Azulik - Tulum Trip Report - Part 7

[TheWindyCity]

Azulik - Tulum Trip Report - Part 7

Tuesday, May 8

We awoke the next morning to another beautiful sunrise,

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probably the best one yet. I took some time to take photos

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and experiment with the camera settings.

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One of best memories we have of Azulik is always having a beautiful sunrise set before us each morning from our deck.

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We also saw the federales hiking on Copal's beach.

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We decided to take another early morning swim in the sea before breakfast. Before we left, I checked that we had hot water...unfortuneately, nada. I went down into the brush to relight the heater, and I waited a while, only to see the flame slowly shrink into oblivion, and cut the gas valve off. This time, it looked like the gas bottle that feeds the tank was empty. I went to the reception, and told them that "maintenance" looked at it last night, and said we needed another fuel tank. They looked a little puzzled, but said they would change the tank.

We went to Copal's beach, which was deserted except for a few practicing yoga as the sun rose, and went for our last morning swim. How refreshing to wake up and hit the warm water! It was very liberating for us be able to swim here sans clothing, and just relax. It seemed very natural and is what makes Copal and Azulik so unique. After swimming in the waves, we laid out in the early morning sun for a while and enjoying the peace and beauty of the new day We decided to head out for breakfast. When we returned to the cabana, we finally had hot water to use. We had a visitor awaiting our return.

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As we headed out past reception, we saw our massuese from last year, Chandree. I had sent her an email telling her we were coming, and we'd like her services again. She is a healer as well as a masseuse, and specializes in Rekei. Chandree gave us a Touch -for -Two massage last year, and taught us some of the techniques, so you can use them on your spouse. It turns out Chandree was at reception, trying to locate us as well! She remembered us, and was happy to see us again. She set us up with two massages at our cabana for the early afternoon.

We decided we needed one last beach breakfast, and Don Cafetos, north on the beach road, fit the bill.

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They have a great selection of traditional Mexican breakfasts (you probably know what I'll end up getting) . We shared a fruit, yogurt and granola plate.

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The presentation was nice, and the fruit was fresh and sweet. The salsa served is also very flavorful and fresh.


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We had to order the Huevos Moltulenos again.....we just could not get our fill of this wonderful Yucatecan breakfast.

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I would have to say that Don Cafetos gets a 3rd best rating. A tough decision, as the dish is very good here. The coffee here was pretty good, also, as was the fresh squeezed OJ. They also served the escabeche that we had enjoyed at the location in town.

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I didn't bring up the Habanero incident, but I decided to try one with my breakfast.

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Man, this one was probably as hot as the one that kicked Alice's butt back in town. I still had to get my fill of the wonderfully flavored carrots and peppers, as I knew I won't be tasting anything like this after we arrive back in Chicago.

After our breakfast, we decided to spend our last day on the beach before our massages. We were lucky to snag a palapa with a small table and chairs, since it was still a little early, maybe 10:45. We put our blanket in front to allow us to get sun, and retire to the shade as needed. Of course, our friend Juan Carlos saw us and came over to take our order, which was a bucket of Montejo's.....we could live like this forever! Our friend from Belgium noticed us and came over to say goodbye, as he was getting ready to leave for Holbox. He dropped off his email address with us so I could send him his screen saver photos.

We headed back to the cabana to take baths before the massages. The table arrived after 13:00 hrs and was set up by two workers, and Chandree arrived befor 14:00. Alice finished bathing, so she went first. Chandree was to give us 45 minute Holistic massages.

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Chandree works at the Maya Spa, and is very gifted. She will ask you questions about your health and if there is anything bothering you physically. The stairs of Nohoch Mul at Coba came to mind, as they took their toll on our leg muscles! While Alice was receiving her massage,

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I took a bath and retired to the outdoor bed for a nice long afternoon nap. When I awoke, Alice was still receiving her massage, which was well over an hour. I sat outside on the deck and just watched the ocean and the shore line. I noticed some crabs crawling out of the water, onto a log below, in the water. I got my camera and went downstairs to the shore line to grab a few pics.

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When I returned to the villa, Chandree was waiting on the stairs for me as Alice rested after her massage.

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We talked for a while, and she told me about a place she will soon be opening on one of the lakes in Sian Kaan. It will be called The Healing House, and will have various massage services available. She has been building the place for 9 years, and her dream is finally coming to fruition. After Alice awoke, I then had my Holistic massage, which lasted a little over an hour.

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Chandree is a very thin, petite woman, but her amazing strength works the knots out of your aching muscles! She is truly gifted, no doubt. Chandree left our Cabana some time after 17:00....a very hard working woman!

[TheWindyCity]

We relaxed a while and headed out for dinner, feeling rejuvenated from Chandree's treatment.

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We chose Las Ranitas, down the beach road. The grounds of Las Ranitas, as well as reception and the restaurant, all seemed very warm and inviting.

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We ordered a few margaritas, which were very good, and kind of just took in our surroundings.

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I ordered a sopa de lima, which was very good. Alice ordered the sopa de crema aguacate, a cold avocado soup, which was even better, with an excellent flavor!

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We noticed they had a Mayan fish preparation called Tikin Chic,

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which is a fish fillet seasoned with Achiote (Mayan red seasoning - not hot), wrapped in banana leaves along with sour orange juice, limes, garlic and onions and then grilled.

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Just excellent and full of flavor! AHHHHH.....it was superb!

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I would give Las Ranitas a 9 of 10 for atmosphere, service, and food quality, maybe second to Hechizo.

After that wonderful dinner, we headed back to town for our honey hook up with the silver shop owner. He came through for us and had a bottle for 50 pesos. He noticed that Alice bought a silver bracelet elsewhere, and offered to polish it up for her. He gave us some silver cleaner and his business card. What a great, personable guy, a real pleasure to deal with when we were buying silver.

We headed down the street and came upon the Habana Cafe. A Cuban - Latin bar with high energy Latin music playing inside, as well as the Sky Bar, on the roof top. Lots of eye candy here for both men and women! We had a seat at the bar, and the bartenderess made us one of the best Caipirinhas we ever had! The right mix of Cachaca, limes, sugar and ice. As I was seated at the bar, I couldn't help but notice all these photos on the back bar of the same girl in different outfits, some topless, some tacky. About 15 minutes later, this girl walks in a VERY revealing outfit! She looke familiar....Ohhhhhh, it's the girl in all the photos, a Cuban girl. Turns out she is el jefe, the boss/owner.(Sorry guys, I did not have my camera for once!) We ordered another round of drinks, this time Alice ordered a Mojito. I stuck with the Caipirinha. The boss made mine, and now it moved up another notch, as it was by far the best Caipirinha I had ever had in my life...and it has nothing to do with that outfit, Alice...I swear! Alice's Mojito was excellent. We would highly recommend a visit to Habana Cafe for some great drinks, music and the views.


We headed back to our cabana after a great evening. The cabana looks amazing by candlelight.

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We hope that they keep it this way.....

[SassyGirl]

Oh man! I want to be there now!!!!

It is near dinner time and your photos are KILLING ME!!!!!

[AdGuy]

Glad you found the Habana Cafe. One of many hidden gems of Tulum pubelo!

[dcap]

We had a massage by the same girl at Copal last year and was truly the best massage we have ever had. She came to our room and I was first, wife was sunning at the beach. About an hour later wife came back and chandree was just finishing. Wife was next, chandree showed me a thing or two about massage for practice later. That was enough for me I hit the beach. Came back later wife was asleep, and Chandree was gone.

[dcap]

Windy city: Where is the Habana Cafe?

[minniemex]

I love your sunrise pic's - my absolute favs - especially the blue one!!

[bellydancer]

I would have to enlarge and frame the blue sunrise pic...absolutely gorgeous!!!!

[AdGuy]

Windy city: Where is the Habana Cafe?


Dcap...Habana Cafe is on 307 on the east side (same as Bronco Pollo and Don Cafeto) all the way down south, a couple of blocks down from the police station...one of the last buildings.