Holistika in Tulum offers a different relationship to cacao than the other places I visited. While cafés like Vaivén and Otti center their offerings around cacao drinks themselves, Holistika places cacao within a broader experiential environment. The property is widely known for its atmosphere. Walking through the grounds, visitors encounter a curated art walk with large sculptural installations placed along forest paths. The setting encourages reflection, exploration, and photography. It was...

After visiting Vaivén, I continued exploring other cacao-focused cafés in Tulum and stopped at Otti, a shop that has been operating since 2020 and has become a popular destination for cacao drinks. At 8:30 in the morning there was already a line of about seven people waiting to order, and the flow of customers continued while I was there. Clearly, this place has built a strong following. The menu at Otti reveals a different model of cacao service. None of the drinks appear to be based on 100...

Yesterday I ordered the “Cacao Fermentado” at Vaivén in Tulum. Price: 135 pesos. The description reads: “fermentado en su fruta por 7 días.” The language suggests fermentation happening on site. When I first asked about it, the waiter told me the fermentation occurs there. That answer immediately raised questions. I did not see fermentation boxes. I did not see banana leaves. I did not smell the acidic, fruity aroma that accompanies active cacao fermentation. So I asked again. This time, at...