Hacienda Chichén Resort

Hacienda Chichén Resort Review

This refurbished hacienda with a butter-yellow exterior, has beautiful gardens and an inviting pool surrounded by palm trees. Connected by winding pathways are 28 cottages, each uniquely decorated with the owner's artwork, reclaimed furniture, hammocks and rocking chairs. Each cottage is named for the archeologist who once lived there, like the "Ann Morris" cottage #26, which has stone walls, a private garden, plenty of natural light, and an antique bed. Rooms don't have TVs, Internet, or phones, but there's a satellite TV and Wi-Fi in a common area. The property is filled with hidden treasures, including a small chapel, a sacred cave, a gallery with works by Merle Greene Robertson, and a gift shop where 100% of the profits are donated to local communities. Bird-watchers take note; there are more than 170 species of birds in this refuge, which can be seen during morning nature tours. Pre-screened guests can stay at the hacienda at no charge, provided they join the hotel's volunteer program for a one-to six-month commitment. You can walk to Chichén Itzá in just a couple of minutes, but perhaps the main draw is the hotel's Yaxkin Spa, directed by Mayan healer Beatriz Correa, who uses natural elements like melipona honey, cacao, aloe, flowers, and tropical fruits to cleanse the body from toxins. The two-hour Kukulcan treatment has earned the spa multiple awards, including the prestigious Top Wellness Destination award by National Geographic Travel.