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Hacienda Hotels
Many options and prices
Haciendas are Mexico's equivalent to American southern plantations,
mid-western ranches and European land estates. Dating from the late
1600's to the early 1900's haciendas were built by the wealthy throughout
Mexico in the areas where their products were produced or developed.
There were agricultural haciendas throughout Mexico, cattle raising
haciendas in the northern part of Mexico, tequila producing haciendas
in Jalisco, mining haciendas in the state of Hidalgo, sugar producing
haciendas in Morelos, lumber haciendas in the state of Mexico (the
state, not the country) and the Yucatan's henequen or sisal producing
haciendas.
Each hacienda has the main house, the machine house,
the worker's humble one- room homes, a school, an infirmary, the
store (where the workers were kept in debt), the church, the cemetery,
the hydraulics area, the jail and the stables.
The haciendas of Yucatan saw their hey-day in the early 1900's
when the local economy was booming due to the sisal fiber that was
used to make rope, cord and twine. The mansions on the Paseo de
Montejo and Avenida Colon in Merida, are the rich homes the "green
gold", henequen, helped provide. It was the same owners of
these mansions that built haciendas off in the countryside where
the henequen was produced.
In the 1940's, with the invention of synthetic fibers, the entire
henequen industry went bust, and with it, the hacienda owners saw
grey times. With no economical staying power, the hacienda's were
slowly abandoned and fell into disrepair, a derelict state they
remained in until the early 1990's when, once again, wealthy Mexicans,
set their eyes on these opportunities.
Luxury Collection
One man in particular, Roberto Hernandez, bought several haciendas.
Today, these restored haciendas make up The Luxury Collection -
Temozon, Santa Rosa, San Jose, Uyamon (in Campeche) and the restaurant
Ochil. Located on the road to Uxmal, Ochil has excellent food, very
reasonable prices and a cute set-up of artesans that offers their
works. These hotel haciendas are Grand Tourism establishments that
"don't mean to spoil you, but they will" are the ultimate
getaway in total luxury. Prices range from $US 246 to $610 per night.
www.luxurycollection.com
Hacienda Petac
It
was bought in 2000 by the American couple Chuck
and Dev Stern. With the help of renowned architect Salvador Reyes,
they lovingly restored Petac and now offer it in rent as a home.
With five buildings housing huge bedrooms and elegant bathrooms,
an enormous game filled game room, a library, bar, chapel, pool,
fountains and lush gardens, this is the perfect place to have an
up-scale family vacation with all the trimmings. Sleeps up to 10.
Prices range from $3,500 - 9,000 US per week.
www.haciendapetac.com
Below: A luxurious bathroom at Hacienda Petac.
Hacienda Katanchel
Located 30 minutes by car from
Merida’s International Airport, is Yucatan’s most prestigious property
and has been operated since 1996 by its current owners as a high-end
boutique hotel. Heavily damaged by hurricane Isador in 2002, Hacienda Katanchel has been recently restored and is back in operation as a premier destination for families and small groups. Up to ten suites are available for exclusive, private rental on a weekly basis and a full range of services are available, including world-class dining, spa treatments and guided excursions to nearby cities, beaches and archaeological zones.
www.haciendakatanchel.com
Above: European decor in Hacienda Katanchel's gran sala.
Hacienda San Pedro Nohpat
This
is a small hacienda 8 kms. from Merida,
just off the Merida to Cancun highway. Owned by Canadians, their
claim to fame is their restaurant and the different packages they
put together including meals and a room. Prices average about $750
pesos for an overnight and breakfast.
www.haciendaholidays.com
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Above: Hacienda Xcanatun's renovated Casa de Maquinas, now a
lovely restaurant.
Hacienda X-Canatun
The closest hacienda to Merida, is owned and run by Jorge and Cristina Ruz, a couple from Mexico City. His father, Alberto Ruz Lhuillier, is the archeologist who discovered
the Royal Tomb of Pacal in Palenque. When these owners were restoring
this hacienda, they used the finest materials available and did
it with excellent taste and care. Today, The Hacienda X-Canatun,
a Star Diamond Award winner from AAA Diamante, is a boutique hotel
with 18 luxurious suites, a restaurant that boasts exquisite international
Caribbean cuisine and a spa where they will surely pamper you. Hotel
rates run from $220 to $275 US per night including a continental
breakfast. Spa rates are $30 to $ 75 US all plus tax.
www.xcanatun.com
Hacienda Chichen
The Hacienda Chichen, "a 16th Century colonial landmark"
is a hop and a skip from the archaeological site of Chichen Itza.
A stately hacienda, nestled in lush gardens, this hotel has modern
amenities that include color satellite TV, AC, an excellent location,
restaurant and pool. Prices start at $130 per night for a double
room and include taxes. Hacienda Chichen is now opening Yaxkin Spa, a Maya retreat designed for sanctuary, healing and renewal. Check the website for rates and services.
www.haciendachichen.com
Hacienda Yaxcopoil
It
was built in the 1600's and has been in the
Faller Cervera family since 1864. Present day owner, Miguel Faller,
is 5th generation. He has opened the hacienda as a museum, which
is on the way to Uxmal, making it a popular stop for tourists. He
has also finished one hotel room that is available to the public
for $60 US per night, including breakfast. This is a wonderful place
at an accessible price where you will surely get the feel of hacienda
living.
www.yaxcopoil.com
Below: The garden outside the guest house at Hacienda Yaxcopoil.
Hacienda Teya
Dating to 1683, is now a restaurant-hotel-social
events place. Owned and run by the Cardenas Sosa family, they have
slowly but surely developed a name for having the best Yucatecan
food in the area. Lunch is served from noon to 6 PM. The social
events parts of the hacienda has a chapel, elegant staircase (great
for pictures), lush gardens and stained glass windows that make
Hacienda Teya a very popular place that is the perfect setting for
a wedding. Nightly rates are $1,000 pesos - around $90 US and include
a continental breakfast in the room.
www.haciendateya.com
Hacienda Santa Cruz
This hacienda was restored to be a bed and breakfast and is
just twenty minutes outside of Merida. Fiona St. Clair, a former New Yorker, has created a holiday getaway just like she used to enjoy with her husband and two children (now grown). The hacienda is spacious and laid back. The food is hearty and delicious. The pool is filled with chemical-free water from the cenote below and guests are welcome to enjoy it all. The hacienda has two casitas,
which easily sleep four people each and children are especially welcome.
www.haciendasantacruz.com
Feel like exploring? Many haciendas are shown on our map of Yucatan
State. If you are interested in visiting Haciendas while staying
in Merida, don't miss our articles.
More interesting articles:
 Haciendas
Hacienda Route
Hacienda Tours
Visit our map:
Map of Yucatan Peninsula
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