Hacienda Petac

Set on expansive grounds just outside of the city of Merida, Hacienda Petac is a beautifully-restored 17^th century estate.

Set on grounds of 250 acres just outside of the city of Merida, Hacienda Petac is a beautifully-restored 17^th century estate, with just 7 rooms. The perfect place for those who want tranquility and something unique during their stay in the Yucatan.

Rooms are exceptionally large with tall ceilings, original tile floors and 11-foot wooden doors that open onto colorful courtyards.  Touches of Mexican color in the cushions and wall-hangings give the rooms an authentic feel. The soft stone bathrooms are grand and spacious, with bathtubs as well as showers.

Take a dip in the pool or relax in the bubbling jacuzzi as the sound of birdsong echoes all around. Wander the extensive grounds exploring the lush tropical flora or stopping in at the library to grab a book to enjoy while swinging lazily in a hammock. The restaurant offers traditional Yucatec recipes made with care and creativity by cooks that are considered some of the best in the region.

To relax your body and mind, make your way to the spa that is tucked away in a private garden and offers exquisitely relaxing massages with a traditional Maya influence.

The 24 staff members will go out of their way to ensure that you have everything you need for the most perfect stay.

JM TIP

Hot coffee is brought to your room in the mornings. Just let the staff know what time you want it.

Located in the countryside south of Mérida, the property offers full-time employment to over 20 locals, playing an important economic role in the livelihood of families from the tiny town of Petac and another small community nearby.

A decade ago, the team at the hacienda planted 200 hardwood trees on the 200-acre property, which are now thriving and holding carbon, cleaning the air, providing habitat for local birds, reptiles, and insects as well as voles, deer, and other small animals. Last year, Hacienda Petac planted 200 vanilla orchid plants that the gardeners monitor and look after, with the aim of establishing a small cottage industry after harvesting the vanilla beans, providing additional jobs.

To avoid harmful fumigation chemicals, an organic fermented mosquito repellent is made on property using fungus from the woods. A local family keeps bees on the Hacienda’s property that reap several harvests a year, boosting the economy of the beekeepers and promoting biodiversity. The hotel runs a small organic kitchen and also practices composting to create new soil, modeling to the community how easy and beneficial composting can be in any home, since the Yucatán does not have the richest soil.