Most people think of the beach for a Mexican vaycay. But there is nothing like the Yucatan for an authentic and truly unique experience. This review of Hacienda Sac Chich requires some history to put the property in context though, so... For almost 100 years, Merida, the capital city of the Yucatan, was the richest city in the world-- thanks to the hefty production of henequen (hemp). Wealthy Spanish families used native Mayans as slave laborers, to plant thousands of hectares (1 hectare = about 2.5 acres ) of henequen plants, harvest the leaves and then produce rope, sisal (named for the Mexican shipping port "Puerto Sisal") or "green gold" as it was later called. These hard-working plantations, demanded gigantic buildings: casas de maquinas (houses of machines) to shelter huge machines brought from Europe, as well as elaborate haciendas for the owners' weekend use. Once nylon entered the market in 1920, all of the gorgeous structures were quickly abandoned. Today they appear everywhere as heaps of rubble consumed by the jungle, unless... you happen to be Cyndy and Howard Berger, who some 13 years ago, recognized the beauty and potential of one such place: Hacienda Sac Chich. Over the past 14 years-- I have visited Sac Chich 6 times in all seasons, and every time it gets better. Every room is a work of art, with hand-made furniture and traditional woven fabrics. The beds and baths are luxuriously simple and complete. And the gardens! The palms and plants are full of birds, and lovely water features are everywhere-- including a beautiful private pool. The entire property is incredibly private within a very bustling village and a magical place for a romantic getaway, family or group gathering, or destination wedding. A wonderful Mayan family has worked for them for years, and the food is traditional, (handmade corn tortillas and salsas daily) and delicious. Or you can shop and cook on your own. There are fascinating places to explore throughout the entire area: cenotes, (deep clear and cold freshwater pools) other haciendas, (rubbled or renovated), Mayan ruins (small and large-- Uxmal is about an hour's drive), Merida-- a magnificent Colonial city, and if you really must get to a beach, you can drive to many that are much less crowded than the Mayan Riviera south of Cancun. What I and most people find though, is you really don't want to leave Hacienda Sac Chich once you arrive. I can't recommend this property highly enough.