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In March 2016, our own Mona did an extensive visit to the Yucatan Peninsula - SouthEastern Mexico. And in January 2019 spent another 10 days in Cancun and Tulum.
She stayed at Haciendas (Spanish for Estate) that began life as cattle ranches, late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century plantations with their grand old houses. Toured archaeological sites and seventeenth-century convents and churches. Swam in a private Cenote (a natural sinkhole, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes underground water). Interacted with the Mayans and learnt about their language, cultural individuality, rituals, food and numerous traditions.
And finally spent days on the beaches of Canncun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, visiting different properties and enjoying the sun and water.
Days 1 - 3
Transfer to a hotel in Cancun
Guide: No guide
Hotel: Hotel Nizuc
Your driver will transfer you to your hotel in Cancun. Enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sun and sand and take in Cancun's night-life and dining opportunities.
Located at the gateway of the Riviera Maya, less than 20 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, NIZUC Resort & Spa is positioned in the secluded enclave of Punta Nizuc, the newest luxury destination in the Mexican Caribbean. Set within a paradise of protected mangroves and lush, local foliage, and facing the white sands of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef -- the second largest coral reef in the world -- NIZUC is home to two exclusive beaches and is surrounded by the region's natural wonders, archaeological sites and attractions.
Guests can enjoy the resort's multiple pools, six world-class restaurants, private jetty, 30,000 square foot spa and one of the most spectacular natural beach fronts in the world.
Day 4
Chichen Itza with lunch at Xocempich cenote
Guide: Licensed guide
Hotel: Hacienda Temozon Sur
AM: Our journey begins at Chichen Itza, the pre-Hispanic world’s most celebrated archaeological site. Originally built by the Maya, later conquered by Itzás, and Toltecs, and ultimately defeated by princes of Mayapán. You’ll visit the world famous Castillo, a pyramid recently declared one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. We also visit the site’s other principal constructions and then the Sacred Cenote, where sacrificial offerings have been found.
LUNCH/PM: We head to Xocempich, a private cenote on the ruins of an historic ranch, a refreshing treat open only to our travelers. Swim or snorkel in the cenote’s crystalline waters and relax for hours in total privacy. A delicious fête champêtre-style lunch is served beneath the magnificent old trees.
At the end of the day, your driver will take you to Hacienda Temozón.
Hacienda Temozón is an impeccably restored hacienda dating to the seventeenth century, now a five-star hotel. Explore its tranquil gardens, swim its dramatic pool and breathtaking cenote, relax at the Maya spa. Dine on delicious local recipes in and out of doors, in high back-country style.
Day 5
Tekik de Regil and Ochil
Guide: Host
Hotel: Hacienda Temozon Sur
AM: At leisure at the hacienda
LUNCH: Today we journey to Hacienda Tekik de Regil. Tekik is an architectural gem from the Yucatecan Belle Époque, recently rescued and painstakingly restored. Your private visit includes a cooking class with a top regional chef. Lunch will be served on the hacienda terrace and of course there is time for a swim! Mona believes this is a perfect destination/property for a wedding or a celebration.
NIGHT: This evening we will experience Arbol de Luz, the amphitheater and magical light installation designed by the reknowned artist James Turrell. Submerge yourself in the intricate blending of music with the sounds of the birds and insects that live around the cenote that holds the amphitheater.
Day 6
City tour Merida
Guide: Licensed guide
Hotel: Rosas & Xocolate Design Hotel
AM: Today we explore Merida, a city that preserves its rich architectural heritage like no other. Travel its shady avenues, lined with exquisite mansions from the end of the 19th century, when henequen (sisal) wealth reached its zenith and the fiber’s producers sought to reaffirm their prestige and world-view in architecture. You will also visit the cathedral and famous restored buildings in the city center.
LUNCH: Enjoy lunch in one of Merida's fine restaurants.
At the end of the day, your driver will bring you to your hotel in Merida, a city that preserves its rich architectural heritage like no other. Enjoy the delicious Yucatecan cuisine in Merida's restaurants and step out to explore the night-life.
Rosas & Xocolate is a contemporary luxury masterpiece situated on the prestigious Paseo de Montejo, the most important avenue of Merida. Brought to life in two historical mansions, this 17 room boutique hotel is an eclectic combination of modern style and old- world charm. Conceived as a lifestyle destination, all areas are individually designed to the highest standards and delicately furnished with creations made by local artisans.
Day 7
Transfer from Merida to the Riviera Maya
Guide: No guide
Hotel: Betulum
Your driver will transfer you to your hotel on the Riviera Maya. Enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sun and sand and relax beside the pool in your hotel.
Be Tulum is a boutique hotel for world travelers seeking total relaxation. Facing the turquoise water beaches of Tulum, 20 comfortable, exquisitely designed rooms to enjoy facing the spectacle of the sea.
Day 8
At leisure
Guide: No guide Hotel: Betulum
AM: Free day to relax and enjoy.
Day 9
Sian Ka'an
Guide: Licensed guide
Hotel: Betulum
AM: The journey today begins at Sian Ka'an (Where The Sky Is Born), the first established Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. It is currently a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains a high priority of protection for the state of Mexico. Take advantage of the opportunities for wildlife spotting since the Reserve is home to 800 plant species and provides habitat for 350 species of birds, as well as jaguar, puma, ocelot, spider and howler monkeys, crocodiles, and many types of turtles.
Day 10
Tulum, and transfer to Playa Del Carmen
Guide: Licensed guide
Hotel: Thompson Playa del Carmen
AM: We begin the day with a visit to the archaeological site of Tulum. This walled Maya city was occupied during the Postclassic period, late in the history of the Mayas, and is famous for its unique architectural style and its beautiful setting overlooking the turquoise Caribbean sea. Admire the sculpture on the buildings as you wander through this lovely site.
Playa del Carmen’s new premier destination takes sun-splashed luxury and exciting nightlife up a notch – five stories up — at the center of it all along Playa’s famous Quinta Avenida at Calle 12. With exhilarating 360° views from sea to city and beyond, it’s truly the pinnacle of Playa, where a rooftop infinity pool playground meets cuisine and entertainment by the creators of CATCH NYC and the mid-century cool of renowned Mexico City designers Niz + Chauvet.
Days 11 - 12
At leisure
Guide: No guide
Hotel: Thompson Playa del Carmen
AM: Free day to relax and enjoy.
Day 13
Departure from the Cancun airport
Guide: No guide
Your driver takes you to the Cancun airport for your flight back home.
Have a safe trip and come back soon!
