MEXICO CITY -- If a client requests a vacation in an intimate,
centuries-old inn in Mexico that offers authentic food and quiet
surroundings, would you know what to recommend?
For clients like these, the country's haciendas, which are
former plantations once owned by wealthy landowners and industrial
barons, might be just the ticket.
As more and more tourists search for distinctive travel
experiences, Mexico's haciendas are being spruced up in an effort
to meet the demand of travelers for authentic Mexican culture and
hospitality.
The country's haciendas, many of which were built more than 500
years ago, were a symbol of agricultural wealth and grand European
architecture.
Through the centuries, the haciendas became economically
autonomous, providing the surrounding communities with food,
clothing and medical care.
By the early 20th century, however, after cultural and
industrial change and revolutions, the haciendas became obsolete.
Many of the estates were plundered and ransacked.
In the last few years, the haciendas have been bought by private
owners, who have renovated and refurbished them and converted them
into inns.
The following is a look at some of the country's hacienda
hotels:
• Hacienda de Los Santos, Sonora.
Built in 1685 for a wealthy silver baron, the Hacienda de Los
Santos features 25 guest rooms decorated with Spanish colonial
furnishings and fireplaces.
Guests have use of a gym, three swimming pools and a full-service
spa. There are four dining rooms and a cantina called the Zapata
Bar.
Tours of the historical city -- which has a large U.S. expatriate
community -- and its natural attractions are offered through the
concierge.
Rates range from $165 per night for a standard room to $750 for a
Presidential Suite.
For information or reservations, call (877) 278-8018 or visit the
Web at www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com.
• Hacienda Cora, Puerto Vallarta.
Situated on the outskirts of the 18-hole Marina Vallarta Golf
Course, the 67-room Hacienda Cora features private terraces, marble
baths and tropical gardens with plenty of nooks and crannies where
guests can relax.
Most rooms also come with private pools and Jacuzzis. There also
are a larger swimming pool and a sun deck where guests can unwind
after a day of exploring Puerto Vallarta's attractions.
A key selling point is the 18-hole golf course, which is rated one
of the best in the area. Through the concierge, guests have
tee-time privileges.
Rates range from $211 per night for a standard room to $1,950 for a
suite.
For information or reservations, call (877) 278-8018 or visit www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com.
• Hacienda San Jose, Yucatan.
Located on the Yucatan peninsula near Chichen Itza, the Hacienda
San Jose features 15 rooms and suites surrounding an impressive
courtyard.
An outdoor pool, lounge bar and restaurant and comfortable rooms
enable visitors to feel at home during their stay.
Twenty-four miles from Merida, the capital of the Yucatan state,
Hacienda San Jose is centrally located. The city of Merida is best
known for its "tropical colonial" architecture, access to nearby
archaeological sites and shopping for native crafts and Mayan
art.
For information or reservations, call (888) 625-5144 or visit www.luxurycollection.com.
• Hacienda Katanchel, Yucatan.
This hacienda and nature resort is situated between Chichen Itza
and Uxmal, near the archaeological sites of the Yucatan
peninsula.
Katanchel is located on 740 acres of tropical jungle and is dotted
with wading pools that are continually filled with mineral spring
water.
Its 39 rooms and suites are decorated with local art and antiques.
Authentic Yucatan cuisine is prepared in its restaurant using
homegrown fruits and vegetables.
Rates start at $200 per night, including coffee or tea with cookies
brought to the room every morning (or full breakfast in summer) and
complimentary roundtrip airport (Merida) transfers.
For more information or reservations, call (800) 525-4800 or visit
www.hacienda-katanchel.com.
• Hacienda Mariposas, Michoacan.
This 12-room inn is set on 18 acres of forest land, orchards and
wildflower meadows. From the hotel, guests can visit the
Tzintzuntzan and Tarascan pyramids.
Ecological adventure tours are designed specifically for guests.
Tours include archaeological sites, colonial architecture, remote
Indian villages, mountain lakes, handicraft markets and horseback
riding through the Sierra Madre.
The hacienda staff can arrange trips to the Paricutin volcano and
butterfly sanctuaries as well as tours of the city and local crafts
towns.
Guests can enjoy brunch in the rose garden, afternoon refreshments
on the veranda and dinners in front of the fireplace.
Rates start at $85 per night, including breakfast. Dinner is $15
per person.
For information or reservations, call (800) 573-2386 or visit www.haciendamariposas.com.
• Hacienda Los Laureles, Oaxaca.
Each of the 25 rooms at Los Laureles overlooks a lush courtyard.
The hotel's facilities and amenities include a top-rated
restaurant, a spa, a gym, a business center and meeting rooms.
Guests who stay seven nights or longer receive a complimentary
massage, a basket of fresh fruits daily and a morning coffee and
newspaper delivered to the room.
The hotel is 10 minutes from Oaxaca, which offers excellent
shopping in local markets plus attractions such as the Rufino
Tamayo Museum. Visits to the archaeological sites of Mitla and
Monte Alban also can be arranged.
Rates range from $188 for a standard room to $540 for a
Presidential Suite.
For details or reservations, call (800) 44-OAXACA or go to www.los-laureles-oaxaca.com.
• Hacienda San Gabriel de las Palmas,
Morelos.
Originally constructed in 1529 under the orders of Hernan Cortes,
the 13-room Hacienda San Gabriel de las Palmas served as a
Franciscan monastery in colonial times and later as a sugar
plantation.
Just 20 minutes from Cuernavaca and 90 minutes from Mexico City,
the hacienda is near natural sites such as the caves of
Cacahuamilpa and the rapids of the Amacuzac River.
Each guest room is decorated with period furnishings and art
showcasing the architectural splendor of the building.
Rates start at $120 per night.
For information or reservations, call (877) 278-8018 or visit www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com.