Mayan eco-chic: Hacienda Chichen Resort and Spa

January 24, 10:14 AMCaribbean Travel ExaminerLea Ann Fessenden

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Hacienda Chichen Resort:  Mayan eco chic

If you haven’t been to Cancun or the Mexican Caribbean in awhile, it is time to go back. This pleasure seeking paradise quickly became the Spring Break capitol of the world, and still is, but there are some fantastic “adult” pleasures hiding in the magical jungles of the Riviera Maya that are worth talking about.

For a fabulous weekend away from the stresses of work, cell phones, Twitter and maybe even kids, consider the Hacienda Chichen Resort near the incredible Chichen Itza Mayan archaeological site. In fact, the historical buildings once housed some of the original architects excavating these world famous ruins. If you are looking for a green, eco friendly experience, you will appreciate this lovely boutique hacienda.

The owners take their sacred environment seriously and make every effort to sustain the important eco system. Take part in mystical Mayan ceremonies or hike through the jungle with your own Mayan guide to experience the hundreds of incredible tropical birds and flowers that surround this enchanting resort.

Hacienda Chichen Resort is about 90 minutes from Cancun Airport, so you might want to rent a car and tour the many sites of the Mayan culture in this region of Mexico. Xel-Ha, Xcaret andTulum are all excellent adventures where you can swim, bike, hike, canoe or snorkel in some ancient underground rivers and caves.  

Refresh your spirit in the Yaxkin Spa on the resort property and try their signature treatment, a warm desert-like mixture of raw sugar, cacao butter, chocolate and coconut oil massaged into your well-hiked body. Oh yes, and their highly rated restaurant serves fresh organic fruits and vegetables grown on site via their gourmet fusion menu.

Stop in the Toh Boutique, where you can purchase some of Marc Petit’s gorgeous Mayan jade jewelry pieces, along with several other local jewelers who focus their art on Mayan symbolism, gems and sacred crystals. Sales from some of the pieces benefit the Maya Foundation In Laakeech. The boutique also features Mayan pottery, art and textiles.

For a historical 16^th century stone escape next to one of the most intensely magical places in the world that offers all the natural abundance of the earth, a fantastic restaurant, Olympic-sized pool, a Mayan spa featuring pure Mayan ingredients, WiFi connection and jewelry shopping, Hacienda Chichen Resort is my kind of place for a brief, relaxing respite. Affordable luxury starting at $160 per night, double.