Yucatan Haciendas made for you

Just 30 minutes from Merida and nestled in the Yucutan jungle is Chablé Resort & Spa, a wonderful retreat with a focus on wellness. Chablé is spread over 300 hectares but the actual resort only covers 30, so there is plenty of open space in which to find your own tranquil corner. There are 38 casitas with private pools as well as two larger villas, perfect for families or groups of friends. The original 19th-century walls form the basis of each casita but inside the decor is contemporary and colourful with local wood and stone used throughout. At the heart of the resort is a natural cenote, which forms the centre of the spa. Surrounded by the Mayan forest, this is a wonderful place to unwind with a treatment and take advantage of the sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and salt cabin. Take a dip in the infinity pool or get your heart rate up in the gym or on the tennis court. There are three restaurants at Chablé, all of which use fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from the organic garden. Ixi’im, translates as corn in the Mayan language, and the menu is a innovative blend of regional and local Mexican flavours. Ki’ol, meaning healthy, offers light snacks and ceviche, and the spa restaurant caters for a range of dietry requests with dedicated gluten free, lactose free and vegan menus. Chablé has one of the country’s largest tequila collections and guests can have great fun discovering this most Mexican of spirits with a tequila and chocolate tasting. There is also the option to take part in a cooking class with local chefs who will help you bring out the true flavours of Mexico. One of the joys of staying at Chablé is taking the time to fully unwind and recharge. However, should you wish to go exploring then there are bikes to hire and incredible Maya ruins to discover.

Mirroring the cultural makeup of the Yucatan in one hotel, Hacienda San Jose mixes its colonial Hispanic and native Mayan roots in a magical and intimate way for guests. Extensive and enchanting gardens surround the main hacienda, which used to be a cattle ranch and plantation and has been kept in its original state complete with pretty patios, arched walkways strewn with bright bougainvillea, faded murals and a simply stunning swimming pool. It has of course been refurbished to modern standards with WiFi, air conditioning and flat screen televisions in each of its 15 rooms, whose 19th-century set out of high ceilings, colourful hues, terracotta ceramics, talaver Mexican tiles and spacious en suite bathrooms have delightfully remained unchanged. Within the sprawling grounds lie four Mayan villas, renovated but kept from when then hacienda was a working plantation and converted into spacious suites with their own outdoor Jacuzzi and sitting area. These would suit a couple looking for that extra dollop of privacy. The house is steeped in history and their wonderful staff are most eager to fill you in on this plus accommodate guests on special requests such as private dinners in the garden and excursions to local sites.

A beautifully preserved and bright red belle époque hacienda emerging from the vivid green jungle, Temozon is one of the most authentically inspirational places to stay in the whole of the Yucatan. Once one of the largest estates producing sisal, the hotel enjoys a roomy 36 hectares of peaceful grounds strewn with vibrant flowers, organic kitchen gardens, cenotes (one housing the hotel’s spa), swimming pool, tennis courts and some Mayan archaeological remains, all about 40 minutes outside of Merida. Again remaining true to the original architecture and style of ranch life, there is even a gallery exhibiting photographs of the hacienda over the years and the spacious and fairly sparse rooms possess original Hispanic and Indian antiques, sisal hammocks, handmade cotton textiles and woolen throws. The food from the restaurant is delicious, where many of its regional and international dishes have been created from the organic produce grown in the gardens. The chef will teach you how to make Cochinita Pibil (pulled-pork stew) if you like and many of the staff have worked there their entire lives and know the area well. What’s more there is the most fantastic spa housed in a natural cenote (bore hole).

This is a wonderfully vibrant property that overflows with regional Yucatan character and history. Previously a nobleman’s private estate, it has since been carefully renovated into a luxury boutique hotel of just eleven rooms. Twisted tropical trees and manicured lawns sit around undulating sky blue columns with arches framing its traditional patios, which are filled with antique furniture and door frames that lead into the main areas and guest rooms. These are all decorated with both contemporary and period touches including exposed beams and iron bedsteads. Modern amenities such as complimentary WiFi access, cable TV and iPod docking stations will ensure your stay here is still connected to present times. One of the hotel’s best assets is its restaurant which is excellent, and serves a fusion of local and international cuisines, best enjoyed al fresco either on the cosy patio or the elegant terrace. A creative outdoor pool incorporates part of the property so you can swim in between its columns and arches. There is a relaxing and stylish Lounge Bar, beautiful botanical gardens and grounds around which to stroll (or take one of the hotel’s bicycles and explore it that way), and there are massages on offer too.