Soulful, Modern Mexican Luxury in the Yucatán Jungle

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Jessica Barrera
Curated By

Jessica Barrera

  • Wellness Travel

  • Luxury Travel

  • Mexico

  • Local Culture

  • Hotel Spotlight

Soulful, Modern Mexican Luxury in the Yucatán Jungle
Curator’s statement

Just outside the city of Merida in the jungles of the Yucatán, Mayan culture and colonial history combine with modern design, exceptional cuisine, and a wellness retreat to relax and restore. Archeological sites such as Uxmal call adventurers to explore, while nearby art galleries and boutiques in Merida make for a leisurely afternoon in town.

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There is a sort of magic in the air as you arrive through the gates at Chablé Yucatán. Nestled under mature canopy trees and tropical flora, a sprawling historic hacienda has been reimagined as a modern, luxurious oasis in the jungle. You feel the authenticity of place and history among the cobblestone paths and restored hacienda buildings. The grounds are complimented by modern, freestanding Casita and Villa accommodations, each boasting a private pool, outdoor terraces, and expansive bathrooms that open to the jungle landscape. Bikes welcome you at the entrance to your Casita, as you will spend the next few days exploring the grounds by bike, foot, or buggy upon request.

Arriving at Chablé, the hospitality is welcoming and genuine, as if you are arriving home. On the way to your Casita, a brief tour of the beautifully restored 19th-century hacienda offers areas to have a cocktail before dinner or a late afternoon merienda. You will look forward to this daily ritual, tasting Mayan influenced snacks and beverages, before departing on your bikes as the sun begins to set. The oasis-style pool is peaceful, and service is attentive throughout the day and invites you to linger.

Oasis pool

Gastronomy takes center stage at their award-winning restaurant, Ixi’im (corn in Mayan), and the poolside Ki’ol. Celebrated Mexico City chef Jorge Vallejo of Quintonil restaurant (previously of Pujol in Mexico City and Noma in Copenhagen) oversees all restaurants on property. The culinary program utilizes traditional Yucatecan cooking techniques and the on-site garden and farm to infuse modern cuisine with a sense of place. Ixi’im is architecturally spectacular at night, as the old engine room of the hacienda was reimagined with glass walls and lighting to accent the ruin walls and jungle vegetation. The interior walls are lined with one of the largest private tequila collections in the world. A curated tequila tasting to complement your dining experience is highly recommended and memorable. The next night, you might indulge in a festive taco night set by the outdoor kitchen poolside at Ki’ol. From poolside snacks to an exceptional à la carte breakfast, the culinary atmosphere at Chablé will keep you intrigued.

Ixi'im restaurant and tequila collection

Tequila tasting

Wellness encompasses your daily experience at Chablé—from homemade kombucha at breakfast, to the spa program, to the on-property garden providing produce for the restaurants and herbs for the spa. Chablé even has a bee farm with endangered species that provide honey for dining. The extensive spa surrounds an ancient cenote, a spiritual place for the Maya people. Private treatment Casitas overlook the cenote and offer tranquil privacy to restore and reflect. Highly recommended is the couples' Casita, which has a private pool and sundeck to use after your treatments. A hydrotherapy area, fitness and yoga center, and spa pool complete an indulgent spa experience.

Spa entrance

The word that keeps coming to mind while at Chablé is "linger." Take your time, slow down, and enjoy the moment with loved ones—whether it is lingering over an exceptional mezcalita by the pool, listening to the birdsongs of the jungle, or savoring a tasting menu at the restaurant. You feel at home and at ease the moment you arrive. Overall, Chablé Yucatán is a charming, luxurious retreat ideal for connecting as a couple or family.

Late-afternoon merienda

Things to do at Chablé

  • Wellness day at the spa

  • Leisurely morning by the main pool

  • Mayan cooking classes at La Casita Maya

  • Experience cochinita pibil cooked underground near the garden

  • Take a bee workshop at the Meliponarium

  • Enjoy merienda at the Hacienda Principle in the late afternoon

  • Sikar Bar for after-dinner drinks or a cigar

  • Visit La Granja de Abu farm to feed the animals and sample honey

  • Kids' club and playground area

  • Biking to explore the property

  • Golf at the private course on property

Things to do near Chablé

  • Visit Merida for a morning visiting galleries and boutiques. Don’t miss Coqui Coqui Perfumeria for unique artisanal fragrances in a restored colonial home. Finish with lunch at the MUGY (Museum of Gastronomy Yucateca) for an authentic dining experience.

  • Just a one-hour drive from Chablé is the Uxmal Archeological Site. Spend a morning exploring the expansive Mayan ruins with an expert guide. You can arrive back at Chablé for lunch, relaxing by the pool after your adventures.

  • Explore the mystical cenotes of the region such as nearby Yaal Utzil for a refreshing swim in the afternoon.

Further afield

  • Combine your stay with a few days at Chablé Maroma, their beachfront sister property located near Playa del Carmen. A beautiful complementary experience to your time in the Yucatán.

Need to know

Chablé Yucatán is a 50-minute drive from the historic center of Merida and a 40-minute drive from Merida International Airport (MID), which has direct flights from the U.S. via Miami, Dallas, and Houston.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Mexico page.

Jessica Barrera

Travel Advisor

Jessica Barrera

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