedition. 

You can find Suculenta down the street from Boulanc bakery on Av. Porfirio Diaz, in the unmarked light blue building. If it’s open, the door is open. 

Xx

Where to Stay Spotlight: Mexico City

When I slowly pulled up to 90 Edgar Allan Poe in Polanco, I began to notice the immaculate greenery, beautiful dark iron detailing, and the grand Spanish revival architecture that made up the Pug Seal Boutique Hotel in Mexico City. 

As I entered through the iron gate, I suddenly felt as though I were returning home to my own private mansion for the night. As my bags were swiftly sorted, I sipped a glass of fresh Horchata and watched as the bustling and chaotic city came to a calm, and relaxing silence. 

This incredible boutique hotel is an absolute must-stay when visiting Mexico City. It is located inPolanco, which is the equivalent to Soho or Fifth Avenue in New York. There is tons of shopping, chic restaurants, and museums all within walking distance of the B&B. 

The breakfast was also amazing, I had a spinach omelette over beans and a side of pancakes with Mexican coffee. From the tastefully curated interior design to the modern nuances like Apple TV and USB charging stations, I was in absolute heaven staying here. I rented a standard double room for $175, but upgraded to the penthouse suite when I arrived, as it was only $95 more and was easily three times the size. The pricing is extremely moderate for the style and service, and the location couldn’t get any better. 

The next time I’m in Mexico City… you’ll know where to find me. 

Xx

In a Cenote Daydream

One of the days during our time in Tulum, my girlfriends and I decided to go exploring. With only our bikinis, go-pros, and water we jumped in the car and started driving. Our goal… find the Cenotes. I had heard all about them, the oasis of insanely clear blue freshwater partially engulfed by the lush, wild jungle.  

While my heart may have dropped when I saw how uneventful our “search for the cenotes” was… (literally imagine humungous billboards on the side of the road with CENOTE AZUL plastered across them) the empty gravel parking lot calmed my nerves that this may not be just another ridiculous tourist trap after all. 

After paying 6 Mexican pesos we walked along a dirt trail, and gawked and gazed as we walked at the small beginning of the natural springs and sinkholes. When we finally hit the main cenote, I was in shock… There in the middle of the jungle was this amazing blue and green body of water just as beautiful and seemingly untouched as the photos I had seen. 

I felt like I was instantly transported into the depths of Bali or Indonesia, it was so sensual, and exotic, all while radiating a sort of calm I’ve never experienced before. It felt miles away from the touristic Mexico I had grown to love and loathe over the years.

This natural freshwater oasis is actually a sinkhole that is created when the limestone bedrock collapses unearthing the groundwater below. Some of the cenotes found in the Yucatan were seen as sacred wells to the Maya, specifically Chichén Itzá. Mayans offered sacrifices, including precious objects such as gold, jade, pottery, and incense and in some cases humans, into the cenote to worship and communicate with the Mayan Gods and ancestors. 

After visiting Cenote Azul, it came as no surprise that this would be a place of peace and spirituality. The water, environment, and energy wholesomely cleansed my stressed, tired body from head to toe as I mindlessly floated through the mineral-rich pool. This is absolutely a must visit, if not for a peaceful swim then for an exciting day of cliff jumping off the jungled rocks into the cool blue water below.

The Bohemian Beach Town of Tulum

A few months ago I started hearing murmurs, a small muffled mentioning of pop-up shops that gave the hamptons a run for their money. Of mixologists fleeing their bone-chilling local bars in Williamsburg to serve south of the border. Of the ecotourism movement that left travelers with just the beach, a mosquito net, and their own curious minds.

It was happening, the gentle gentrification of Tulum. It started, similar to Yucatan plumbing, like a slow dripping faucet, and has now become the buzzing epicenter of Manhattanites... searching for a break in the sun and a getaway that doesn’t feel too far from home.

Naturally, I had to see what all the fuss was about. So, my two best friends and I booked our flights, rented a car and headed an hour and a half south of Cancun towards the restorative town of Tulum.

After some research, I realized the weekend we had picked was that of a full moon and Papaya Playa Project, an eco-chic multifunctional community nestled carefully between the Mayan Jungle and the beautiful coastline, is infamous for incredible food, comfortable cottages, and an even more kickass full moon party. Done and done.

Every morning during our stay, we indulged in their continental breakfast of fresh fruit, juices, smoothies, and coffee (with the exception of one hungover morning that involved begging for huevos from the incredible line chefs, long after breakfast was done being served.) This would kick start days of biking to the main strip of bohemian, shack-like gems that looked like a cross between the hippie markets of Ibiza and the Crow’s Nest in Montauk.

In a sea of dreamcatchers, overpriced but droolworthy jewelry, and tiny bikinis we mindlessly meandered and strolled the incredible shopping scene that has blossomed in this tiny jungle town.

Open air dining has been absolutely mastered and come complete with large wood burning ovens, buzz-inducing Mezcal concoctions, and of course fresh seafood. We passed on dining at the acclaimed but consistently overcrowded Hardwood for the likes of Cafe Jaguar and the incredible Canopia (which meaning canopy… was our only solace in a tropical rainstorm.)  

Overall, this hippie town has everything you need for a long weekend away. From biological reserves, Mayan ruins, and natural cenotes to bohemian shops, mixology bars, and more beachfront yoga then you can shake a stick at… Tulum is an incredible town, perfect for disconnecting and re-centering yourself before a midwinter breakdown.