She was forced to defend herself on Instagram, after she was criticised for gaining a little weight – but singer Selena Gomez looked absolutely sensational as she hit the beach in Mexico.

The pretty brunette spent her Sunday topping up her tan as she hung out with friends at the tropical location.

Feeling body confident, the 22-year-old wore a black and white skimpy string bikini which had frills at the front which drew attention to her assets.

Bikini babe: Selena Gomez showed off her new curves as she took a refreshing dip in the sea while in Mexico on Sunday ahead of her trip back home

What a good sport! She grappled with a foam surfboard while on dry land ahead of hitting the water with her pals.

She teamed the sexy number with a pair of grey lycra hotpants, while tying her hair up in a wet and messy ponytail.

The outing comes after Selena hit back at those criticising her apparent weight gain on social networking.

Posting a very sexy snap of herself in a racy black bathing suit, she wrote: ‘I love being happy with me yall #theresmoretolove.’

Loving life: She looked like she was having a whale of a time as she headed down to the ocean with her pals

Amazing times: She threw her head back in delight as she topped up her tan on the idyllic getaway


What a girl! Selena was forced to defend her new curves after her figure was criticised on Instagram

Healthy and happy: Despite the furore, the singer looked absolutely incredible as she walked along the sands

A delight: The successful star could barely keep the smile from her face as she enjoyed her time off work
The pop star and actress’ snap was taken in front of a beautiful setting – presumably at the Casa where she’s staying with a group of gal pals – looking over a leafy green area in front of the ocean.
Fans on the social networking site were quick to praise her for the shot, telling her that she’s ‘beautiful’, ‘sexy’ and a ‘queen’.
Putting the furore behind her, the lovely lady ran with her friends into the ocean as they grappled with a host of foam boards and rubber rings.


Making a splash: The 22-year-old looked great from every angle as she made her way into the sea

Wow thing: Fans on the social networking site were quick to praise her body, telling her that she’s ‘beautiful’, ‘sexy’ and a ‘queen’

Taking a dip: No doubt her pals have been reassuring her about how great she looks


Defending herself: She posted this stunning shot to her Instagram account on Friday, writing: ‘I love being happy with me yall #theresmoretolove’

Stylin’: She tied her brunette locks up into a messy pony, letting the sea water give it a tousled finish


Going for it: Selena’s string bikini flattered her assets and no doubt will delight her fans
She kept her shorts on as she clamoured into the waves, while taking a moment to gaze out at the horizon.
Following her split from Justin Bieber, Selena is now thought to be dating DJ Zedd, and also posted a snap of her cosying up to producer Hit-Boy while on a yacht.
She has since been pictured arriving back at LAX airport later that day, following her dream getaway.

Ring in the changes: Her friends were jumping through hoops… literally


Showing Bieber what he’s missing: Selena flaunted her curves in pictures which are no going to be seen by Justin

Looking lovely: She was sporting a golden tan during her short break which gave her a healthy glow

Over to you: Her pal soon took her surfboard off her hands as they took it in turns to try it out
Even arriving at busy LAX didn’t dampen Selena Gomez’s dazzling smile as the stunner looked bronzed and delighted to be home again.
Selena’s physique was perfectly highlighted in a flattering long grey T-shirt dress and she covered her shoulders with a white baseball-style jacket.
She teamed the look with chunky black boots and dark sunglasses, as she made her way through the airport carrying a black handbag.

Back in town: Selena Gomez landed back at Los Angeles International Airport from an idyllic sunshine break in Mexico on Sunday

Curves: Selena’s physique was perfectly highlighted in a flattering long grey t-shirt dress


Upbeat: The young singer and actress was in good cheer as she raced across the airport

‘Home sweet home’: The holiday seemed to be over for Selena as she posted this photo later on Monday as she wrote: ‘But for sleep then right back to the studio. God bless everyone! Hope you have an amazing day!’