Chablé Yucatan

Buried deep in the Yucatán jungle, tucked among Mayan ruins and sacred sites, is a more modern sort of temple, the kind built for relaxation. Chablé isn’t just a luxury hotel — it’s a wellness resort that’s worthy of the name. When you arrive, the staff will work with you to devise a personal program based on your particular relaxation needs: you might be prescribed yoga, biking, meditation, or Mayan-inspired healing techniques. You’ll almost certainly plan to spend some time in the excellent spa, which is built around a natural cenote, a swimming hole with healing waters, sacred to the ancient Maya.

Guests stay in 40 casitas, which are designed to blend in with their jungle surroundings. Each has ample natural light, clean woodwork, and a harmonious blend of modern design with traditional Mayan architectural styles. They’re designed for maximum relaxation, boasting spectacular jungle views, indoor and outdoor showers, and a private pool. But for those seeking a more intensely luxurious experience, there are two expansive private villas on the property. The larger of the two, a restored 19th-century hacienda house, includes its own spa suite, private gym, private bar, and butler kitchen.

Wellness is key, but if you want to indulge while you’re here, Chablé makes it easy: this resort is home to three restaurants designed by a world-class chef. The food is organic, seasonal, and hyperlocal: produce comes from the on-site Mayan gardens. (If you’ve got a green thumb, you’re welcome to help the team garden during your stay.) You might feel too busy with your relaxation regimen to leave the resort, but if you do, the jungles of the Yucatán Peninsula are rich with history and culture: Make a day trip to the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza or Uxmal, or stick close the resort with a short visit to Mérida, the historic capital of the Yucatán state.