Mexican Hacienda in Yucatán Is a Couple's Dream

Clients looking for a romantic getaway in a remote area of Mexico would be a perfect fit for Hacienda Xcanatun, a privately owned and managed 18th-century restored hacienda in Yucatán.

Yucatán, one of the 31 states of Mexico, is on the north of the YucatánPeninsula. It borders the states of Campeche to the southwest, Quintana Roo to the east and southeast, and the Gulf of Mexico to the north and west.

After a five-year restoration and renovation program, the hacienda was transformed into a small boutique hotel with 18 suites and rooms in 2000.

It is the only area hacienda to have a full spa on premises and a gourmet restaurant. On the outskirts of Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán, the hacienda is on eight acres of jungle-like gardens. Adobe walls surround the entire property.

Hacienda Xcanatun is an ideal destination for weddings away, as couples can take over the entire hacienda, accommodating 36 guests, or just a wing of the hacienda for their wedding and reception.

In addition to clients who are honeymooners and couples, you can also book this for empty-nesters and family groups. The hacienda is also close enough to Mérida to make booking some business travel an option as well.

In Mérida, there are museums, open-air concerts, markets and other shopping. In December, a new Jack Nicklaus championship golf course will open 10 minutes north of the hacienda.

The Top Room

In the best room,

Master Suite 102

, some walls have exposed pre-Hispanic Mayan stones. Filled with light, the suite is decorated with some of well-known Mexican furniture designer Esteban Chapital's better pieces, which where designed and handcarved exclusively for Hacienda Xcanatun.

The bathroom has a marble floor and marble-wrapped walls, bidet, and a hydrotherapy tub. A skylight above the tub provides views of stars while soaking at night.

Some other amenities include fine linen sheets, fluffy towels, cotton pique robes and organic soaps. Breakfast is included in the nightly rate and can be enjoyed on the suite's private terrace or on the dining terrace. Currently, the cost of a Master Suite is only $285. From October 1 to December 15, it is $310. For Christmas and New Year's, it's $340 and from January 7 to April 30 of 2008, it is $315. Government taxes and a hotel service charge, amounting to 22 percent of the cost of a room, must be added to all prices.

Xcanatun's restaurant has a different focus from traditional Yucatecan restaurants. Their executive chef designed a personal interpretation of fusion Yucatecan served only at the hacienda, combining French cooking techniques with the Caribbean and local ingredients. The cuisine also borrows from European, Yucatecan, Mayan and Caribbean traditions to create exciting dining. If your client wants a taste of what it's like to be president, tell them to order the duck glazed with Xtabentun—local Yucatecan liquor. This was the dish ordered by Presidents Bush and Calderon in March.

A Special Spa

A Mayan treatment highlighted at the spa is a combination Sobada massage and limpia (spiritual cleansing). All of the holistic treatments are in the hands of Xcanatun's Mayan therapist, granddaughter of a noted shaman, who enhances contemporary pampering techniques with healing rituals passed down from her ancestors.

The Sobada massage starts at the belly button—center of the Maya universe—and moves gently over the stomach to the arms, legs, and back. Negative energy is swept out of the body during a limpia, thereby opening channels for new positive energy to enter. The therapist uses herbs, leaves and various fragrances for the cleansing, ending by brushing a flower over the person. She then removes the flower petals and crushes them underfoot to symbolize that the spirit is calm and in balance.

Hacienda Xcanatun offers a minimum 10 percent commission with no cap. Agents can receive higher commission depending on volume.

Agents should call Reservations Manager Sergio Mays at 888-883-3633. Cristina Baker, co-owner, is also available for consultation on special issues, weddings, meetings and special requests. She can be reached at the same telephone number; her e-mail is [email protected].

Hacienda Xcanatun's Romance Package

For romantics of all ages, Hacienda Xcanatun is offering a four-day/three-night Romantic Fantasy. The package is priced at $1,250 per couple through September 30, 2007. From October 1 to December 15 and January 8 to April 31, 2008 the cost is $1,375 for two. It includes three-nights' accommodations in a luxurious suite with a private veranda slung with hammocks, daily breakfast, a bottle of fine wine, a selection of velvety dark Yucatecan chocolates, and a candlelit dinner for two in the hacienda's landmark restaurant.

For reservations and information about the Romantic Fantasy Package call 888-883-3633, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.xcanatun.com.