Destination expert Chris Moss writes on The Telegraph that Yucatan’s Hacienda Temozon is a jewel of a resort. Here is Moss’ review.
Location
It’s about 50 minutes’ drive north to the attractive colonial city of Merida, which is also the closest local airport. If you’re here for the Mayan sites – and most people are – you can drive two hours to Chichen Itza or just 45 minutes south to impressive and far less touristy Uxmal.
Style & character
Like the other historic haciendas in Yucatán, Temozon was established in the 17th century as a multipurpose estate but grew to prominence in the late 19th century when the global market for sisal fibres boomed. The property is undoubtedly one of the most stately in the whole peninsula, with a particularly impressive main façade and manicured gardens. Coral-hued walls and white mouldings preserve the period appearance.
Service & facilities
It’s an important regional conference centre, which has hosted meetings featuring the likes of Bill Clinton in the past, but there’s also a pool fed by a fountain, luxurious spa in an underground cavern, gift shop, 24-hour front desk, car rental, babysitter service and a heliport. Tours can be arranged, as can exclusive experiences such as swimming, and even diving in cenotes (sink holes) – two are within the estate perimeter – and Mexican cooking classes.
Hacienda Temozon. (PHOTO: Luxurious Mexico)
Rooms
The 28 rooms and suites still have the names of their original functions. Décor throughout is period, low-key and stylish, and rooms are cool and clutter-free. All have either one king or two doubles, with wrought-iron bed heads; minibars, iPod docks, air conditioning and hairdryers come as standard. Bathrooms are airy and beautifully appointed, and lotions and shampoos use natural ingredients. Superior rooms share a central garden or patio. Junior suites have terraces and either a bathtub or small plunge pool. Deluxe suites are larger, with living rooms and spacious bathrooms. The presidential suite is the former owner’s bedroom, and features a limestone bathtub and private swimming pool. Most rooms have siesta-friendly ceiling fans and hammocks.
Food & drink
An à la carte breakfast of eggs, toast, fruit, juice and coffee (priced at $20/£16.50) is served in a colonnaded restaurant overlooking the gardens and pool. The main lunch and dinner menus feature Mexican as well as international options. The gardens provide much of the organic produce, and bread is baked on site. The Las Gárgolas bar serves excellent rum and tequila-based cocktails, including a tamarind margarita. Romantic dinners can be arranged in secluded spots around the estate.
Value for money
Double rooms from $347 (£285) in low season; and from $570 (£469) in high. Breakfast excluded, charged at $20/£16. Free Wi-Fi.
Access for guests with disabilities?
No. The stone paths and original staircases make these hotels very wheelchair-unfriendly.
Family-friendly?
Fairly. There are no kids’ clubs but there are bikes to ride around the estate, a nice donkey-led cart ride to a cenote, and family activities such as birdwatching. Pets can stay here for an extra $100 (£82) plus taxes.
Location
KM 182 Carretera Merida-Uxmal, Temozon Sur, Yucatan, Mexico.
Source: telegraph.co.uk
