Twenty-five miles north of Chetumal, capital of Mexico's Roo and gateway to Belize, lies beautiful Laguna Bacalar, the forty-mile-long "Lagoon of Seven Colors", 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.
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Rancho Encantado accommodates up to forty 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 and lagoon. All have convenience kitchenettes and electric coffee makers. Bathrooms are American-style with tiled showers.
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Beyond the casitas, 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 second palapa serves retreat groups. Circular, with traditional zapote beams and palm-thatched roof, it overlooks a private stretch of lagoon. The large palapa features spacious floors for yoga and dance, refreshment service, and comfortable furnishings for meetings. Our reservations office can help you and your group design the retreat of a lifetime using this lovely space.
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Also available through Rancho Encantado is a magnificent private house for rent, Casa Estrella de Bacalar. This two-bedroom, two bath home, located next to the resort compound, features tropical gardens, patios, and a terrace overlooking a serene vista of Laguna Bacalar. The Casa accommodates four people comfortably.
The owners of Rancho Encantado, Susanna and Ray, met in the Yucatan, where they developed their vision for this private paradise deep in the Mayan heartland.
"Because we were unable to find the kind of place we were looking for," they say, "we ended up cr eating it. What we have built reflects our vision of a place that is intimate, personal, quiet........a place of rest and renewal."
They have succeeded in bringing together an extraordinary, caring, professional staff with a beautiful environment to provide you with an unforgettable stay in the exotic world of La Ruta Maya.
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