Hacienda Chichen

Dating back as early as 1523, Hacienda Chichen is among the oldest colonial buildings in the New World, and nowadays operates as an eco-spa resort surrounded by acres of subtropical forest that is home to over 150 species of birds.

The hacienda makes for a relaxing base while visiting the incredible Mayan city of Chichen Itza, and has 12 hotel cottages housing a total of 28 guest rooms. Each cottage offers from one to four bedrooms, all uniquely decorated with Mayan crafts and Spanish Colonial accents. Each has a spacious patio terrace over looking the lush jungle gardens, and is decorated with colonial tiles, carved accessories, ornate ironwork beds and handwoven bedspreads. Attractive front porch terraces are decorated with rocking chairs, Yucatan hammocks and pot plants.

There is also a dining area, terrace bar, gardens, swimming pool and a small chapel. The hacienda is located just steps from the Chichen Itza ruins, the most extensively restored Mayan site in the area, but there are a wealth of other activities from bird watching to exploring the amazing cenotes, Mayan spa rituals, cookery classes and visits to a variety of small colonial towns in the area.