La Hacienda – Merida, Yucatán
March 15-22nd, 2025
I’d like to share this beautiful and unique region of Mexico called the Yucatán with you. All the destinations I’ve chosen for this trip are certain to inspire you as they have for me.
Replete with history, the haciendas of the Yucatán Peninsula are living witnesses to the passage of time. There are architectural wonders that have lived on for centuries. We will enjoy our week at one of the finest of the restored haciendas in the region. Cooking classes, relaxation and touring will fill our week with the magic of this historic peninsula.
People love the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico for many reasons, including its natural beauty, history, and culture. The Yucatán is a tropical region and it’s also home to a unique ecosystem of cenotes, and is ecologically different from the rest of tropical Mexico. The Yucatán is Mayan territory and has many ancient Mayan ruins to explore.
Itinerary
Saturday, March 15th
Arrive in Merida, the Colonial Capital of the Yucatan.
Upon reaching our destination, a stunning 17th Century historic hacienda, we will be greeted by the staff with a delicious meal. You will begin a special week filled with natural beauty, smiling faces, incredible food, new sites and sounds, all in a luxurious setting.
March 16th
Delicious breakfasts every morning on the terraza surrounded by lush gardens and singing birds. Today we will learn how to make a variety of Yucatan specialties in the Hacienda’s Teaching Kitchen. Lunch will follow, feasting on all the delicious creations we have made. After lunch enjoy “down time” at the pool, napping, playing in the game room – including billiards, ping-pong, and a game table – strolling the grounds…or just sit and listen to the birds. This evening, we will return to the Teaching Kitchen for a Mixology Class and another wonderful meal.
Monday, March 17th
Today we will visit a Pre-Columbian Mayan archaeological site known as UXMAL. We will also visit one of Yucatán’s awesome CENOTES, and have a delicious picnic by the crystal clear natural pool to cool off and relax. Back at the Hacienda we will gather in the Teaching Kitchen for a dinner class, Followed by a Mixology class. We will sip a cocktail, and dinner will be served piping hot!
Tuesday, March 18th
The Poolside Terrace is the best way to start the day with a good breakfast. Later, in the morning, we will gather in the Teaching Kitchen for today’s class. This is Merida’s first and best FAST FOOD! Today is PANUCHO day! After lunch you will have free time. Maybe it will be a good time for a massage, pedicure, or a paddle in the pool. Hang in a hammock, perhaps. This evening, we will have cocktail hour in the Teaching Kitchen with Yucatán Margaritas. While you are enjoying your drink you can watch the cook make the dessert for this evening. The dessert, cocada, is purportedly one of Frida Kahlo’s favorites. It is called Cocada Candlelight dinner to follow.
Itinerary Continued
Wednesday, March 19th
Today we are taking an excursion to a Gulf of Mexico beach town called Celestun. First stop will be at the Flamingo Reserve We will pack a lunch so that you can enjoy a picnic at the beach on the Gulf side and enjoy a dip in the salt water there. Home again to relax and freshen up before another delicious Yucatán meal!
Thursday, March 20th
Today will be an easy day. We will treat you to a surprise cooking class using always fresh and local ingredients. Head into the Teaching Kitchen mid- morning to get started! After lunch you can relax – use the Gymnasium, Jacuzzi, or have a massage, play in the Game Room, read a good book in a hammock, watch a movie on the giant screen TV…or enjoy a nap! Tonight, in the Teaching Kitchen we will have a final Mixology class then we will enjoy botana making, our meal of the evening.
Friday, March 21st
After breakfast today, we will travel to Merida for an exciting and varied day! We will enjoy some beautiful old neighborhoods, a stop at the Main Market in the heart of town and a Colonial home which has been turned into a restaurant and a small museum of the Gastronomy of the Yucatán. We will stroll to the famous chocolate store in Santa Lucia Square, and up to the famous Paseo de Montejo. We will have lunch at a gourmet restaurant in a 19th Century mansion. After our return to the Hacienda, you have a chance to freshen up, then we will assemble on one of the many patios where we will be serenaded by the wonderful TROVA musicians, Los Tres
Ou farewell dinner will be traditional and another special meal, cooked in a special smoky pit in the ground and covered over to slow roast. You will love Pollo Pibil.
Saturday, March 22nd
After breakfast, we will organize your return to the airport. I will wish you farewell and hope for an easy travel day. I will see you all again soon on one of our many gourmet adventures. Thank you all for sharing this special time with me.
Your special and memorable week in The Yucatán will include:
- Transportation to and from Merida airport
- Stay in a beautiful Hacienda with every need met
- Guided city tour of Merida with market tastings
- Visit to Uxmal Archaeological Ruins
- Four cooking class with our local hosts
- Visit to Celestun for a Flamingo extravaganza in a wildlife refuge
- Guided Cenote tour
- Enjoy lunch at a famous Merida restaurant
- Participation in mixology classes
- All Food and Beverages