Hacienda Petac: A Social-Distancing Paradise

Are you concerned about sharing a pool with strangers? Tired of loud guests intruding on your peace? Love the luxuries, but not the surprises? How would you like a resort all to yourself? Imagine a vacation where only your friends and family gather for meals and you’re just fine attending in a bathrobe or bathing suit. If this sounds like your idea of the perfect vacation, let me tell you all about Hacienda Petac.

My first visit to Hacienda Petac was before social distancing was made cool. And by cool, I mean mandatory and exhausting. I had a glorious four-night stay along with 12 other wonderful humans as a farewell to one of my closest and oldest friends. Someone who has been in my life since I was 8 years old, and has celebrated birthdays, weddings, and holidays with my family, and I with hers. So, it was somewhat heartbreaking to find out she was moving to another country, but if she was leaving, she was going out in style, am I right?

Enter Hacienda Petac, an exquisite 17th-century estate that provides the luxury and amenities of a world-class resort to only one group at a time. No crowded lobby to traverse. No waiting in line for service. A spa and gym built for our use only. A state-of-the-art teaching kitchen for lessons in perfecting the art of Yucatecan cuisine, and a staff of 25 dedicated individuals, ready to anticipate our every whim.

So, day 1. It was June, and if you have ever been to Yucatán, I don’t need to tell you how hot it was. We arrived in the late afternoon and first wanted to check out our assigned rooms and get the lay of the land.

Nothing I can say does it justice: the property is stunning. Lush tropical gardens connect seven bedroom suites and common areas that include a spa, gym, pool, teaching kitchen, and a game room where we spent every evening listening to music, playing games, talking, laughing, and having our own private dance parties.

The bedrooms are comfortable and beautiful in equal measure, with high ceilings and pasta floor tiles, all in keeping with Yucatán’s design aesthetic. Out of the corner of my eye, I spied beautiful Flamboyán flowers that had been arranged into Xocbichuy patterns on the white cotton bed linens. My roommate and I jumped up and down in excitement, pressed the soft bathrobes to our cheeks, and checked out the lovely bath amenities… you know, all the standards of when you arrive at a lavish hotel. Then, we headed straight to the pool to join the rest of the group and we played, splashed, and maybe had a Margarita or six, but all in good fun. After that, we had the Hacienda’s signature Sopa de Lima and Panuchos for dinner and the night seemed to fly by.

After a long night spent in the company of family and friends, coffee and Chilaquiles (Verdes o Rojos, as you wish!) were piping hot and waiting for us the next morning. As was the pool and spa for relaxation and restoration. I kind of wish I had made better use of the gym facilities, but I did manage to get in one quick sweat session, and honestly, I wish my everyday gym were a Palapa in the Yucatecan countryside where I could blast my own music, have a view of the garden, and birdwatch while multitasking on the treadmill.

The following days were full of laughter and cherished memories, with a little side-quest to Uxmal. Being away from everything and everyone, allowed us to truly connect in a way that is so rare nowadays, and just relish in each other’s company without distractions. The perfect way to send off a beloved friend, sister, and daughter.

In the midst of our current situation, I think that many people are wondering how they can travel and stay safe at the same time. Yet, many of us are feeling overwhelmed and are in need of a little change of pace to keep us trucking along.

If you decide that you are in true need of a vacation – and choose to plan a little getaway – Hacienda Petac might be the perfect social distancing playground for you and your loved ones. The space is 100% dedicated to your group, so you have complete control over your exposure. Additionally, the staff is maintaining all areas sanitized and are following the strict protocols established by our local government which has earned Yucatán the WTTC’s Safe Travels Stamp.

Hacienda Petac may be best described by a guest’s comment: “This is heaven, but with better service.” I couldn’t agree more. The staff’s attention to detail is unsurpassed bar none. Meals are delicious, local, and ready when you are. Your every need is anticipated and activities are impeccably planned by a personal concierge. They have truly cracked the code of bringing the legendary warmth and hospitality of Yucatán to your luxury stay.

For Reservations:
www.haciendapetac.com

Hacienda Petac has 7 bedroom suites; a spa, gym, swimming pool, games room, teaching kitchen, media room, and a full service staff. Rental includes all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, airport transfer, Wi-Fi, and more. Please see the website for a full list of included amenities. Rates vary by number in party. A maximum of 14 guests is preferred.