Hi there, Chicky,
You probably know by now that when it comes to self care and rejuvenation, I’m all in. My philosophy is: you can’t look good (and by good, I mean young) on the outside if you’re a hot mess on the inside. Stress causes our cortisol levels to rise, and that ages us on a cellular level, which eventually find its way to the surface, making us look old. These days I’m working really hard on reducing my stress levels, being still, and focusing on what really matters to me. One of those things is my marriage. So when I find a place that lets me get away, recharge my old batteries, rejuvenate my soul, and rejuvenate my marriage all at the same time…well, you know what I say: “winner winner, spring chicken dinner.”
I found just the place recently in Tulum, Mexico. My hubby and I took a short trip there for our 26th wedding anniversary. We stayed at Azulik Resort and Mayan Spa because of the recommendation of a friend. And it did not disappoint.
If you’re not familiar with Tulum, it’s set between the Yucatan jungle and the Caribbean Sea.This place has such a chill vibe and is so full of youth that you can’t help but be rejuvenated. In fact, a few spicy margaritas and you’ll feel 20 years younger.
Warning: if you’re the perfect hair kinda gal and a blowdryer devotee, this place is not for you. Salty, air-dried hair, usually in a bun of some sorts is the hair trend here, where you won’t find electricity to blow dry your hair. The town is off the electrical grid, and generators are the only source of power. But don’t worry. This a live and let live kind of place — very bohemian — so you won’t find anyone parading their trendy outfit or perfectly made up faces. This is rustic at its very best, which for me means beaches, restaurants, bars, and nice hotels.
The way to Tulum is to fly to Cancun and then drive an hour and forty minutes. We hired a taxi right at the airport and arranged for the same service to pick us up at the hotel the day we left.
I had seen the pictures on the resort’s website, but believe me, the website does not do it justice. First, we were greeted by a path lit with torches and and a friendly staff waiting on the sand right by the street waiting to check us in. 
We arrived at our hotel really early, around 10:30 AM, so our room wasn’t ready. Luckily there’s a really cool restaurant/bar called Mateo’s Mexican Grill a short five minute walk from the resort.
Mateo’s is a great place to chill. There’s live music most days, lots of young people, and fresh, delicious food. My kinda place! And they have the best spicy margaritas I have ever tasted. Ever! And I’ve had a lot. So if you’re ever there, make sure you order the celery and serano pepper margarita; you will thank me.
After five, everyone goes up to the sky bar to watch the sunset. It’s such a fun place. Tip: the margaritas upstairs aren’t nearly as good. We ordered one, meh….made my hubby go downstairs for the real deal.
We got back to our resort in the late afternoon and were given a tour and taken to our villa. First, let me begin by saying that we travel pretty often and have stayed in some nice places, and some not-so-nice places. But this resort, is out of this world. If the Mad Max and Tarzan movies had a baby, it would be Azulik. It’s like a magic tree house resort.
We walked along the elevated bamboo walkways that crisscross the entire resort to get to our villa — a sky villa. I have never seen anything like this. Our villa had a circular bed with mosquito netting, and a private deck with our own balinese bed, a swing, and a private mosaic tub with a front row seat to the ocean. Um, yes please. I’m never, ever leaving.
The resort is eco friendly, which means no electricity except for the one outlet for phone charging and a fan over the bed. That’s it. No phones, no lights, no TV; only a breathtaking view, and a perfect place to recharge and reconnect.
Another warning: It’s an adult only resort with a clothing optional policy. So if you dare to go bare on the private beach or on your terrace (I didn’t see anyone walking around the actual resort naked…not that kinda place), go at it. No one cares. But it’s a great way to spice things up, if you know what I mean (insert winky emoji).
My favorite thing is the evenings here. No electricity, remember? The entire resort, including the beach, and including the villas, are lit by candlelight; hundreds of them hung on every tree. The only words I could think of to describe it are “surreal” and “magical.” And did I mention romantic?
You don’t have to have a significant other to enjoy this place though. I saw plenty of women on a wellness getaway with their girlfriends. This is a spa resort with a beautiful spa, morning yoga, and lots of places to meditate.
I’ll tell you this: I’m a wellness retreat junkie, and I haven’t been to many of them (on my bucket list), but it’s going to be hard to top this one. 
I believe we fight aging in many ways. I do things that will not only rejuvenate my body and face, but my spirit too. Do what brings you joy and what brings you peace, and do them often; you’ll reduce your cortisol levels and stay younger longer. And remember that marriages need rejuvenating too. When my hubby and I go away together, we get to reconnect and enjoy each other like we did when we first got married. We leave all of life’s “stuff” behind and focus on each other and our youth (#youthisrelative).
I hope you enjoyed this post. I know it’s a little bit different than what I usually write about, but I just had to share this place with all of you. It’s truly magical. I’d love to hear about your favorite place to rejuvenate, or your favorite romantic destination. Comment below and let us all in on your go-to places. Share the youth.
xoxo,
V