Hotel Hacienda San José

Hotel Hacienda San José

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KM 30 Carretera, Tixkokob-Tekanto, Tixkokob, Yucatán, Mexico.
00 52 99 99 24 13 33
haciendasanjosecholul.com

A beautiful, romantic former sisal estate now run by the Starwood group as one of their Luxury Collection properties. The open-sided restaurant has lovely views of the manicured lawns and surrounding forests, and the Mayan Villas are ideal for those seeking a private retreat experience.

The estate is in a rural area, with extensive plantations of the spiky sisal agave – the raison d’etre for the local haciendas – in nearby fields. It’s a 45-minute drive to attractive Mérida city (which has a small airport), and great days out from here include Izamal (40 mins by car) for its magnificent convent and partially unexcavated Mayan site. There are further sites at Dzibilchaltún (45mins) and Chichen Itza (90 mins).

Style & character

Moorish and European architectural features give this hacienda a grand appearance, which contrasts strikingly with the lush forests and agricultural setting. Stone walkways criss-cross the estate, with splashes of vivid colour and old buildings at every turn. A sprawling old ceiba tree grows right in the middle of the property – a choice location for weddings and private dining.

Service & facilities

Staff at the 24-hour front desk are incredibly helpful, and can advise on day trips, arrange shuttles, fix up special romantic dinners around the estate and trips out to dine/dive at cenotes (sink holes). Babysitters are available on request. The hotel has a pool, spa treatments, free bikes, and can contact archaeologists and historians for guests who want in-depth guiding around the Mayan sites.

Rooms

There are 15 rooms and suites. Almost all of the 11 superior rooms and junior suites feature high ceilings with exposed beams and rafters, high wooden doors, beds and furniture in dark tropical hardwood, cool tile floors, and hammocks. There’s a ceiling fan as well as air-con.

The four Mayan Villas are like very upscale versions of a traditional dwelling, with a rounded shape and ceiling made from palm fronds. The bed is suspended – and rocks a little if you want it to – and there’s also a hammock and outdoor tub surrounded by lush vegetation. The ‘Cuarto del Patron’ – Landlord’s Suite – is a huge, luxurious suite ideal for families or honeymooners. All rooms have iPod dock, safe and minibar.

Food & drink

Breakfast is a combination of fruit, rolls and Mexican specialities, usually with eggs, sometimes laced liberally with hot sauces. For lunch and dinner chef Alexis Can prepares moreish black bean and avocado soup, sublime steaks, chicken in chocolate-based mole, and classic Mexican comfort food such as freshly made tortillas stuffed with shredded chicken, salad and cheese; on the veggie side of things, he sources most organic items from the estate’s orchards. Candles are placed on tables at night and the open-sided restaurant looks quite stunning.

Value for money

Double rooms from $347 (£271) in low season; and from $570 (£445) in high. Breakfast excluded; charged at $20 (£15). Free Wi-Fi.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Not suitable, as the paths are in rough stones and some are bare earth. Rooms are spacious but not specially adapted for wheelchairs.

Family-friendly?

Up to two under-12s can stay in their parents’/guardians’ room free of charge.