Hacienda San Jose

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.