Destinations

The Hacienda Xanatun is a prefect representation of when luxury mets philanthropy. This elegantly resorted 18th century plantation is on the National Geographic’s top 150 hotels that “best share the soul of their location”.

Located in the heart of the Mayan world, Merida Mexico, this hotel is a restoration of sisal plantation which was almost completely destroyed by hurricane Gilbert in 1988. Owners Jorge Ruz and Cristina Baker insisted on authenticity in their restoration of this historic location. Everything from the buildings to the furnishing are made from the finest local materials and designed by local master craftsmen. The buildings have a neoclassical look and each of the 18 suites are individuality decorated with hand carved furnishings, antiques, thick stone walls, beamed ceilings, and on each private veranda a hand woven Yucatecan hammock. The entire resort is surround by a beautiful nine-acre garden which is maintained by only eco-friendly produces.

In addition to the suites there are two swimming pools, one of which is craved out of the original water reservoir, a family chapel and a spa. The spa has a distinct local twist, a Maya therapist who was trained by her grandfather, a noted shaman, enhances her treatments with Mayan healing rituals.

Another unique local twist is integrated in the hotel’s dining menu. Every dish served is a fusion of Yucatecan and European cooking. Using only the best local ingredients to create savoy meals based off traditional Mayan cuisine. They also have a wine cellar the contains selections from all over the world.

All the staff at the resort come from neighboring Maya villages and were trained by the owners. They only add the to unique experience that one would get at Hacienda Xcanatun, they are always happy to share their stories with the guests. But this hotel does more then provide jobs for the local people it is a integral part of the local community. In addition to participating many community programs they also shock the hotel boutique with beautiful hand made crafts made by the villagers and local artists.

On our vacation in Puerto Vallarta we took Los Veranos Canopy Tour. My kids chose the company because they advertise exotic animals. They are a very professional company and we had a great time with the zip line tour. This is a unique tour where you are zipped from tree to tree over the jungle canopy. The company has various pick up spots all around Puerto Vallarta. They are located about 25 minutes south of town.

They have a nice restaurant and a little building that houses two different types of monkeys. You’re able to get into the cage and feed them. In addition they have a deer and some animals that looked like raccoons without the masks. Up by the bar they have tarantulas, a lizard and two toucans. They also have a Burmese Python that they wrap around your neck. Off the restaurant they have two water slides into the river below. After doing the zip line trip, you’re welcome to hang out as long as you like. They have vehicles that back into town every hour. The zip line was fun and a work out. I highly recommend it.

That Sunday, we went down to the Dreams resort to check it out. We had arranged for a day pass for the family. We checked out the Standard, Jr Suite with Jacuzzi and a Suite. The rooms were spacious and festively decorated. The beds were firm, but not too bad. The Jr. Suites’ Jacuzzis are located on their balconies. The Suites and Presidential Suites have small pools on their balconies. Dreams has 5 restaurants I believe, plus a makeshift snack bar. They do not take reservations for their restaurants. If it’s full, they’ll give you a pager. I liked this because then you don’t have to plan out your meals right when you check into your hotel. I don’t like deciding that I want to have a certain type of food and then be told their restaurant is booked up for the next week.

They have a spa, but it’s not as impressive as the Marriott’s. However, I did take a pressure shower in their spa and they are fantastic. Dreams is an all inclusive resort, but they charge to use the internet in the business center and for full bottles of wine. Everyone I asked at Dreams, loved the place. They were very happy. My family enjoyed the property also.

A final note. We flew down on Alaska Airlines and as usual we only took carry on luggage. It’s a good thing we were not going back to Seattle. When the flight from Puerto Vallarta lands at the international terminal, you need to go to customs and then go over the the domestic terminal while they tow the plane over there. If we had bought Duty free liquor, we would not be able to bring it in our carry on for the flight to Seattle. Those who were continuing on had to put their duty free in their checked luggage.

As I tell people, one of the best parts of the trip is going where it’s sunny and warm knowing it’s cold and rainy back home.

The Rosewood Mayakoba Resort opened in December, but is still very much “in the making.” The property has a very unique layout with individual “casitas” or “suites” being built around a huge lagoon extending for almost 1/4 of a mile from the beach inland. It is located 45 minutes from the Cancun Airport, north of Playa del Carmen. Transportation from the airport is available by a brand new Mercedes SUV. Inside the hotel, guests are transported via golf cart or ec0-friendly electric boats through the canals.

My suite was located over a canal and was very spacious with a beautiful bathroom and indoor and outdoor showers. It was a very quiet and peaceful location with a nice veranda and private plunge pool overlooking the canal. The best suites are located on the beach front and have a spectacular view of the Island of Cozumel and the Caribbean Sea.

The Beach

The beach wasn’t too big, but the wind was blowing from the sea when I was there and the waves were eating up most of the beach. The beach front suites are built very, very close to the water, so I would be a bit concerned staying in them during hurricane season. I’m not sure what might happen if another hurricane hit the Yucatan, but I hope the developers planned accordingly.

The Spa

The spa wasn’t open yet, but when it opens next week it will be one of the largest in the area. It looks very nice and definitely “private,” with a separate pool, suites, and lounges for both men and women.

The Food

The cuisine was outstanding. The chef is from Spain and he mixes Spanish and Mexican food to make excellent tapas (small plates) as starters and tasty main dishes. The service was very attentive, at times too much, but I figure better more service than no service.

Other Items

Be aware of a strange feature - when you check in, the front desk will hold a certain amount on your credit card as a deposit, no matter if the room is prepaid or not. All will be refunded on check out or applied to your bill.

In addition, the resort is definitely not for families traveling with small children. Although quite beautiful, the water surrounds the resort, and access to the canals are wide open and unprotected.

Work is expected to continue next door at the Viceroy and Banyan hotels for another year or so, making it noisy during the day.

In conclusion, a beautiful new resort that needs a little more time to grow into a prominent feature of the Riviera Maya.