Boom and bust - Haciendas of Yucatán

victoriaethos (25)in #travel • 7 years ago (edited)

I've just returned from an incredible week exploring Haciendas all around Merida, Mexico. These colonial mansions would serve as incredible venues for private events: destination weddings, corporate events, vow renewals, family reunions, big birthday bashes etc.

Most of these Haciendas were built during the boom of 'Green Gold' 1835 - 1940. By the end of the 18th century it was said that Merida had more millionaires than any other city in the world. Wealthy men came from all over Europe to build Haciendas and farm the agave plants for henequen fibre which supplied the world with rope. By 1940 the industry was a bust as synthetic ropes were introduced, the demand for henequen fibre fell fast. These haciendas quickly became abandoned and left as ruins in the jungle. By the mid 1990's Mexican banker and entrepreneur Robert Hernandez transformed many abandoned haciendas into grand hotels.

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Photo: Entrance to the machine house in classic French style of 1905 at Hacienda Teya.

These haciendas today are simply breath taking with their Spanish, French and Lebanese architecture. Most of the construction material to build the Haciendas came from Europe as the ships would have been returning empty from delivering the henequen fibre. Such as the original ceramic tiles that were brought from France and is now a common design element for modern homes in the area.

Photo: Chapel at Hacienda Tekik De Regil.

Tekik De Regil was my favourite Hacienda for hosting events. I love the way it is laid out! It has two pools, a small pool outside of one bedroom and a large pool in the back garden. I could imagine a fantastic pool party during the day followed by an elegant event in the evening on the terrace or in the front garden.

This venue has a fantastic covered terrace over looking the machine room, front garden and beside a perfect spot for a dance floor as captured in this video.

We were spoiled with delicious desert stations by La Principal Ice Cream Parlor and crepes by Dudu Marquesita. The vendors in Merida are top notch and professional, offering quality service and are quite affordable compared to what you would pay in the US or Canada!

I also really like how the machine rooms are typically not restored as with this machine room here at Hacienda Tekik De Regil. Can you imagine a cocktail party here discussing the incredible history having taken place at your venue?

Hacienda Sotuta de Peon is 30 minutes outside of Merida. It is the last working hacienda and the only living henequen fibre museum. They still use the antique machinery and original techniques to process the agave plant into rope today.
I really enjoyed the mule-drawn “truk” ride on small tracks throughout the property.

"A working Hacienda since 1858"

This is Don Antonio a Mayan elder who he has been working at the Hacienda since he was a young child and is now 89 years old. He explained how harvesting the leaves of the agave plant can only be done 7 years after planting and that the plant will die by its 20th year.

The bungalows at Hacienda Sotuta de Peon are beautiful stand alone buildings with palapa roofs and painted ceramic floors.

The food offered at the restaurants here was incredible! I would confidently recommend this property to host a wedding or any other special occasion.

Next we explored Hacienda Yaxcopoil. "The place of the green Alamo trees"
This property dates back to the 17th century and is rich in history from three periods of ancient Yucatan: The pre-Hispanic period, the time of the Spanish colony and the boom of "Green Gold"
Yaxcopoil had about 22,000 acres of land and was considered one of the most important rural estates in Yucatan. It was used for both cattle ranches and henequen plantation.

Video showing the workshops, packing room and store house.

Machine room at Hacienda Yaxcopoil
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The venue was quite magical at night with a wall of twinkling fairy lights, the ceramic tile floor, arches and pillars.

Finally Hacienda Ya-axka. This is a great venue if you're wanting luxury and a more modern atmosphere.
The gardens can accommodate events up to 500 for dinner and the main house with AC can sit 100 for dinner.
There is also a private bedroom room for the hosts with a private bathroom.

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