Last month I traveled to Tulum, Mexico, for my brother-in-law's milestone birthday. He and my twin sister have the had to fortune to spend many vacations in Tulum over the last few years, and it's now their go-to happy place. During my visit, I had the pleasure of sight-seeing, shopping, and restaurant-hopping with what felt like locals guiding me. Of course, I also wandered off my own... straight to the beach chaises. Here, the highlights. (Among them: wearing the flowy dress, above, which was just right for the breezy, tropical weather.)

Sunning and siestas were made easy, thanks to the chaise lounges and palapas that lined the beach in front of our hotel, La Zebra.

The lush grounds at La Zebra are postcard perfect--except late at night, when the lights are turned off. Electricity (and internet access for that matter) is limited and supplied by generators. Next time I will be bringing a flashlight!

One afternoon's meanderings deposited me at Posada Margherita, a fantastically chic boutique hotel and restaurant that's totally solar and wind-powered. The menu specializes in Italian cuisine, with the best homemade bread (focaccia!) and pasta. The fresh-caught fish, marinated in sea water, is also insane.

One of the best things about a tropical vacation is being able to wear shorts to dinner. Yes, I am wearing a short pair underneath my cute . The outfit served me well at Hartwood, a jungle-abutting, hipster-teeming restaurant owned by New York expats, where all the cooking is done by open fire in a wood burning oven. The family style meal, which featured delectable roasted beets, candied sweet potatoes, and smoked trout, was hands-down the best of the trip.

Speaking of list topping, this mojito won the gold medal in Mexico's national championship of bartenders. No joke. I can personally vouch for it!

As you can see, by the end of the trip, I got into Tulum's eco-friendly, tree-hugging spirit, sporting an embroidered top I picked up at a local boutique and a floral .

The last day under the palapas called for a festive over a . Adios, Tulum! Until next time...