Virgilio Polanco

Tucked into the tranquil countryside of the Yucatán Peninsula, just 30 minutes from Mérida and near the village of Tixkokob, Hacienda San José is a historic hotel that offers a glimpse into the layered past of southeastern Mexico. Once a cattle ranch and henequén plantation, the hacienda was originally constructed in the 18th century and later transformed into a boutique luxury hotel in 1999. Its restoration was not only architectural, but a revival of place, memory and cultural identity. Ancient Mayan building techniques were honoured, colonial-era structures were carefully preserved, whilst modern comforts were introduced.

The main house sits amidst lush tropical gardens, with stone pathways leading to tranquil courtyards and a striking swimming pool. The hacienda’s 15 guest rooms retain their 19th-century layout and aesthetic of earthy hues, airy interiors and handcrafted furnishings. For those seeking further seclusion, four original Mayan villas have been lovingly repurposed into private suites. Each features a shaded terrace, outdoor Jacuzzi and garden views that offer a sanctuary surrounded by centuries-old ceiba trees and stone walls laced with vines.

The restaurant serves regional dishes prepared with local ingredients. Meals can be enjoyed indoors or set privately in the gardens, under candlelight and stars. Meanwhile, the spa offers treatments that draw on ancestral healing practices, using native herbs and traditional techniques to create an atmosphere that nourishes both body and spirit.

Beyond the hacienda’s gates, the wonders of Yucatán await. The golden city of Izamal, known for its pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary Mexican heritage, is located 30 kilometres away. A day trip to the legendary Chichén Itzá, 110 kilometres east, offers a deeper understanding of the civilisation that once shaped this land.

Located just 25 minutes from the heart of Mérida, along the road to the Gulf Coast, Hacienda Xcanatún was once one of Yucatán’s most prominent 18th-century henequén (sisal) estates. Today, it is now a luxury hotel in Merida that has been restored to honour its storied past.

Spread across four acres of private gardens, the hacienda grounds offer shaded patios, tranquil courtyards and an Olympic-size swimming pool lined with Bali beds and outdoor showers. Inside, Hacienda Xcanatún’s 18 original suites retain their charm. Tall wooden shutters filter soft light across intricately patterned tile floors, while hand-carved dark wood furniture and stone-columned archways offer an homage to the old world. In a seamless contrast, there are also 36 newly constructed suites.

At the heart of the property, the Casa de Piedra restaurant is beloved by locals and guests alike. Its seasonal menu draws inspiration from Yucatecan traditions and contemporary technique, prepared with ingredients sourced from regional suppliers. Suspended above a peaceful lily-covered pond, the spa offers treatments inspired by eastern healing traditions and infused with aromatic oils from Asia, chosen with intention for individual needs.

For those seeking to explore the richness of the Yucatán Peninsula, Hacienda Xcanatún is ideally placed. Beyond the hotel, the historic centre of Mérida offers an array of experiences including the colonial mansions lining Paseo de Montejo, local markets filled with handmade textiles and spices, and contemporary art galleries located inside centuries-old buildings. Nearby, the golden town of Izamal, with its bright yellow facades and layered history of Maya, Spanish and modern influences, makes for a great day trip. A short drive in the opposite direction brings you to the tranquil beaches of Playa Progreso, where you can dine al fresco at a long communal table set directly in the sand as you enjoy the sounds of live Mexican music and the gentle murmur of the sea.