One of my favorite places in the Mexican Yucatan is the lovely “White City” of Merida. A vibrant cultural and culinary city – it’s filled with delightful people and surrounded by remarkable sacred ruins, cenotes and former henequen fields. Using Merida as the starting point to visit well-known Mayan ruins such as Uxmal, Labna, Sayil, Kabah, Oxkintok and even Chichen Itza makes it the perfect beginning for a very special journey. You can even take a drive to the Celestun Biosphere Reserve on the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy the beauty of the thousands of pink flamingos that winter there.
For those in the know – cenotes are sinkholes in the limestone ground that contain crystal clear fresh water (the Yucatan has no rivers) and are not to be missed! And henequen is an agave plant whose leaves yield a fiber which is suitable for rope and twine, and can also be used to make a potent liquor (you should try it!).
While in Merida, staying at the Hotel Hacienda VIP is the most luxurious way to begin any adventure, romantic or otherwise. If you’re are in the mood for a spiritual journey, or if even if you just want to explore the area thoroughly, start at the Hacienda VIP for a few days and get to know the White City. Then visit Uxmal for two nights via the Hotel Hacienda Uxmal, and then continue on to Chichen Itza spending a couple of nights at the Hacienda Chichen & Yaxkin Spa (great spa treatments there!) In this way you can experience the magic and the majesty of the Yucatan’s mysterious ruins.
Keep in mind that the food in the Yucatan is not the typical “Mexican food” that Americans are used to; you will find fine gourmet quality dining here, wonderful cooking classes, and fabulous food markets. Whatever you’re in the mood for, we can create the perfect combination of places to visit that will make this part of the Yucatan a definite favorite of yours.
That said – the Hotel Hacienda Merida VIP is a remodeled 1820 home with only 4 luxurious suites making it the perfect getaway. Located in the historical center of the city, it’s convenient for exploring town and it’s a zen place to come back to at the end of a busy day (you’ll love the deeply personalized service). They do feature a swimming pool, spa services, and all the rooms have satellite flat-screen TV’s, 600 thread Egyptian cotton sheets, king size beds, air-conditioning and iPad docks. The architecture is typical of the old colonial buildings, yet the decor is the perfect mix of modern and classical.
While you are in Merida I suggest having dinner one night at Rosas and Xocolate (also a hotel) and enjoy their fabulous restaurant which is a bit of a hot spot these days (you can scope the place out in case you would like to stay there next time you are in Merida). And don’t forget to buy some chocolate in their store as it is delicious – seriously!
Nightly rates for the hotel begin at $159.00 USD a night for a Standard room, $199.00 USD for a Deluxe room, and $249.00 USD for a suite plus 19% taxes. They also have a sister hotel which is extremely lovely too, and their nightly rates begin at $129.00 USD for a Standard room, $149.00 USD for a Deluxe room, and $179.00 USD for a suite plus 19% taxes.
Travel with an open heart & live boldly, Sheri
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