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Relaxing hacienda amid Mayan ruins

For our first visit to Chichén Itzá, we lucked into the most beautiful hacienda in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by Mayan ruins. The Hacienda Chichen and Yaxkin Spa is run by Belisa Barbachano, the third generation in her family to operate the hacienda, and her husband, Bruce Gordon. Built in 1523, the hacienda encompasses approximately 800 acres, including an old colonial church and now 28 rooms and bungalows. You can reach the resort by car or by bus out of Cancún.

The property is tranquil, the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. Our experience revolved around Mayan culture, healing holistic spa treatments, beautiful gardens and bird watching. The hacienda has an Olympic-size pool, a full-service restaurant with great food and a gallery exhibiting original rubbings done by the famous archaeologist Merle Greene. Private guided tours of the archaeological zone are available - Chichén Itzá's Kukulcán Temple has just been selected as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

All of the rooms and cottages - named for archaeologists who have stayed there - are uniquely decorated, including colonial tiles and hand-carved wooden accents. In high season (Oct. 1-April 30) rates are $160 US for a single or double room, $170-$225 suites. In low season (May 1-Sept. 30), they're $120 and $130-$165, respectively. Prices do not include 17 percent tax.

Contact: Hacienda Chichen Resort, (mailing address only) Calle 35C #50 x 60 Norte, Fraccionamiento Buenavista, Mérida, Yucatán CP 97215, Mexico. (877) 631-4005, www.haciendachichen.com.

GARY GARREN

Danville

This article appeared on page G - 6 of the San Francisco Chronicle