DK Travel : Cancún and the Yucatán

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula has a special atmosphere and an immense variety of attractions, including some of the world’s best beaches and diving areas. The modern, glittering resorts of the east coast’s “Mayan Riviera” lie alongside charming old Spanish Colonial towns, sleepy Mayan villages, and the awesome remains of ancient civilizations.

Hacienda Hotels

A seductive escape is offered (at upscale prices) by the hotels scattered around the Yucatán in beautifully converted old Colonial haciendas (country estates). All have luxurious rooms surrounded by tropical gardens, with superb pools and fine restaurants (see Haciendas and Hip Hotels).
Hacienda Ochil

A restaurant in a restored hacienda, offering finely prepared traditional Yucatecan dishes on a delightful terrace.
Hacienda Puerta Campeche, Campeche

A selection of 17th-century houses have been carefully restored to become the most original hotel in the area. Rooms and suites are equipped with satellite tv, and the accommodation boasts a restaurant, lounge bar, and pool.
Hacienda San Antonio Chalanté, near Izamal

The Yucatán’s restored hacienda-hotels are mostly in the luxury bracket, but this charming estate gives you the chance to sample local country life for much less.
Hacienda San José Cholul

This restaurant is located in a colonial-style hacienda with traditional furniture and a beautiful garden. The menu offers Yucatecan specialties and international cuisine. Guests can dine on the terrace or in one of the many romantic spots in the lush, tranquil garden. The menu also includes a variety of vegetarian dishes.
Hacienda San José Cholul

Hacienda San José CholulSet in a colonial hacienda, this restaurant’s biggest draw is the secluded garden. The service is also excellent.
Hacienda San José Cholul, near Mérida

A 17th-century estate 30 km (18 miles) east of Mérida, one of several aristocratic haciendas that have been converted by the Plan Group. Rooms are spacious, with Colonial-style furniture.
Hacienda Santa Rosa, near Mérida

In an area unknown to most visitors just west of the Mérida-Campeche road is another Plan hacienda, with 11 rooms and suites. The lofty, Colonial-style rooms are lovely, some with their own gardens. The restaurant, bars (in an old chapel), and pool are to match.
Hacienda Temozón, near Uxmal

The most luxurious place to stay near Uxmal is provided by this Plan Group hacienda, 45 km (27 miles) north of the ruins. The 17th-century main house, terrace restaurant, and pool are spectacular.
Hacienda Uayamón, Campeche

The most isolated of the Plan haciendas, on an old henequen plantation (for ropemaking). The conversion has been done with style, and the pool – in a ruined, roofless building – is astonishing.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $5
- $5-$10
- $10-$20
- $20–$35
- over 35
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under US$20
- US$20-$45
- US$45-$80
- US$80-$130
- over US$130