Mexico
Location: Quintana Roo
Just a little more than half an hour away from the capital city of Chetumal and its airport, and about the same distance to the border with the country of Belize, Rancho Encantado is situated on the shores of the pristine waters of Laguna Bacalar, outside the small 16th century village of Bacalar, Mexico. Rancho Encantado is located on the lakefront at the north edge of the village.
This area, in the southernmost part of the Yucatan Peninsula, is just at the point of developing as a tourist destination for the eco-minded traveler who seeks escape from the larger, often over-developed areas of the northern part of the Peninsula.
South of Rancho Encantado is the capitol of the state of Quintana Roo, Chetumal, located on the bay leading out to the Caribbean ocean.
The beautiful Laguna Bacalar, the forty-mile-long "Lagoon of Seven Colors", is situated in the heart of the Mayan country. Along its coconut palm- and wild orchid-dotted shores, a breathtaking vision greets travelers: Rancho Encantado, the "enchanted Ranch".
Situated among lush tropical gardens and exotic fruit orchards, Rancho Encantado is one of the Yucatan's hidden treasures. It lies in an area unspoiled by development and provides habitat for a variety of orchids and over 150 species of tropical birds.
Laguna Bacalar creates a perfect backdrop for this paradise. A romantic thatched gazebo crowns the Rancho's own private dock, and the lagoon's clear waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking and guided boat trips.
Accommodation
Serving individuals, couples and families who seek an alternative to huge resort hotels, Rancho Encantado provides a tropical haven for ecologically-minded, culturally-curious travellers, and for archaeological excursions, birding, lakeside tranquillity and beautiful private casitas.
Eco Policies
Eco-design – The buildings at this eco-friendly accommodation are single storey, hand-made Casitas (cottages) made of local, native hardwoods with hand crafted furniture and folk décor. Bedspreads and tablecloths are made of hand-loomed cotton. Murals are painted by local artists. The Casitas are very much integrated into the natural environment of a variety of native trees, including coconut palms, fruit trees, hardwood trees, shrubs, grass etc. The large palapa used for groups and ceromonies has a magnificent altar of hand-hewn local stone (limestone).
Energy – Rancho Encantado currently has a bid out to convert to solar water for the hot tub and other water usage.
Conservation – Rancho Encantado provides habitat for a variety of orchids and over 150 species of tropical birds and participates in environmental education programs. This eco-friendly hotel has left a sizeable portion of the land undeveloped, in its natural state of jungle which supports animal and bird life.
Ecological sustainability – The majority of food is locally grown and produced (due to the tropical climate there is an emphasis on local fruits and vegetables). The Rancho also serves only what they prepare, including home baked healthy bread, granola, fresh fruit and vegetables and locally caught fish.
The Rancho also uses continuous planting, low impact structures, composting and recycling.
Community – The majority of staff are local, Mayan people. The interaction between guests and staff is very strong. The Rancho participates in programs to support the local community such as sponsoring activities to benefit the community for Earth Day. The Manager of the Rancho visits schools to educate children on the importance to the community of recycling. Rancho Encantado also participates in other community activities including support of a recently established dog-spaying initiative and meetings concerning the preservation of the pristine quality of the Laguna and the banning of burning of garbage at the local dump.
Facilities
- A dramatic shorefront palapa restaurant and bar serve exquisite cuisine daily. Breakfasts are continental, buffet-style, featuring tropical fruits, home-made breads, fresh orange juice and rich Mexican coffee. Romantic dinners are served around a quiet fountain, with a variety of three course offerings a la maison, including fresh local seafood and chicken. Vegetarian cuisine can be arranged on request. Breakfast and dinner are included in the daily rate. The restaurant can also prepare optional luncheon fare.
- A safe is available on site.
- Laundry services can be arranged with the front desk.
- Internet access is available 3 miles south.
Things To See And Do
Rancho Encantado can arrange private and small group excursions to newly excavated, little-known Mayan archaeological sites and rainforest preserves, led by expert guides.
Other activities include trekking through the jungle or swimming and kayaking on the lake.
The Ranch also has a newly created spa facility where you can relax in a Jacuzzi under the stars, surrounded by night-blooming jasmine. Sign up for a massage from an expert therapist in a thatched massage hut over the water and allow this magical place to give to you fully its gifts of rest, renewal and transformation.
Room Description
Rancho Encantado can accommodate up to thirty people with facilities for individuals, couples, families, and retreat groups. The twelve beautifully designed private cottages are appointed with native mahogany and cedar or traditional palm-thatched ceilings, Mexican tile and hand-crafted furniture. Each casita has a living room and patio porch opening onto the gardens or lagoon. All have convenience kitchenettes and electric coffee makers. Bathrooms are American-style with tiled showers.
Nestled on its own private cove, the Laguna Suite is the luxury suite, complete with Jacuzzi bath in the oversized bathroom and silent remote-controlled air conditioning. The suite features a queen-size bed in the bedroom and a living room area with a wicker settee and chair. The living area opens on to a private porch, with a step-down leading to an expansive wood deck directly on the water.
As with all of the casitas, the suite comes equipped with convenience refrigerator and hot pot for tea or coffee.
Prices & Booking Policies
Currency: US dollar ($)
Prices and inclusions: Prices are based on Half Board accommodation (i.e. breakfast and dinner included). Prices do not include 10% tax. Prices range from US$120-160 (approx £60-80) per night (excluding 10% tax) for two sharing a Garden Casita. For sole occupancy prices range from US$95-125 (approx £48-63) per night (excluding 10% tax).
For a Laguna Casita prices range from US$145-190 (approx £73-95) per night (excluding 10% tax) for two sharing, while sole occupancy rates range from US$125-155 (approx £63-78) (excluding 10% tax).
The Laguna Suite costs from US$245-285 (approx £123-143) per night (excluding 10% tax) for two sharing. There is no reduced rate for sole occupancy.
Child prices: Infants aged 0-6 go free. Children aged 7-12 pay US$20 per night and children 13 and older pay the regular price for an additional person.
Extra adult prices: Additional person prices are US$45 to US$75 (approx £23-38) per night depending on the room type (except for the Laguna Suite which only takes two people). Casitas have a double bed and 1 to 3 singles, except for one Garden Casita which has 4 single beds.
Special offers: Book 6 nights and only pay for 5! (This offer does not apply 20th December - 2nd January or for holy week - April 5th - 12th in 2009).
Check-in / Check-out times: Check in 2pm / check out 12noon
Opening dates: Rancho Encantado is open all year round. Bookings are currently being taken until 30th April 2009.
Restrictions: There are no minimum night restrictions.
Deposit: A 50% deposit is due at time of booking. Your booking will not be fully confirmed until this deposit is received. The deposit will be taken from the credit card details you provide at time of booking. The full balance is due 30 days prior to arrival.
Cancellation policy: For cancellations made 31 days or more prior to arrival, a fee of US$50.00 be kept from your deposit. For cancellations made 15-30 days prior to arrival a fee of US$100.00 will be kept from your payment.
For cancellations made less than 15 days prior to arrival, your 50% deposit will be non-refundable.
Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted on booking. Visa and Mastercard only are accepted at the resort.
Getting There And Around
Most people fly into Belize City, the closest large airport (about 100 miles south).
Cancún has better public transportation (1st class express bus, frequent departures) but is 200 miles to the north.
Flights are also available into Chetumal airport (30 minutes from the Rancho) from Mexico City.
Car rentals are available in Cancun, Belize City and Chetumal. Taxis are also available locally.
