Hacienda de San Antonio and Hacienda Encantada: Boutique Luxury in Mexico

Hacienda San Antonio

It’s hard to think of a property in Mexico more lauded than Hacienda de San Antonio. The 25-room boutique hotel occupies a restored coffee plantation at the base of an active volcano in Colima State.

It’s widely described as the most beautiful hacienda in the Americas.

Each of its individually-decorated rooms and suites features Mexican art and antiques. Guests enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and other activities on the hacienda’s 5,000 acres of highland landscape. In the distance, the still-smoldering Colima Volcano is a star attraction.

An Olympic-size pool, and cuisine sourced from the hacienda’s organic farms provide additional enticements.

Taking on the role of new general manager at the hacienda may seem like a daunting prospect. But Ernesto Ovalle is looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the management of a property that offers such a rich cultural setting for guests,” Ovalle tells Travel Agent.

The Swiss-educated hospitality professional has ample experience with high-end brands and exotic settings. Prior positions have taken him to French Polynesia with Intercontinental Hotels; Shanghai with Hyatt International and Hong Kong with Mandarin Oriental.

Residences HE

With Hacienda de San Antonio, Ovalle joins another prestigious hotel concern. The hacienda shares an owner with Cuixmala, the 25,000-acre luxury resort and preserve on the Pacific’s Costalegre.

In Los Cabos, the latest expansion at Hacienda Encantada might prove that smaller is better.

The resort has added 52 studio rooms.

The new addition is called “El Encanto de la Hacienda,” or “the enchantment of the hacienda.” It’s a new building that will open adjacent to the main resort in mid spring.

Each of the 52 new studios will feature oceanfront views and terraces, as well as a lower price point. Amenities include an infinity pool and swim-up bar, restaurants and designated event space. Guests in the studios may also access the main resort amenities.

Additionally, guests of El Encanto de la Hacienda may book the Hacienda Encantada's Dine-Out Privileges Plan. The all-inclusive plan allows guests to dine at the resort as well as restaurants within the Golden Zone in downtown Cabos San Lucas.

"We're very excited to be adding El Encanto de la Hacienda to the existing accommodations available here at the resort. This addition is broadening our target market and not just appealing to, but catering to the needs and wants of younger romance and leisure travelers,” Gabriel Ibarra, director of sales and marketing for Mexico Grand Hotels, tells Travel Agent.

In addition to Hacienda Encantada, Mexico Grand Hotels owns the Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa, and a collection of restaurants and retail shops at the Marina Golden Zone, located in downtown Los Cabos.

Guests visiting another popular hotel brand in Los Cabos can enjoy a special package timed to coincide with whale-watching season.

Every year, a number of different whale species make the 6,000-mile migration from the north to the warm waters of Baja California Sur. It’s one of the region’s most popular attractions winter attractions.

Grand Solmar Land's End Resort, Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa and Solmar Resort & Beach Club are offering four-night stays that include whale-watching tours.

The promotion is available through April 15.