Casona los Cedros
Minimalist and design-forward with deep local roots. Chukum plaster walls, bejuco lamps woven by village artisans, handcrafted cedar wood windows, cement mosaic tile floors, and embroidered textiles. Quiet, garden-green, unpretentious. Feels like a thoughtful European aesthetic made entirely from Yucatecan materials.
Google Maps works fine for navigation to Espita; Apple Maps reportedly does not — verified by multiple reviewers.
Why It Matters
Michelin-selected and listed on Tablet Hotels. The restaurant CASONA by Chef Jorge Ildefonso is Espita's only full-service restaurant and draws food-focused travelers from Mérida and beyond. The architectural rehabilitation — by Collectif COMO / Laura Lecué — was published on ArchDaily and recognized as a serious design achievement using traditional local materials and craftspeople.
A former colonial villa in the tiny town of Espita — once a wealthy family's home, later a cantina, then abandoned for 30 years — completely reimagined by French architect Laura Lecué and her partner Alan Montfort as a nine-room boutique hotel. The historic structure holds the bar and reception; the guest rooms are new, minimalist construction wrapped in a tropical garden. But the real draw is the restaurant: Chef Jorge Ildefonso runs a wood-fired kitchen here that punches well above its zip code.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Double Queen Room
35 sqm room with two queen beds, sleeping up to four guests. Same minimalist aesthetic as the King — concrete walls, mosaic tile, local woodwork — but slightly larger and set among the garden trees. Private bathroom with rain shower, private terrace, and mini-bar.
Two Queens · 35 sqm
King Room
30 sqm room with a king bed set within the tropical garden. Concrete walls, decorative tile flooring, wooden furnishings, embroidered textiles, and a private terrace with hammock and indoor-outdoor shower. En suite bathroom with rain shower and Yucatan Sences organic toiletries. Mini-bar included.
King · 30 sqm
The Suite
The property's prestige room, with its own private plunge pool on the terrace — the only room with this feature. Same material palette as the standard rooms (chukum plaster, handcrafted wood, embroidered textiles) but with added privacy and seclusion. Reviewed favorably by guests for romantic stays.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Ek Balam ruins are roughly 20 minutes from the hotel — a lesser-visited site where you can still climb the pyramids. Hotel staff can advise on timing and access.
Complimentary bikes available for guests to explore Espita and the surrounding area.
Owners Laura and Alan share insider recommendations for visiting local woodworkers, hammock weavers, and artisans in Espita. The morning market is a particular highlight.
An infinity pool surrounded by relaxation areas within a lush exotic garden planted with cacti, agaves, succulents, and tall tropical trees. Hammocks throughout. Guests consistently describe it as the ideal spot for an afternoon with a margarita.
Yoga classes offered on the rooftop, bookable in advance.
A recurring cultural and culinary festival organized by the property, featuring curated tasting menus by Chef Ildefonso, wine pairings, and music. Originally launched in June; the owners intend to make it a regular event.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
WiFi available throughout the property.
Pets allowed on request; charges may apply. Note: children are not allowed.
Infinity-edge pool surrounded by lounge areas within the tropical garden.
Extensive tropical garden with cacti, agaves, and succulents, plus a covered dining/lounge terrace.
Staff speak English, Spanish, and French.
Small boutique at reception stocking local artisan products.
Rooms stocked with Yucatan Sences — a local, organic toiletry brand. Non-toxic shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Guests also offered the option to reuse linens and towels.
Bicycles available for guests to explore the town and surroundings.
Airport transfer service available on request. Nearest airport (Mérida / Manuel Crescencio Rejón International) is approximately 163 km away.
Free public parking available nearby (reservation required).
BUILD YOUR CASONA LOS CEDROS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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