Las Ranitas Eco Boutique Hotel in Tulum Mexico

I don't consider myself a writer, but right now I wish I could convey the magic, charm, and eco-chic that embodies Tulum through the written word. The Tulum magic seemed to hit me at once. After the hectic, hot Cancun airport and the hour long taxi ride, walking into the open air lobby of Las Ranitas was like becoming one with nature's own long, extended "aaaaaaaaaaaah", with its constant breezes and the powerful waves crashing methodically on the beach. It's an invigorating lull. The bright turquoise and peacock blue water strike eyes used to boring highway with a jolt, as if bringing you to your senses and knocking you out of them all at the same time. Just what I needed.

I stayed in Room 5, a second story room away from the lobby, without AC. I never missed it. My boyfriend was comfortable too, as the ocean breezes keep the room feeling perfect. I noticed that there were some rooms right next to the lobby, and they didn't look very private, so I would recommend making sure you're in a room away from the lobby. Room 5 had a great full ocean/beach view. As everyone has said, the food is wonderful, although US priced, not Mexico priced, but that is true in most of Tulum. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. We hung out with one of them when we ran into him at Akumal, and met some of his friends, one of the highlights of the trip.

The beach in front of Room Five, Las Ranitas Eco-Boutique Hotel

The view from Room Five

I have an online business, so the free wi-fi was crucial and much appreciated. The breezes, free breakfast in a gorgeous patio setting overlooking the ocean, (which was fruit with yogurt) nicely sized room, pool, friendly staff, delish food, nice beach chairs and round lounger beds added a lot to the 'aaaaaaaaaah'. We also rented bikes which were about $20 a day and rode to the ruins. We were very hot at the end and would do a taxi next time. We walked to restaurants every night, including Hartwood, Ahau, and others, which was very doable.

Free Breakfast

I went and snooped around other hotels and honestly couldn't find one that made me think, "next time I'll stay there instead". Las Ranitas was quiet and on a gorgeous beach, but be careful in the waves. They literally body slammed my boyfriend directly on his head; he was spitting out tooth chips and his back is still killing him. We also saw a sea turtle laying her eggs on the beach in front of Las Ranitas, a rare treat; a staff member said they had never seen this. I was especially impressed with the staff cleaning the rooms. One day we left some valuables out, and they left a note saying that they recommend storing valuables in the provided safe. So we felt very secure there and the staff were trustworthy.

A rare sight - a sea turtle lays her eggs on the beach.  She must have been a yard wide.  Be on the lookout for my video of this turtle, and diving with them at Akumal.

I never felt unsafe anywhere in Tulum, including Tulum Pueblo. At night there were police monitoring the beach, but I would have felt safe without them. I was also worried about the weather before I left, as many websites said June is the rainy season. However, there were only a couple light showers that lasted maybe five minutes, and the rest of the time the weather was spectacular. It would have been hot, but the breezes on the beach are constant and refreshing, but not overwhelming.

Las Ranitas restaurant.  The chef was one of the best I experienced in Tulum, and there were MANY good places to eat.  I'll post a video of my Hartwood experience soon.

One thing I wish they had more of is hammocks. There were only one or two on the property but they were right in front of other rooms so I didn't use them. I would have loved to have eggs for breakfast - they were available for $10, and even if you order just one, it’s $10, which was annoying.

The yoga studio at Las Ranitas

Stay tuned for more videos on my Tulum trip!

Tulum Mexico from Waaaaaaaaaaaay up High

We got some beautiful footage of the sunrise in Tulum with a Phantom Quadcopter and GoPro camera. Enjoy this sensual, spectacular place from up high!  Be sure to watch it full screen by clicking on the '4 outward facing arrows' icon in the right hand corner.

Sunrise in Tulum from Waaaaaaaay up High from Rachel Parker on Vimeo.

Tulum Mexico - a blog post

Gran Cenote

Mateo's

Tulum Pueblo

Las Ranitas

A turtle laying eggs on the beach, a rare treat to see!

Yes, Hartwood lived up to the hype

Don't know which was better, the food or the friendly staff.

Mayan ruins of Tulum

As of this writing, I'm still in Tulum. So more details to come.

From Vancouver to Toronto on Via Rail

During my Spring Break, I took the Via Rail train from Vancouver to Toronto. This is the second time I've slept on a train. The first time was in China, where I shared a room with three other people, two of whom were smokers. It was VERY uncomfortable. On the Via Rail train, I had a one person roomette and I loved it. Here are some of the scenery highlights...

The video below shows what you can expect from the dining room, accommodations and public spaces of the train.

What I'm taking to Tulum Mexico

Here's everything I'm taking to Tulum so far. I'm sure I'll repack a zillion times. Do you do that??

By the way, I just learned about the following amazing place.  Doesn't it look gorgeous?  It's Lakes National Park in Croatia.  Have you been?  I'd love to hear your experiences there!

Tulum or bust!!!

Hi all! My next trip will be to Tulum, Mexico and I'm SO excited.  Here is the first installment about my suggestions for carry-on luggage : ) I have another video about exactly what I"m packing (so far) coming out soon.

Asheville Hostel and Guesthouse vs Old Edward's Inn - A Comparison

Best travel videos - my favorites!

These are my all time favorite travel videos.  Even though I've watched some of them several times, they still inspire me to get out and go somewhere.

"Make it Count" by Casey Neistat

"The Surprise" by Casey Neistat

 "The Weekend" by Casey Neistat

 "Postcard from Cabo" by Mystery Man, Wendyslookbook

 "Italy: A Love Letter" by Wendyslookbook

 "The City of Samba" by Keith Loutit

 "GoPro Commercial"

"The Arctic Light" from TSO Photography

A secret swimming hole near Newport, North Carolina

This is Midnight Hole, a beautiful swimming hole in Newport, NC, near the Tennessee border off of Highway 40.  Click here for directions!

When I went in late July, there were TONS of butterflies.  

The water is crystal clear and COLD

To get to the swimming hole, you hike in a little over a mile on a medium grade trail that is well maintained and wide enough for a vehicle to traverse.  It's a bit of a walk but well worth it.  Horses are also allowed.

Clouds over the Blue Ridge Mountains

I just got back from a few relaxing days in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The view from the porch was gorgeous; perfect for getting video of clouds swirling over the mountain tops.

 

Fort Lewis Lodge near Hot Springs, Virginia

Ukai Toriyama restaurant near Tokyo Japan

  Ukai Toriyama is a wonderful restaurant we visited just outside of Tokyo.  There were several buildings scattered throughout the grounds, which were filled with koi ponds, water wheels, and flowers.

 This is our guide and friend, Ann Kullberg.  She was born in Japan and loves to show people the country.  She's also a globe-trotting, world famous artist.

 These are my parents.  My mother is also a wonderful artist!

 This is Jane, a friend of Ann's and now ours.  She is a wonderful artist too but doesn't have a website : (  She's about to eat a whole fish - she said the back was better than the front.

Sushi in Japan, sourced from the nearby mountain streams.  A little bony but it wins points for authenticity.

Yes, I ate it.  Not so good.

Our last day exploring Tokyo Japan

This video features our sixth day in Tokyo, and sadly our last. Kyoto is next!
 

Explorations of Nikko and Tokyo Japan

Nikko Japan video

Part III - Second day exploring Tokyo Japan

Part II - First day exploring Tokyo

Part I - Getting to Japan

Rome, Italy

When in Rome, you feel like you're in a different dimension. Everywhere you look, there is a masterpiece of sculpture, engineering, or architecture.  It's like Charleston on crack.  It must have been an exciting time, living in Rome and Florence during the Renaissance.  There was so much creative energy, and it was embraced and beloved by the culture in a way that never has happened before or since.

This is a detail of the Trevi fountain

This fountain is at the end of an aqueduct that dates back to 19 BC.  Work began it in 1732 AD.

I think they mean some serious business - this is at the entrance to the Vatican

Yeah, I meant to get this motion blur ; )

Detail of part of the Forum

Activity on the area where the Forum is located dates back to the 7th century BC when it was drained and made into a sewer system.   Some serious history went down there:  Marc Antony's funeral oration for Caesar (immortalized in Shakespeare's famous play) was delivered there as well as the public burning of Caesar's body.  Marc Antony displayed the severed head and right hand of his enemy Cicero at the Rostra, a structure within the Forum.  Ewwwwwwwww.

The Coliseum

Work began on the Coliseum in AD 72 by Emperor Vespasian. Now that's old!

Southeast Spring Garden Tours 2013; some favorites

Every year, the Georgia Perennial Plant Association put on an AMAZING event in May with garden tours across Atlanta.  This year it will be May 4-5.  Believe it or not, the gardens are more spectacular than the ones you'll see on a Charleston, SC tour!

I just learned of a new Southeastern event in Raleigh; Tour D'Coops.  It's a tour of chicken coops and gardens, May 18, 2013.  I might just have to check this one out!

Of course, Charleston, SC is king of garden and home tours in the spring.  Even though they might not be as good as the Atlanta gardens you'll be allowed to see, you'll wander down little streets you never knew existed and see some beautiful houses and gardens.

Check out Historic Charleston Foundation's tours, on now through April 20, 2013.