A boutique hotel with the prestige of an 18th century colonial plantation house

The Hacienda San José, located east of Mérida in the Yucatan region, has been a colonial plantation house since the 18th century. Initially built during fast and prosperous times, the hacienda ended up in dire condition after long and enduring times of hardship and Mexican social conflict. The hacienda was therefore an ideal challenge for the architects to transform into an exclusive heritage and luxury boutique hotel.

The restoration works preserved the authenticity of the colonial house and complemented it with modern comfort. The architects remodeled and added spaces to accentuate the hacienda's original elements and architecture.

The Hacienda San Jose is hidden in an exceptional site with lush tropical vegetation and immerged in absolute tranquility and calm. The impressive courtyard and building's nice blue pastel façade is surrounded by colorful gardens, grass lawns, and fruit orchards.

It is an ideal location to practice siesta and relaxation in a traditional, cotton-woven, hammock or at the side of the pool. But also to enjoy romantic dinners for two and to discover the ancient and contemporary Maya culture with the nearby archaeological site of Chichén Itzá.

Taste the colonial past in a luxuriously restored hacienda

The rooms are located around the impressive courtyard which immerses guests in the atmosphere of the past. The 15 suites and rooms have access to private gardens and private plunge pools.

Inside, the suites are simply but elegantly decorated: wooden beds, ceramic basins, and natural materials. The hacienda has retained its traditional Yucatan hacienda decorative elements such as high ceilings, heavy wooden doors, thick walls, and cool tiled floors. Amenities like cable TV, MP3 player, and air conditioning ensure a perfectly modern and comfortable stay.

The Tempting Experience: Under the sign of the Mayas

A unique Mayan experience in a unique Mayan heritage place!

Start by reserving the "Villa Maya": a suite combining traditional Maya architecture with a high level of comfort and luxurious add-ons that will meet the needs of the most demanding guests. The Villa Maya has a spacious bedroom with a special "Hanging Bed"; a large bathroom; a "day-bed", and a large private terrace with access to the villa's private garden and private plunge pool!

Second, treat yourself to a Maya massage at the hacienda's Maya spa which uses natural regional products such as honey, royal jelly, clay, and aloe vera. Why not try out the "Maya energizing massage" consisting of ancient Mayan massage techniques and mystique rituals? By balancing personal vital energy with the energy of the environment, it is said to result in deep relaxation, spiritual harmony, and corporal equilibrium.

Finally, visit the numerous nearby Mayan sites. All are extraordinary though we do highlight the renowned Chichén Itzá. The most ancient part of this pyramid called "old Chichén" dates from the 6th century and combines the Puuc and Chenes styles. The Castillo, also called "Kukulkan pyramid" (literally "feather snake") is one of the largest architectural sites of the Americas: its 365 steps each stand for a day of the solar year and during the equinoxes (21 March and 21 September), between 4pm and sunset, the sun creates an illusion of a large snake of light sliding down the giant stairs!

Services and activities

You can of course refresh yourself and simply chill-out at the main swimming pool or in the privacy of your suite's private pool.

Why not pamper yourself with a moment of deep relaxation at the Mayan spa?

For the sports-minded, the Hacienda San Jose also has available mountain bikes or you can practice horse-riding.

The hacienda will be delighted to help you plan your visits as there are plenty of Mayan heritage civilization sites to visit in the nearby neighborhood.

The Yucatan area and the East coast of Mérida

Departing from the Hacienda San Jose are a large number of sites to discover:

Archaeological sites: Dzibilchaltún and its anthropology museum; the Izamal pilgrimage centre; Ek Balam with its authentic stucco figurines, the site of Xcambó which is hidden amidst salt mines and beautiful lush vegetation;

Nice colonial towns: Valladolid and Mérida or charming authentic villages such as Telchac, a traditional fishermen village;

Educational sites: Aké, with its sisal factory that explains all about sisal fibers; Tixkokob, a production centre of traditional cotton-woven hammocks;

Nature: Appreciate the beautiful surrounding nature or visit the Rio Laggartos natural reserve and biosphere.

Press comments and awards

• "150 hotels you will love" (National Geographic Traveller) 2008
• TO DO award 2008
• Best Employers in Latin America 2005 and 2006
• "investor in people award" (Tourism for tomorrow) 2006
• Most romantic hotels (Conde Nast)
• Selected for the august 2006 issue of Architectural Digest
• Best 100 hotels in the World, (Conde Nast)
• "Hot List" 2005 (Conde Nast)
• Paradisiacal Hacienda: cover-page of (Conde Nast) 2002