Stylish city retreat in Mexico

Hotel CIGNO in Mérida

A visit to the vibrant capital of Mérida with its impressive Mayan and colonial heritage should not be missed on a round trip through the Yucatán. Last year, the city gained a new hotel jewel in the shape of the CIGNO. The location of the boutique hotel in the historic center could not be more ideal for experiencing the magic of the city: after a short walk through charming, cobbled streets with their countless stores, restaurants and bars, you reach the Plaza de la Independencia and the fortress-like cathedral, the lively heart of the city.

Housed in a magnificent 19th century mansion, the CIGNO is an exclusive urban retreat where the past of the "White City" merges with an incomparable guest experience and captivates the senses of modern nomads. During the renovation of the manor house, architect Roger González largely preserved the original structures, such as the neoclassical-eclectic façade, with great attention to detail. The stucco façade conceals a gem with high ceilings, handmade mosaic floors and an elegant interior. The careful restoration and the successful combination of tradition and contemporary design make the hotel with its historic charm a unique place for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the city's past while enjoying the luxury and comfort of the present. Every detail in the CIGNO Hotel has been designed with love for the heritage and culture of the Yucatán, creating an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. The use of chukum, an ancient technique for working stucco used in the Mayan pyramids, exudes a rustic honesty that blends perfectly with the original friezes and decorations.

The 10 rooms and suites present an interior design that conveys brightness, spaciousness and freshness. Bright white walls, terracotta tones, wooden beams and blue-tinted tiled floors with a "cannage" motif are reminiscent of the traditional aesthetics of haciendas nestled in the jungle and the water of the cenotes shimmering in all shades of blue. Organic materials and shapes provide the trendy natural touch. The furniture is made exclusively for Cigno from tropical woods and comes from master carpenters and artisans from local communities who have preserved their craftsmanship and knowledge for generations. A highlight are the rooftop suites with a private terrace and the obligatory hammock, which is a must for that true Mexican feeling.

For gourmets, CIGNO pays tribute to the local cuisine and its flavors in its Cocina restaurant. Chef Ángel Peláez's dishes reinterpret traditional recipes and pay tribute to contemporary cuisine with original creations such as the palm heart ceviche or the prawn risotto. Fine cocktails and the carefully curated wine cellar with a wide selection of wines and spirits are available in the two bars in the lobby and on the roof terrace, as well as in the Aljibe, one of Merida's best-kept secrets.

The stay is complemented by private yoga classes and massages to promote well-being and relaxation. Courses in mixology and the preparation of snacks and dishes typical of the region are also offered for those who want to learn more about traditional cooking. For the more adventurous, there are bike tours through the city as well as excursions to the archaeological sites of Chichen Itza and Uxmal, kayaking in the mangroves, free diving sessions and underwater photography in the cenotes. After a long day of sightseeing, you can relax with a reading break in the library, a drink in the courtyard with pool and lush vegetation or by the rooftop pool with a view of the city.

www.cignohotel.com