a stone archway with a green lawn and trees
Chablé Resort & Spa

History

Discover the Chablé Resort & Spa, which was once a historic 17th-century cattle ranch.

Chablé Resort & Spa was constructed during an era marked by global exploration that defined much of the 15th through the 17th centuries. As with many of the great haciendas of the Yucatán, this amazing boutique hotel was built in 1650 as a working cattle ranch. The hacienda eventually changed to henequen production by 1850. That history is not forgotten today, as every guest at the hotel receives a full recitation of the five-star hotel’s story. Guests of today are not stepping into the working property of yesteryear. Since 2016, visitors to Chablé Resort & Spa have experienced the historic hacienda as the common space of the resort, while enjoying elegant accommodations that include a private outdoor pool, sunbeds, spacious terrace, and outdoor shower. Guests enjoy a variety of unique cultural and heritage activities including a world-renowned spa, hands on Mayan kitchen demonstration, temazcal sweat lodge ceremony, local wine tasting, and day trips to the cultural hub of Mérida.

Chablé Resort & Spa was honored with the Prix Versailles 2017 from the International Union of Architects for the best hotel in the world for architecture and design. The Mexico-based designer Paulina Moran and architect Jorge Borja accepted the award in person at the exclusive ceremony held at the UNESCO headquarters in France. General Manager Rocco Bova is quoted as saying, “True luxury is about preserving the soul of an incredible destination, so when Chablé was conceived it was important to continue telling the story of this ancient hacienda through its unique architecture and design elements,”…“Working alongside Ms. Moran and Mr. Borja, we were able to achieve this delicate juxtaposition by seamlessly incorporating modern aesthetics alongside heritage construction. The final product offers guests a truly balanced and harmonious retreat that honors Mayan traditions without sacrificing the global standards for luxury."

a blue and yellow building with a green lawn and trees

Hotel Timeline

The original property was established as a colonial-era hacienda and working cattle ranch in the Yucatán.

The hacienda transitioned from cattle ranching to the cultivation and processing of henequen, the crop that fueled Yucatán's economic boom.

The estate benefited from Yucatán's "Green Gold" era, when henequen exports generated significant wealth throughout the region.

The historic core of the estate, including its Spanish Colonial architectural features, survived and remained an important example of Yucatán hacienda architecture.

Following a major restoration and adaptive reuse project, the former hacienda opened as Chablé Resort & Spa, a luxury wellness destination. The historic hacienda complex was restored, with the original hacienda house converted into the resort's central gathering space while preserving its heritage character.

Chablé Resort & Spa was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide. Historic Hotels Worldwide is a prestigious collection of historic treasures, including more than 300 legendary historic hotels including many former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries.

Named among The World's 50 Best Hotels, further enhancing its international reputation. The property received international acclaim and was recognized as the "Best Hotel in the World" by Prix Versailles/UNESCO-associated awards.

Ranked No. 8 in The World's 50 Best Hotels 2025.

1650
1850s
1890s
1900s
2016
2017
2023
2025