XVIII Century "henequén" (sisal) Hacienda transformed into exclusive small luxury hotel with 18 suites. Located in the heart of the Mayan World: Mérida, Yucatán, México, designated the Continental Capital of Culture 2000. Featuring memorable cuisine at the "Casa de Piedra" restaurant.

A privately owned and operated small luxury hotel, with personalized service and all the modern amenities within the context of an old Yucatecan Hacienda. Conveniently located only minutes from Mérida, close to main points of interest such as: Mérida's Convention Center, archaeological sites and colonial cities and beaches. Easy access to and from Cancún and Mérida. Facilities for groups and business retreats. Swimming pools and gardens to relax in, with SPA services available.

LOCATION:
Xcanatún is in the heart of the Mayan world, in Mérida, capital of the state of Yucatán, México, designated as the "American Capital of Culture 2000." The city is just 30 minutes from Cancún by plane, or three and a half hours by car.

HISTORY:
Hacienda Xcanatún reopened as a luxurious, 18-suite small hotel in January 2000, after five years of intense work to rescue its buildings from the total deterioration and abandon in which they were left in the 1980s.

Hacienda Xcanatún was built in the 18th Century to cultivate corn and to raise horses and other carriage animals. Haciendas were home to rich landlords whose huge properties were usually the only job opportunity for hundreds of peasants and servants, who lived nearby with their families. Social upheaval in the 1840s (known as Yucatán's "Caste War") and economic needs led its owners to transform it into a huge "henequén" (sisal) producer, an activity that required new buildings to house machinery.

World demand for sisal fiber ropes during both World Wars helped Yucatán become the largest producer in the world, which in turn made Hacienda landlords prosper for many decades. The development of artificial fibers after World War II and México's land ownership policies led to the decline of most Haciendas in Yucatán. In the 1970s, Xcanatún became more a resting place for its owners than a productive village. By 1980, most of the machinery had been dismantled and its owners stopped visiting The Hacienda regularly.

Xcanatún's buildings were heavily damaged by nature during the decade in which The Hacienda was virtually abandoned. In 1988, hurricane Gilberto gave buildings their coupe de grace and The Hacienda was left in ruins. In 1994, the Ruz-Baker family acquired the remains of the Main House, the Machinery Room and part of the fruit gardens, to transform them into a luxurious, low density tourist facility.

THE RECOVERY:
Recovery efforts were aided by experts in Mayan and colonial architecture, which developed plans to recover as much as possible from the existing buildings and to rebuild those that were useless, preserving the original architectural characteristics. Special attention was paid to maintain the original concept of space, ambience, ornaments and materials, even when changes had to be made or a new building had to be built, to be able to offer guests the highest comfort and functionality.

Architects kept Xcanatún's eclectic characteristics, with modern and neo-classic elements, and chose to build or rebuild using materials common in Yucatán, such as wood, iron, clay, stone and glass. A good example is the mineral paint developed for The Hacienda's walls.

Suites and buildings have wide interior spaces, environmental comfort, element simplicity and terraces to maintain contact with nature. Local flora shares outdoor spaces with new ornamental and fruit species. The old water tank became one of the two pools. New corridors and fountains allow for everyday breezes, cooler temperature and peaceful sounds, colors and aromas.

The old Main House recovered its corridors and pool, and currently houses six large and comfortable suites. The old Chapel became a multiple use salon; the former Machine Room is now home to the Restaurant, bar, kitchen, reception, offices and four additional suites. The cages became beautiful gardens with a pond and fountains.

Two new buildings of four suites each were added, preserving the architectural style of the old ones. These two story constructions provide guests with a spectacular view of the surrounding gardens. To complement them, a larger pool, gym, SPA and parking were added.

The result is an amalgam between historic, traditional and contemporary elements, to allow for the most pleasurable resting and relaxing experience and the enjoyment of space and nature.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
You will relax immediately upon entering Xcanatún's luxuriously appointed Master Suites, Suites and Junior Suites. Outdoor Jacuzzis in our suites, hand carved coral stone bathtubs in two Master Suites, unique decor and outstanding attention to detail will make you want to stay longer.

• MASTER SUITES (FIVE AVAILABLE): All Master Suites have large, comfortable, luxuriously appointed sitting rooms furnished with antiques, and large separate bedroom with king size bed. Oversize bathrooms with jacuzzi, two with hand carved coral stone tubs and waterfall. One Master Suite available with two double canopy beds, and wet-bar area within the separate sitting room. Private verandas surrounded by tropical gardens. Four of the five Master Suites are located in the old "casa principal" or main house. All have air conditioning, as well as overhead fans and mini bar.

• SUITES (NINE AVAILABLE): All Suites have comfortable sitting areas in English Colonial style, large bathrooms with vanity area, large private verandas with Yucatecan hammocks, and patio with exterior jacuzzi surrounded by tropical gardens. Four have king size beds, three have king size beds that can be made up as two singles, one with two double canopy beds, and one with a loft bedroom and king size bed. All have air conditioning, as well as overhead fans and mini bar.

• JUNIOR SUITES (FOUR AVAILABLE): Spacious bedrooms, three with king size beds, one with two double canopy beds; large bathrooms with tub or jacuzzi and shower, and verandas surrounded by tropical gardens. All have air conditioning as well as overhead fans and mini bar

FACILITIES:
Xcanatún's facilities will make your stay even more memorable:
● Exquisite haute cuisine at "Casa de Piedra" restaurant
● Two unique and refreshing swimming pools with bar service
● Local and exotic tropical flora in three acres of gardens, ponds and fountains
● SPA Services: Massage, facials, manicure and pedicure available by appointment
● Private function rooms and dining rooms: Ideal for your business meetings or family events of up to 50 people

CUISINE/RESTAURANT:
Yucatán has one of the world's most unique cuisines, based on spices like annatto, famous habanero pepper, plantain and sour orange. The "Casa de Piedra" restaurant features international-Caribbean recipes and a selection of the most delicious local dishes.

Hacienda Xcanatún's unique "Casa de Piedra" Restaurant has become a favorite of visitors and locals alike. In the tradition of The Haciendas, where landlords feasted every day, The menu features outstanding recipes especially developed by their executive chef, a Culinary Institute of America graduate. Fusing Caribbean, Yucatecan and international ingredients with French technique, their kitchen turns out specialties such as regional fish Cebiche in green tomatillo sauce, cream of poblano chile with roquefort cheese, grilled salmon over creamed leeks and a tomatillos-sesame seed sauce, Valladolid’s "longaniza" (sausage,) stuffed onions, sautéed chile-tamarind chicken breast over mango and jicama salad, and achiote marinated quails on pilaf rice. One of the pastry chef's unique desserts is the perfect way to end a memorable meal.

The menu also features selected traditional Yucatecan recipes, such as “Queso Relleno” (Dutch Edam cheese stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, tomato, raisins and olives, served with a red and a white sauce), “Poc Chuc” (marinated lean pork flank, grilled and served with roasted red onion, beans and sour orange), as well as the famous “Sopa de Lima” (Yucatecan sour lime soup - See recipe below.)

The wine list features names from around the world and the bar is stocked with your favorite spirits, including a selection of México's finest tequilas and beers.
Enjoy Haute Cuisine outdoors in “The Terrace” daily. Live music Thursday through Sunday makes your meal even more enjoyable.

Recipe for Sopa de Lima Yucateca:
For decades “Yucatecos” have enjoyed this traditional soup, a savory combination of Yucatecan sour lime, chicken or turkey broth, vegetables and crisp tortilla julienne. This easy to prepare recipe serves four generously.

INGREDIENTS:
1 Tbs. butter
1 garlic clove
½ onion, julienne
½ green bell pepper, julienne
1 tomato, peeled and chopped
1 lt. chicken or turkey broth
Juice of two Yucatecan limes (if not available, use key limes, although taste will vary)
½ Yucatecan lime, grilled (if not available, use key lime slices, although taste will vary)
3 sprigs cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste.

GARNISH:
Yucatecan lime slices (three to five per serving)
1 chicken breast, shredded
3 corn tortillas, julienne
Oil to deep fry corn tortillas

In a large pot heat butter, then sauté garlic, onion and green bell pepper; add tomato, chicken broth, lime juice and grilled lime. Boil for ten minutes, remove from fire, and then remove grilled lime. At the same time, deep fry the julienne tortilla until golden. To serve, arrange lime slices, chicken pieces and julienne tortilla in deep dishes, then add seasoned broth. Serve hot.

THE NEW SPA AT HACIENDA XCANATÚN:
Experience ancient Mayan treatments and the latest stress reduction techniques. There is a magical, restorative spirit in Yucatán. It can be seen in the variety of local plants and flowers used in ancient Mayan healing practices, the importance of honey as a curative agent and the way the Mayans have always lived in harmony with nature and the universe. Now you can experience that spirit at The Spa at Hacienda Xcanatún.

The newly opened SPA at Hacienda Xcanatún provides an integrated approach to beauty and wellness, therapeutic in nature and undeniably pampering. Holistic Mayan treatments such as the Mayan honey and flower massage (the house special) and the soothing Aloe Vera wrap are a key component of the airy, light filled SPA.

Decorated in jade green tile and natural gauze, the front wall of the SPA is made of glass and overlooks the swimming pool and tropical gardens. Guests entering the reception area of the SPA can enjoy tea, fruit drinks, fruit and Mayan herb beverages. There are comfortable changing rooms and separate steam and relaxation areas for men and women.

An exceptional staff of attentive and caring professional therapists uses only the best products. The Mayan specialist spent several years studying with the area’s leading “Shaman” and mixes her own oils and creams from local ingredients. Guests of The Hacienda may request in-room treatments for more privacy and comfort. Mayan treatments can be enjoyed in a secluded garden palapa.

BUSINESS:
Hacienda Xcanatún is only five minutes away from Mérida's Convention Center, and is the closest Hacienda to the city's commercial and industrial areas. After a hard day's work, Xcanatún will help you relax and get away from it all with the gardens and pools, exquisite food, luxurious suites, relaxing terraces to read and even a massage in your room.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Once you experience the comfort of your suite, the beauty and quietness of the gardens and pools and the unique cuisine, you will not wish to leave The Hacienda; you may ask for a massage, enjoy a calm evening and play “petanque.” Staff can arrange for golf and tennis. We recommend you plan at least one full day at The Hacienda Xcanatún.

From the comfort of Xcanatún, activities such as golf, tennis, horseback riding, visits to Mayan archeological sites, beaches, and trips to "cenotes" (sink holes) can be arranged.

Visit Mayan cities like Dzibilchaltún (barely five minutes away), Chichén-Itzá (home of the famous pyramid of Mayan God Kukulcán), and Uxmal. Or visit the first Cathedral on continental soil.

Yucatán has one of the world's most fascinating cuisines, and Mérida was declared “Continental Capital of Culture 2000,” founded in 1542 by Spanish conqueror Francisco de Montejo. Other nearby colonial cities worth visiting are: Campeche, Valladolid and Izamal. Mérida is a colonial city full of life and ideal for resting.

Tunnels form underground water sink holes called “cenotes” where you can swim, dive or simply watch the marvelous formations created by nature. There are over 700 registered cenotes in the state of Yucatán.

The Gulf of México bathes all the northern territory of the state of Yucatán. Progreso, the state's main port is just 15 minutes away from Xcanatún, and within 20 minutes you will find America's largest natural reserve of wild flamingos. We recommend you pay a visit to the beach and try fresh fish and seafood. You may also wish to visit the Caribbean, about four hours away.

The asteroid that killed dinosaurs 75 million years ago is believed to have crashed off the coast of Chicxulub, a beach port just 15 minutes away from Xcanatún.

There are dozens of native species of flora and fauna in Yucatán, among them deer, pheasant, octopus, snapper and squid. Just stroll in our gardens and you will come across different species of plants, and maybe a few rare birds.

For prices, reservations, availability and bookings, please contact us at: visit@luxuriousmexico.com