Villa Merida Hotel Hotel

Calle 59 #615A x 80 y 82, Merida, 97000, Yucatán, Mexico

This calm oasis lies a few blocks from the old centre of Mérida, the Yucatán province’s bustling capital. the former house of a wealthy baron – built to impress with its grand Spanish colonial features – that fell into neglect, the Villa has been sympathetically restored. the vibrant red exterior contrasts aesthetically with the lush gardens and plant- and fountain-filled courtyard. enclosed by columns and arches, and bordered by the Villa’s original, cool floor tiles, it is reminiscent of the Moorish architecture of Andalucía. Most of the large, spacious bedrooms are located around the central courtyard with two suites upstairs, overlooking the pool and well-tended, tropical garden. High-ceilinged and airy, bedrooms have solid antique furniture, including vast four-poster beds brought up-to-date with top-notch mattresses and excellent linens. tropical fruits are a feature of the leisurely and plentiful breakfasts, best enjoyed at a table in the garden by the pool; while dinner is served in the original family dining room, cooked to a menu of your choice. Keen to try local specialities we were served sopa de limon (made with limes, chicken stock and thickened with corn), and sopa de crema de calabassa (made with creamy pumpkin) followed by fried snapper and marinated chicken. Both dishes feature Yucatán’s much-loved achiote marinade of onion, garlic, habanero chilli, tomato, orange and lime juice. Fantastic food is matched by equally accomplished service and washed down by delicious white wines from Baja California. For another taste of the local produce, visit the great food and handicraft market that fills the central square on a Sunday. Why go? For a colonial escape in the archaeologically rich Yucatán province.

Details Double from £170. Calle 59, Colonia Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
(00 1 305 538 9697; villamerida.com)