Christmas - or any vacation - in an authentic Yucatan hacienda blends 17th C. land grant culture with the modern Mayan world. To enhance the experience, Hacienda Yunku announces direct booking via airbnb.com and sublet.com

(TRAVPR.COM) USA - November 12th, 2013 - Travelers who appreciate elegance off the beaten path uncover a heightened experience at Hacienda Santo Domingo Yunku, the  gated 17th C. Spanish villa in the heart of Yucatan's famed Mayan temple corridor. To personalize the reservation process, visitors can now book Hacienda Yunku on both airbnb.com and sublet.com. 

"Travelers the world over have questons that a website can't cover. Both airbnb.com and sublet.com give visitors direct access to management - an especially vital component when reserving an entire estate for a family or group," stated marketing representative Gina Kolbe. "With the holiday season upon us and many people still uncertain about their plans, this accessibility should make the decision to visit Yunku an easy one."

Hacienda Yunku is a secluded 17th C. estate whose name means “God’s Place.” It is situated on twenty-five acres of gardens and water features, including a naturally-occurring cave cenote. It accommodates two to twelve people. Rates begin at $400/night, with just one group at a time having exclusive use of Yunku.   

Hacienda-based travel in Yucatan is growing in popularity as families and activity-based groups discover the rich and diverse cultures that exist beyond Mexico's beaches and night life. “In the Yucatan,” frequent Yucatan visitor Laura Vick added. “European traditions blossomed in the shadow of lost Mayan cities and the Mayan culture, the result of royal land-grants from the King of Spain. Hacienda Yunku was one of those.”

Originally a cattle ranch and then a henequen plantation that grew the agave cactus - cousin to the tequila agave - from which rope is made, Yunku combines the grandeur of Colonial architecture with the contemporary finishings and amenities today’s travelers are accustomed to.  

The iconic Casa Principal  houses the living room, two master suites, kitchen and dining room, a game room or chapel that can be used for weddings or converted to a conference room, and  a ninety-foot veranda that looks out on the pool and gardens.  (http://www.haciendayunku.com)

Two detached structures, originally workshops that serviced the plantation, have been converted into master suites and dorm-style accommodations. A free-standing “Mayan house” with thatched roof can be used for relaxing or as additional entertaining space.

Yunku's grounds show the remains of its past glory.  An ancient aquaduct is still used to water the gardens and orchards. An old cattle trough now holds water lilies. And pieces of the original narrow-gauge track on which containers of hennequin leaves were hauled are intact.

Appealing to divers and snorkelers, Yunku  boasts a rare and naturally occurring cenote (fresh water pool) located in an underground cave.

Hacienda Yunku opened to the public about a decade ago.  It has hosted archeological, anthropological and yoga groups as well as private guests for extended stays. A stay at Hacienda Yunku includes breakfast. Arrangements for private catering and entertainment can be made through Yunku’s on-site manager or through an airbnb.com or sublet.com conversation with Yunku management.  

With airbnb.com travelers  can see both accommodations and grounds, communicate with Yunku’s management in their local language (the site offers instant translation), read travel experience reviews from previous guests, and book using their local currency.  The direct link is see https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1823067. The sublet.com listing allows readers direct access as well. The link is http://www.sublet.com/area_rentals/yucatanpeninsula-yucatan/merida_rentals.asp

Hacienda Yunku’s website is http://www.haciendayunku.com.

BACKGROUND:
Hacienda Yunku is located 45 minutes outside of Merida, Yucatan, near the town of Abala. The nearest airports are Merida (MID) and Cancun (CUN). (Cancun is 3 hours away.) Transfers are included. Amenities include breakfast. Guests may cook or a chef can be arranged. TV, Internet, videos. Complimentary bicycles. Hammocks and hammock "chairs." The staff speaks English and Spanish. (Mayan too). Customized sight seeing tours can  be arranged by contacting Yunku management. 

Journalists and travel agents interested in reviewing Hacienda Yunku are welcome and should arrange a visit by contacting Ms. Kolbe, 212-665-6773 or emailing regina@antiquesweeksmedi.com

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