Hacienda Petac has no alarm clocks or televisions. There are no distractions yet there are plenty of diversions if you want them. Luxury, service, and privacy are the goals of Petac for every guest. They obviously succeed as Hacienda Petac was on the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List of Hotels 2005.
Hacienda Petac was built in the 17th century on the remains of a Mayan site. It is one of the oldest haciendas in the Merida area. In the late 19th century it converted to a henequen plantation, a plant whose leaves are suitable for rope and twine. In 2000 Hacienda Petac was purchased by an American couple who immediately set to work hiring designers, architects, and historic restoration experts. It was lovingly and exquisitely restored to its 400-year-old magnificence while retaining its authentic charm and architectural legacy.
Hacienda Petac is rented out to one party at a time to ensure exclusivity and privacy. The five-bedroom hacienda comfortably holds ten guests although a family of twelve will be accommodated. Rates for up to five people is $8,400 USD for a week; six to ten people stay for $10,500 for a week. Stays less than a week can be arranged.
The Amenities at Hacienda Petac
Each of the five bedrooms has its own bathroom stocked with shower amenities, robes, and a hairdryer. They are custom designed with soaring ceilings and air conditioners and ceiling fans to cool you on the hot Mexican days. The bedrooms have complete privacy from the rest of the Hacienda and are in three buildings around the property.
Hacienda Petac has two main buildings, the Casa Principal and the Salon. The Casa Principal is the main building on the estate and the place where people tend to gather. There is a library with a selection of books on Mexican history and design, as well as other topics. An office is adjacent to the library with telephone and fax provided for the guest’s use. The kitchen is the hub of the estate, as it is with most homes, and guests are encouraged to enter at any time. Demonstrations of Yucatecan cooking can be arranged for interested guests. A dining room, oratorio, living room, bar, and outdoor terrace fill the rest of Casa Principal.
The salon de juegos is a game room where guests can play billiards, ping-pong, or a board game. This room can also used as a relaxing sitting area or a place for everyone to congregate.
There is a chapel on the estate, La Capilla de San Antonio. People from the surrounding Petac area attend the chapel for Catholic services and Hacienda Petac guests are welcome, of course. The chapel is also available for weddings and can hold thirty attendees.
No holiday in Mexico would be complete without a pool and Hacienda Petac does not disappoint. Hammocks, chaise lounges, and fresh towels are available at all times. Snacks and drinks are served poolside whenever a guest desires.
Perks at Hacienda Petac
Other features include a car and driver service, a translator service, and customized excursions and activities. Massage and beauty treatments are available on site as well. For budding astronomers, there is a telescope for your viewing pleasure of the night sky.
The food served to guests at Petac salutes the flavours and colours of the Yucatan. Simple meals are turned into gastronomic delights. The food of the Yucatan area is not like what most of us know as Mexican food. It marries Mayan, Spanish, and Cuban cuisine. The menu during your stay will be prepared after a consultation when you make your reservation. Meals are served whenever and wherever you choose. Picnics can be requested.
Hacienda Petac is serviced twenty-four hours a day by a full-time staff of sixteen maids, cooks, gardeners, and a manager or hostess. The staff were all handpicked from a select group who has lived on or near a hacienda for all of their lives. A few of the gardeners worked in the henequen factory before the hacienda became a private estate rental. The bilingual manager (English and Spanish) is on site or on call at all times to ensure guests have the best stay possible.
The Environment of Hacienda Petac
The eighty acres that make up Hacienda Petac are filled with an abundance of nature as the hacienda borders the Cuxtal Ecological Reserve. A complimentary guided bird-watching walk is offered so guests can appreciate the numerous exotic birds in the area. Gardens, fountains, and walking paths have been strategically placed on the grounds for your pleasure. Waterfalls and lily pads add a cooling serenity to the landscape. The walking paths meander through the hacienda and highlight points of interest. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, bicycles, lawn bowling, and croquet are available.
As the hacienda is in an area of numerous Mayan archaeological zones, there are many places to explore. Hacienda Petac has its own unexcavated ruins for your touring pleasure. An expert will join interested guests to share his knowledge and explore surrounding sites.
One evening of trova will be will be supplied for your listening enjoyment. Trova is the music of the Yucatan and usually consists of a trio of guitarists singing in harmony.
The area of the Yucatan around Hacienda Petac offer an abundance of activities including visits to convents, other haciendas, pueblos, reserves, and archeological sites. Petac is less than an hour from what some claim are the greatest Mayan ruins in the world. Although it is two hours away, the Gulf Coast is a lure for beach lovers whether you want to bask in the sun or try ocean kayaking or sea fishing. Adventuresome guests like swimming or scuba diving in cenotes, underground rivers, and sinkholes.
To reach Hacienda Petac, flights are direct to Merida International Airport from Miami, Atlanta, and Mexico City. Complimentary transportation is provided to Petac and takes thirty minutes. Alternately, the Hacienda is a three-hour drive from Cancun.
There is no better way to experience life as a true hacendado than to spend tranquil days at Hacienda Petac.
Toby Welch - Toby is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in magazine articles, online writing, e-books, and manuscript editing.
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