3 Best Hotels in Izamal, Yucatán and Campeche States

Amid gardens full of exotic plants and fruit trees, as well as sheep and two friendly dogs, this 20-acre property has spacious, freestanding rooms that are sparingly decorated with folk art (some even have carved Maya stones incorporated into their walls). Several accommodations have outdoor showers and whirlpool tubs; for a bit more privacy, request a unit at the edge of the lush property. The restaurant is exceptional. Just off the outdoor dining area, carved stones have been used to create a faux ruin above the pool. Breakfast is only included in rates for long-term guests. 

Three miles north of town, this 1811 hacienda strikes a perfect balance between the old and the new in dramatic rooms and suites with contemporary paintings, antique mirrors, polished cement floors, handcrafted Mexican furnishings, and spacious bathrooms that feature vanity areas and walk-in showers built with local stones. Be sure to tour the sprawling grounds landscaped with bougainvillea, hibiscus, tamarind, and lime and orange trees. The patio hammocks are great for an afternoon nap after a dip in the pool. Meals are served on the veranda at a 14-person mahogany table, in a dining room with old murals, or in the original chapel.

Each artsy bungalow here has its own themed decor—the Asian room has a Chinese checkers board and origami decorations, while the Safari room has artifacts from Mexico and Africa. Some have skylights or hammock chairs on a front porch; all have screened windows and are surrounded by gardens with bamboo, birds-of-paradise, and bougainvillea. As a result, the gated property feels like a hidden village, with bungalows spread throughout. The "hacienda building" at the back of the grounds has five rooms that can also be rented by the month. There is a cenotelike pool and a palapa restaurant offering salads and other healthy fare.