"In a clear indication that the landscape in Tulum is shifting, its trendiest address right now is miles from the powdery sands bohemians came for two decades ago. Derek Klein, who opened barefoot-funky bar Gitano here in 2013, wanted to create a space where the creativity that has been pushed off the waterfront due to development could thrive. A 10-minute bike ride from the beach right at the entrance to Tulum town, his stylish Casa Pueblo has a chalkboard-like dark stucco façade and unpolished wooden shutters. Inside it is open-plan and airy, appropriately communal for the set of wandering and local journalists, techies, and designers who share the long wooden tables and laze around the salt-water pool. The design game is high: sharp Caribbean sun warms the black-slate walls through the massive atrium, while a profusion of palms and philodendrons create shady corners for hiding out in. Klein drove all over the country to source top ceramics and weavings to place throughout the hacienda-style rooms—terra cotta vases from Chiapas are particular favorites. The food is served in red clay plates from Puebla and is as fresh and colorful as the fruit-filled mezcal cocktails. The wifi is the best in town—especially important in a place where digital nomads need to switch on and switch off." - CNT Editors
