A XVII century palace in the jungle of Yucatan converted in a luxury hotel between Chichen Itza and Uxmal. Ecotourism-birdwatch-nature-mayan culture http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Cancun_Mexico/haciendakatanchel/hotel/443/16/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Fri, 27 Nov 2009 04:31:11 EST HOTEL HACIENDA KATANCHEL Discover luxury in Yucatán exotic jungle paradise… Imagine a XVII century Spanish Colonial Hacienda, splendidly refurbished as a deluxe hotel on 740 secluded acres of pristine tropical jungle replete with exotic wildlife and flora…Yet the vibrant city of Mérida is 16 miles away, and Cancun, on the Mexican Caribbean is just hours drive east. We pick you up from their airports. This newly opened nature resort includes majestic hacienda buildings and spacious private pavillions set in tropical gardens, 38 luxurious rooms and suites in all exquisitely furnished with art and antiques, featuring private wading pools filled continually with invigorating mineral spring water. Exquisite renovated Yucatán Cuisine, with organic and homegrown fruits and vegetables. Hacienda Katanchel preserves the splendor of Spanish colonial architecture and ambiance. Yet it is surround by thousands of acres of vibrant jungle, exotic wildlife, and the Maya archeological wonders of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Masterfully restored to its original magnificence, the hacienda's 39 – suite property recently as a luxury hotel and multifaceted "nature resort". The Hacienda dates back to the 17th century when it was built on the grounds of an ancient Maya settlement. It was one of many Spanish land-grant ranches in region, originally devoted to raising cattle introduced from Spain to the Americas. Subsequently, and of much greater importance, came the spectacular boom in the 19th century of the cultivation of henequen (sisal) which is now coming into ecological vogue. This agave sisalana cactus plant provided strong fiber used for manufacturing rope. The Yucatan flourished as the most important purveyor of henequen (then called oro verde or green gold), and these haciendas generated enjoyed immense wealth and opulence. The regal architecture of the capital of Merida (just 25 kilometers west of Hacienda Katanchel0) testifies to this golden era that ended in the 1950s, when nylon and petroleum byproducts replaced henequen for producing rope. The spacious pavilions feature their own gardens and Maya-style orchards characterized by four types of plants: decorative, fragrant, eatable medicinal; two private terraces (with inviting Yucatecan hammocks); and a unique plunge pool. Here, guests literally immerse themselves in the ambiance of Nature, luxuriating in the invigorating mineral water pumped by turn-of-the-century windmills from 16 old wells. The pure, chemical-free flows continually back into the land for irrigation. This same recycling concept applies to the newly built semi-Olympic size swimming pool The lofty restaurant retains its original name: Casa de Maquinas (‘machine house". The old henequen-processing factory). It serves superb imaginative cuisine, as well as Yucatecan regional delicacies, much of which is made with organic homegrown fruits, vegetables and herbs. The Tienda de Raya (the name for the traditional hacienda on-premise general store and wage payment center) has become a spacious lounge, library, office, and boutique featuring Maya crafts. Meeting venues are available from ballroom to classroom formats. Guests enjoy a variety of sophisticated special-interest activities: exploring the estate itself for birdwatching, medicinal plant studies, nature walks, and seeing reforestation project, as well as visiting neighboring centuries-old haciendas. Over a dozen distinct excursions (optional at additional cost), designed and escorted by scholars or on your own private rented car, take in major Maya archeological sites such as Chichen Itza and Uxmal, as well as lesser-known treasures like the ancient city of Ake. The colorful Convent Route covers dozens of close-by-picturesque colonial towns, each with historic convent or monastery. Among natural wonders are cenotes (cavernous wells, ceremonial sites in times, and now great for swimming), and amazingly pristine wildlife reserves – one, on the coast, has pink flamingos galore. And for a "sun-sea-sand" picnic outing, there is a lovely pristine beach just a 40-minute scenic drive to the north. The hotel's comfortable vans and other vehicles as well as private small jet and prop aircraft transport passengers to sites of interest on the Peninsula also in your private rented car. AMENITIES: ACTIVITIES: - A Series of fourteen distinct cultural and adventure excursions designed exclusively for guests of Hacienda Katanchel. - Within walking distance, for those who enjoy morning jogs or nature walks, are three neighboring Haciendas, each reminiscent of the glorious 17th - to 19th century eras when Yucatan flourished: initially with cattle introduced by the Spaniards, then as a world purveyor of henequen (sisal) fiber. - The Haciendas private suburbans or sedans provide comfortable transportation for visiting surrounding areas. Escorts are archaeologists and historians who act as guides. - But also ask for our fly and drive program because you can also rent your car and our personal public - relations team will advise you efficiently. - Dozens of Maya archaeological sites, from the well = known Chichen Itza to the virtually unknown (and historically more significant) sites of AKE and Izamal which retain mystic tranquility. - Cenotes (sinkholes, or grotto wells) of invigorating mineral water, once sacred Maya places, now soothing for swimming (and becoming popular with adventurous cave scuba divers). - Countless picturesque colonial towns with pastel churches, each one a surprise of ingenuous architectural design. - "Industrial archeology" sites: other monumental haciendas and henequen processing factories: many are abandoned, yet their past splendor is still impressive. - Nature reserves, such as Celestun teeming with thousands of pink flamingos. - Visits to handicraft producing villages: jipijapa (delicate straw hats, baskets and other items); hand woven ever so comfortable Yucatecan hammocks; delicately embroidered tablecloths, colorful hipiles (typical smocks); colorful hand painted ceramics; and more. - An array of folkloric celebrations concerts exhibitions and annual festivals. - A sightseeing, cultural and hand shopping tour of Merida, capital of the State of Yucatan. - And…there is plenty of opportunity to practice the art of absolute relaxation, as well as enjoying the privileges of being thoroughly pampered! DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Resort Beach Location: Off Beach (Tropical Setting) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Cancun_Mexico/haciendakatanchel/hotel/443/16/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 04:31:11 EST