Hacienda Xcanatun

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.