Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1530891
Hotels Rosas y Xocolate Boutique Hotel and Spa, with its elegant French neoclassical exterior, is a highlight on Paseo Montejo. The ultra-vivid Mexican-pink walls welcome guests into a stylish interior, where each room has a private outdoor Jacuzzi. It also has a pool and a lovely in-house restaurant that looks out over the avenue. Excellent location. rosasandxocolate.com/hotel. Casa Lecanda is a favorite for the iconic courtyard- house experience that's so much a part of the Mérida lifestyle. Wind down by lounging in hammocks on the terraces, soaking in the pool, or enjoying a drink in the hotel's perfect little house bar. casalecanda. com/en. Kahal Boutique Hotel is set in a chic Art Deco-style former residence. There's also a two-floor addition of contemporary guest rooms that open onto a rear courtyard. Rooftop Jacuzzis are an easy-breezy way to relax and enjoy the view of Paseo Montejo and the lush, classical neighborhood. kahalhotel.com/en. Dining Chef Roberto Solís at Nectar has created magical modern/Mexican cuisine for more than 20 years. He's the master, admired by international chefs including René Redzepi, chef/owner of Noma in Copenhagen. For Solís, expressing the special flavors and seasonal ingredients of the region is his mission. nectarmerida.com.mx/en. Ánima on Calle 47 is another wonderful outdoor dining option. Everything is cooked over or in open fires in the center of the restaurant. While the meats are highlights, there are also great vegetarian options. Either way, don't miss the grilled lettuce salad. For dinner, head to El Remate, steps away from the hotels I've recommended. When the weather is great, it's hard to beat dining at the rooftop terrace bar with its unique view up Montejo. The menu is inventive, featuring local ingredients, especially fresh seafood from the Gulf. elrematedemontejo.mx/en. History and architecture. Palacio de Cantón, a former private residence, has been converted into a museum for Mayan antiquities. A block down Montejo, you'll find Las Casas Cámara (aka Las Casas Gemelas or the Twin Houses), a pair of matching turn-of- the-20th-century French-style mansions that are still private residences. One has recently opened its primary floors for tours that offer a glimpse into Mérida's storied wealthy past. Throughout the Yucatán are regal haciendas and ancient farms to visit. Many have been or are being converted into beautiful resorts. Historic buildings are easily accessible by car, even those that are isolated. Mérida expats enjoy them for lunch destinations or a relaxing afternoon with pool service. Day trip "I recommend a two-in-one day," Turner says. "It's an early start from Mérida to visit the spectacular ruins of the Mayan city Uxmal. It's about one-and-a-half- hour drive southwest from the city. On the return, there's a wonderful hacienda ruin with two beautiful cenotes (volcanic pools) where you can cool off. Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyché has a lovely restaurant for a local-style late lunch." cenoteshaciendamucuyche.com/en. Another day trip Turner recommends is to Chablé Yucatán resort, 24 miles south of Mérida near Chocolá, with dining in a lush garden and stays in super-elegant villas. Interiors are by Paulina Morán. yucatan.chablehotels.com. A Franciscan monastery and church in Izamal, Yucatán. FROM THE BOOK MEXICAN BY NEWELL TURNER (VENDOME, 2023). PHOTO JOHN ELLIS. FROM THE BOOK MEXICAN BY NEWELL TURNER (VENDOME, 2023). PHOTO JOHN ELLIS. FROM THE BOOK MEXICAN BY NEWELL TURNER (VENDOME, 2023). PHOTO LISA GAFFNEY. Detail from a garden designed by Lisa Gaffney, Mérida, Yucatán The new Hotel Sevilla, Mérida The home of designer Marjorie Skouras, Mérida 71