Hacienda Xcanatún

One of the pleasures of traveling on the Yucatán Peninsula is the opportunity to stay in one of the beautifully restored haciendas dotted throughout the area. A gem in this collection is the superbly restored, award-winning Hacienda Xcanatún. Built in the mid-18th century, the hacienda was once used to produce sisal, known as “green gold” for the fortunes it made local families. When the sisal market collapsed, the property was abandoned for many years until the present owners purchased it and began an arduous five-year restoration project. The result resembles a work of art, as the owners used only the region’s best master craftsmen and materials. The spacious guestrooms are richly decorated, many with antiques, and have incredible bathrooms featuring hydrotherapy Jacuzzi bathtubs complete with a waterfall. Each room is unique; some hacienda-style with wide, covered terraces outside, while others enjoy romantic private gardens with outdoor Jacuzzis. The grounds include acres of lush tropical gardens, a large fishpond,two swimming pools and a full service spa. The hotel’s very popular restaurant, the Casa de Piedra, offers gourmet cuisine that fuses French techniques with regional Caribbean ingredients. Mérida has much to offer culturally, yet is an oasis for pure relaxation. This hacienda is also a great starting point for exploring the incredible Mayan sites.