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MEXICO’S HEAVENLY HACIENDAS
Luxury accommodations housed in ornate colonial mansions, haciendas
are a uniquely Mexican retreat for the elite traveler. From a restored
monastery in the Yucatan to a 1930s abode in Jalisco, these historic
retreats, updated for the 21st century without compromising their
beguiling charm, boast sublime spas, gourmet cuisine and modern
comforts with a little taste of Mexico’s past.
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MEXICO’S HEAVENLY HACIENDAS
HACIENDA MISNEHACIENDA MISNE
YUCATAN | Reopened in 2000 after a five-year renovation, Hacienda Xca-
natun now provides guests with blissful accommodations in an 18th-cen-
tury mansion. The hacienda’s 18 suites are all exquisite, but a stay in one
of the five master suites is not to be missed. Each features a separate
living space, king-sized bed, private verandas and two hand-carved coral
stone tubs with waterfalls. The hacienda also has a spa, restaurant and
pool (www.xcanatun.com).
Built in the 18th century, Hacienda Misne is a flawlessly restored prop-
erty surrounded by tropical gardens. With a spa, pool and an outdoor
space scattered with hammocks, Hacienda Misne promises guests relax-
ation. There are 42 rooms and eight suites, each with garden views, high
ceilings and classic Mayan design and décor. Each suite has air-condition-
ing, cable TV and a spa shower (www.haciendamisne.com.mx).
Operated by the Starwood Hotel Group, Hacienda San Jose offers
standard Starwood luxury service in a tranquil hacienda setting. Ham-
mocks strung over an outdoor pool are the perfect place for an after-
noon nap, while the hotel’s restaurant offers Mexican cuisine overlook-
ing the gardens. Accommodations range from standard rooms to Mayan
Villas, featuring 18-foot ceilings, a king-sized bed, private terrace, and
in one case, even an in-room private pool (www.starwoodhotels.com).
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MEXICO’S HEAVENLY HACIENDAS
HACIENDA SANTA CRUZ
Housed in a 17th-century Franciscan monastery, Hacienda Santa Cruz
underwent over a year of renovations before reopening as a luxury hacienda
in 2007. Hacienda Santa Cruz now strikes the perfect balance by maintain-
ing the integrity of its historical architecture while updating its services and
interiors. The hacienda has a spa, restaurant and ten rooms including mas-
ter suites and one casita (www.haciendasantacruz.com).
Another Starwood property, Temozon Sur offers traditional Mexican haci-
enda architecture decorated in bright reds and yellows. With a lighted out-
door tennis court, spa, bicycle rental, outdoor pool and bar, Temozon Sur
has activities aplenty. There are a total of 28 guest rooms and suites, but
be sure to book the owner’s former bedroom, now the Presidential Suite,
with its separate sitting area, private pool and in-room hammock (www.
starwoodhotels.com).
A 17th-century mansion, Hacienda Sacnicte is tucked away, hidden from
the hustle and bustle of the city, offering its guests peace and seclusion. The
ten suites are made up of master suites, elite suites and junior suites, each
built with Mayan stone and featuring spacious rooms, king-sized beds and
luxurious stone bathrooms. Enjoy an Arabic pool and restaurant, as well as
a boutique housed in an adjacent 18th-century chapel (www.haciendasac-
nicte.com).
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MEXICO’S HEAVENLY HACIENDAS
HACIENDA MISNE
MORELOS | With 88 rooms, Hotel Hacienda San Antonio El Puente is
one of the largest restored haciendas. Beautifully renovated with modern
comforts, the property maintains the wonder of the traditional mansion
architecture while offering elite travelers luxury accommodations and
services. The expansive master suite offers visitors the best of the best
with a king-sized bed, private Jacuzzi, LCD TV and DVD player. A restau-
rant, lounge, pool, Jacuzzi, library and spa round out the offerings (www.
fiestamericana.com).
Built on an expansive property with stunning interior architecture, Ha-
cienda San Gabriel de Las Palmas is a must-stay for visitors traveling
in Morelos. The hacienda has two swimming pools, a tennis court, op-
portunities for horseback riding, rafting and sky diving, and 20 rooms at
12 METER AMERICA’S CUP
CHALLENGE / COZUMEL
E MLITE exicoexperiences
MEXICO’S HEAVENLY HACIENDAS
HACIENDA SANTA CRUZ
different levels, from standard rooms to presidential suites. The three
presidential suites all offer a luxe stay, but the Villa Don Jorge, with its
king-sized bed, private swimming pool and garden, and in-room Jacuzzi,
can’t be beat (www.haciendasangabriel.com).
Decorated with AAA’s Four Diamond Award, Hacienda de Cortes has a
rich history of over 480 years and the architecture to prove it. A stay at this
delightful hotel is best enjoyed in the master suite. With expansive space,
including a separate living room and dining room and a king-sized bed,
all nestled beneath high arched ceilings and open walls, the master suite
offers the ultimate in relaxation. The hacienda also boasts a restaurant,
wine cellar and spa (www.hotelhacien dadecortes.com.mx).
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MEXICO’S HEAVENLY HACIENDAS
GUANAJUATO | Run by Orient-Express, Casa de Sierra Nevada is sur-
rounded by gardens and courtyards, offering a secluded sanctuary in the
center of the city. Casa de Sierra Nevada is made up of a main building and
four colonial mansions, boasting 15 deluxe and executive rooms. These
top-of-the-line accommodations have quarry-stone fireplaces, a king-
sized bed, butler service and a talavera-tiled bathroom. Additionally, the
hacienda offers a restaurant, spa and even its own cooking school teach-
ing the art of gourmet Mexican cuisine (www.casadesierranevada.com).
Originally opened in 1940, Antigua Villa Santa Monica offers the luxury
boutique hotel experience in one of the most architecturally impressive
haciendas in the area. Fourteen private suites each boast a four-poster
king-sized bed, tile floors, separate living space and a stone fireplace.
Guests enjoy an open-air restaurant serving Mexican cuisine, a pool and
meeting and event space (www.antiguavillasantamonica.com)
HACIENDA EL CARMEN
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MEXICO’S HEAVENLY HACIENDAS
JALISCO | Heralded as the first luxury boutique hotel in Guadalajara, Hotel
Villa Ganz exhibits modern luxury in a historic 1930s mansion. Located in
Guadalajara’s Pink Zone, the hotel is in a neighborhood abuzz with restau-
rants, museums, art galleries and ample opportunities for shopping. Inside
the two-story hacienda, there are ten suites, each named after characters
created by Juan Rulfo and offering amenities such as king-sized beds,
floor-to-ceiling windows and in-room hammocks for afternoon lie-downs
(www.en.villaganz.com).
One of the more modernized haciendas, Hacienda Sepulveda Spa
boasts a pool, bar, restaurant, outdoor Jacuzzi and, best of all, a full-ser-
vice spa. The hacienda has 23 rooms, including eleven wide master suites
and one grand master suite that features two beds, traditional décor and
sprawling views of the property. Spend time at the spa, indulging in mas-
sages, facials, body wraps and even a de-stressing red wine therapy treat-
ment (www.haciendasepulveda.com.mx).
Those looking for a breadth of activities during their hacienda stay
should check into Hacienda El Carmen Hotel & Spa. This beautifully re-
stored traditional colonial mansion provides guests with opportunities for
horseback riding, golf, trips to explore nearby ruins and a chance to un-
wind at the in-house spa. For the business traveler, there are even four
separate conference rooms that each hold between 25 and 180 people.
The hacienda has a total of 21 suites including two grand master suites
and one presidential suite. A stay in the presidential suite offers the ulti-
mate in luxury with an in-room pool opposite the king-sized bed (www.
haciendaelcarmen.com.mx). HACIENDA SANTA CRUZ
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MEXICO’S HEAVENLY HACIENDAS
T20 CONFERENCE / YUCATAN
GLORIA GUEVARA MANZO
SECRETARY OF TOURISM, MEXICO
“We are very proud of Mexico´s cultural heritage,
and one of the best examples of the richness of
this legacy is expressed in the variety of haciendas,
jewels of time that have become a very important
part of our tourism offer. Last May, Mexico had
the chance to host the T20 Summit in Merida, Yucatan, where tourism
ministers from nearly 30 countries experienced the timeless luxury of
an authentic hacienda. The State of Yucatan is especially well known
for its variety of haciendas, however travelers from around the globe
looking for a unique Mexico experience can find haciendas and boutique
accommodations throughout the country. The luxury and privacy of
these haciendas is an experience that you will always remember.”
ROBERTO HERNÁNDEZ
CURRENT PRESIDENT OF BANAMEX GROUP
“There is a growing number of tourists who love
nature, art, classic architecture and history;
smart, sophisticated travelers that may have the
opportunity to experience all this here in Mexico.
That may find ancient, millenary cultures, not only
in the well-preserved ruins, but with real people. Get in contact with Ma-
yans who today live here, in Yucatan... I truly believe—and I speak from
my own experience—that there is a great opportunity to offer a prime
experience to the tourists that visit Yucatan, while working together with
nature conservation, the preservation of the culture and social develop-
ment of the communities.”
www.haciendasmundomaya.com
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