Sleeping in a historic hacienda is one of the more unique ways to see a new side of Mexico. Fortunately, the country has dozens of haciendas from which to choose, some that date back hundreds of years. Many have been converted into luxury hotels, both in and outside of cities, and provide a glimpse into a different era. Here are five luxury haciendas to experience in Mexico.
Hacienda San Angel
Travelers to Puerto Vallarta get the best of both worlds when they stay at Hacienda San Angel. This stunning work of architecture is set back in the hills of downtown Centro, so guests have access to the city’s restaurants and nightlife — with their own oasis to retreat to. The hacienda features intricately designed and carved furniture and antiques; a rooftop restaurant with views of Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas; and three pools. The home, which was previously owned by actor Richard Burton, is a stunning work of art in itself and one of the most luxurious places to book in Puerto Vallarta.
www.haciendasanangel.com
Hacienda Labor de Rivera
Just outside Guadalajara is an escape from the rapidly modernizing city. At Hacienda Labor de Rivera, trees and ponds dot the property around the restored, canary-yellow estate, which has 21 suites with high ceilings, traditional wooden shutters and antique accessories. Each room is elegant and plush, with accents that make it decidedly colonial, such as delicate ceramic tiles, wooden headboards and colorful woven textiles. The hacienda also has an on-site restaurant and spa.
www.haciendalalabor.com
Even though Hacienda Labor de Rivera is outside Guadalajara, it feels like it’s a world away.
Credit: 2018 Hacienda Labor de RiveraHacienda Petac
History becomes intimate at the Yucatan’s Hacienda Petac. With seven guestrooms on 250 acres, this 17th-century hacienda hotel is typically only rented to one group at a time. Relax on the Casa Principal building’s sweeping terraces or in its living rooms, library or bar. Guests also have access to a spa, a nail salon and a gym. Each reservation provides exclusive use of the hacienda, all meals, a full-service staff of 24, one roundtrip transfer from the Merida airport, a city tour of Merida, an evening of music with local band Los Tres Yucatecos and a cooking lesson.
www.haciendapetac.com
Visitors to Hacienda Petac can get a lesson in Yucatecan cooking.
Credit: 2018 Hacienda PetacHacienda San Gabriel de Las Palmas
Mexico’s state of Morelos doesn’t get as much traffic from the U.S., but it is entirely worth a visit for a stay at the luxurious Hacienda San Gabriel de Las Palmas. This property offers 20 rooms, ranging from standard to presidential suites. Other amenities include two swimming pools, a tennis court and adventure activities such as horseback riding, sky diving and rafting. For a truly memorable stay, book Villa Don Jorge, which has its own private swimming pool.
www.haciendasangabriel.com
Hacienda Puerta Campech
Colonial Mexico is at its best in Campeche’s Centro Historico. A walk along the cobblestone streets feels like traveling back in time thanks to bold-colored buildings, a romantic zocalo (main square), a cathedral and an old city wall. Take this experience one step further and stay at Hacienda Puerta Campeche, one of Starwood’s Luxury Collection haciendas in Mexico. In this 17-century restored mansion, the rooms and public spaces all center around a stunning courtyard with towering trees, hanging vines and an indoor-outdoor pool accented with dangling hammocks. The hotel has just 15 rooms, most with 18-foot ceilings, exposed beams, brightly colored walls and marble bathrooms. Dine on typical Mexican fare at La Guardia Restaurant, or sip a cocktail at the stately lobby bar.
www.starwoodhotels.com
Hacienda Puerta Campeche is part of Starwood’s Luxury Collection.
Credit: 2018 Hacienda Puerta Campeche
