Chablé Yucatán

Deep in the middle of another never-ending New York winter, we’ve wrapped up all our vacation dreams into one very long weekend in the search of somewhere slightly exotic, warm, yet easily accessible. It’s decided we’ll fly south of the border to rediscover ourselves in Mexico…

From Merida’s main airport, we make our way into the unspoiled Yucatán jungle to the recently opened luxury wellness retreat, Chablé Yucatán. It’s just past 4pm as we arrive at the estate-esque gates – there’s a certain air of magic that comes with arriving at an unfamiliar place as the afternoon light chases the evening. 

This restored 19th-century hacienda is spread out over 750 pristine acres steeped in tradition and Mayan culture. We’re happily greeted by the hotel staff and whisked away on a golf buggy to a small terracotta color cottage.

After warm greeting from the hotel manager and a fuss-free check-in we’re eager to explore. Our casita is one of only 38 hidden among the lush tropical greenery. Our private pool is front and center with a space for Mr Smith to enjoy his morning coffee and for me to live out my tropical fantasies and while away hours in the hammock. 

The inside is light-filled and minimally decorated: crisp white linens adorn our king canopy bed with handcrafted timber furniture and the all-important daily health and wellness activity list bedside. Add to this the three glass showers with options to rinse inside or outside and we’re starting to understand what heaven looks like.

I curl up into the corner sofa admiring our room and think ahead to the following day – yoga, pilates, meditation a morning group run… Every element of Chablé is designed around wellness, balance and indulgence which is just the combination we want from this trip.

At this point, about 30 minutes in, we decide we would happily stay here for an eternity. After a quick freshen up we make our way across the lawn to dine poolside. The restaurant’s blue patterned tiles and white linen table tops are elegantly highlighted by lanterns scattered among the tables and towards the water’s edge. The hundred-year oak tree is scattered with an abundance of hanging lights.

A corner pair of love seats is the perfect spot for us to raise our salt-rimmed margaritas and marvel at the solitude and seclusion. The dinner that follows is an a la carte feast of locally sourced produce grown in Chablé’s traditional Maya garden, casually served amongst the lush gardens. We opt for crisp ceviche, tostadas and finish with a ‘healthy’ chocolate casserole.

We sink into our seats noting how each element has been so carefully considered; so much love poured into every detail. Nothing is too much to ask and every request is met with a smile and patience as I repeat the limited Spanish I’ve been so proudly practicing.

Surrounded by beautiful grounds in every direction, Chablé is as exclusive as it is magical – a private world we currently have the key to. 

With full bellies and our room only footsteps away, we slowly make our way down the softly lit path back to our casita, roll into bed and awaken to the sun shining bright and the birds humming the sounds of a new day. 

Wellness and indulgence is the brief for this trip so I’m off to work my limbs at pilates. Dressed the part and with mild enthusiasm I make my way out of the dreamy clutches of Mr Smith’s arms and up to the health retreat. I arrive to find the class wrapping up and I’m kindly advised that the class commenced an hour earlier.

My disappointment was also mild having to ‘sacrifice’ the one exercise I had earmarked for the day – some would say that’s what tomorrow is for….

Instead, Mr Smith joins me at the spa restaurant for a medley of fresh fruit, yoghurt and coffee. We opt to take a pair of bikes and ride down and around the property admiring every inch manicured to perfection by 30 full-time gardeners. 

We gently pass some more time before for my midday spa appointment by swimming in our private pool, taking turns in the hammock and shielding ourselves from the reflection of our translucent winter skin.

I get back on my bike and ride up the incline on time for what is to be the most extraordinary spa treatment of my life. This is one of the only hotels in the world with its own private ‘cenote’ and the spa overlooks this sacred sinkhole. I stand tall overlooking nature’s creation, taking in the rarity of this moment and can’t help but feel lucky to have been given a little glimpse into this untouched wilderness.