Today I am beyond thrilled to welcome back the lovely Christina Matteucci of David Beahm Design . As you may know from her welcome post here , Christina is Merci New York’s newly minted Destinations Expert… and truly, we are ever-so-lucky to have her as one of our prized contributors!
Christina travels the globe as Executive Director for David Beahm Destinations , a by-invitation only resource of luxurious locales curated by the renowned design company. Each month, Christina will bring Merci New York’s readers insider access to beautiful locales that have been graced with the David Beahm Destinations seal of approval. Today, Christina shares her and David’s travels to Tulum, and a glimpse of some beautiful fetes they’ve produced on the Ana y Jose Charming Hotel and Spa. Take it away, Christina…
How shall I put this? Most everyone who knows me knows that I am more than just a little… “high-maintenance.” How could I, how would I, Christina Matteucci, lover of all things luxurious, handle a week in a grass-roofed Mexican palapa? Will the mosquitos devour me? Do they even have the Internet? Is the water safe to drink? Oh for love of all things good and righteous! What about air-conditioning!?!?!? To make matters worse, American news outlets covered enough drug cartel activity to make me think I might be headed into a war zone. I pestered David with so many safety questions before our departure; I was convinced he was going to leave me behind.
But I was joyously surprised upon setting foot in the charming town of Tulum on the Mayan Riviera—and entering the enchanting, family-owned property of Ana y Jose—to realize all of my fears were for naught. Sure, there were a few mosquitos, but internet, air-conditioning, a spa, pool and hot tubs made me feel right at home. Maybe, even better than home! And just like our good old US of A, I’m quite sure that there are, indeed, places in Mexico where one should avoid travel, but that, my dear readers, does not apply to Tulum.
The Mayan Riviera is a rustic, tropical escape on the Eastern shore of Mexico. Carved out millions of years ago by a massive asteroid, the area shows no sign of its violent past. Just the opposite – it is an oasis of beautiful sandy beaches, green jungles and the friendliest people I have encountered on all of my journeys with David.
Escorted by our gracious hosts and hotel owners Alfredo and Jackie, David and I were shown all that their property and area have to offer. If an ocean-side wedding is what you’ve dreamed of then look no further. With the local Mayan ruins in the distance and the ocean at your back, Ana y Jose’s Beach Club makes for one fabulous ceremonial environment. And no celebration, wedding or otherwise, would be complete without the food. Alfredo’s mother is beloved by locals for her delectable dishes featuring the area’s specialties, a culinary tradition which he has proudly continued in his modern kitchens, serving generous portions that could satiate the hungriest of men. David couldn’t get enough of Alfredo’s homemade hot sauce and left every dinner sniffling and smiling. 
The Mayan Riviera has SO much more to bring to the experience for adventuresome couples interested in exploring the hotel’s beautiful, exotic surroundings. In fact, it was while watching a giant sea turtle heave her heavy body across the sand dunes and bury her eggs by moonlight that David and I decided Ana y Jose simply had to be a part of the david beahm destinations collection. The indigenous ecological finds are truly unforgettable. 
