If the hacienda at Chable could speak, it would retell thousands of stories from the last 200 years. Located just outside the town of Chocholá in Yucatán, Chable Resort opened in 2016 at the site of a   restored hacienda that once served a cattle ranch, then later a textile-henequen factory.

Yucatan itself is well known for its haciendas and its part in the sisal industry. The word “sisal” refers to the translation of henequen, an agave plant from which its interior fiber is used to create different products such as sacks, bags, and ropes. The word ‘Sisal’ originally came from the name of the port ships would depart from to Europe to export ropes and sisal products but overtime this word has been adopted as the name of the material itself.

There were hundreds of Haciendas in the Yucatán dedicated to textile production during which date period?. One of the reasons was because mooring boats used ropes, as well as the packaging of hay and straw used to feed cattle in the northern countries.

The industry eventually declined due to its social and economic impact, from the invention of synthetic fibers such as nylon and the manufacturing of substitute products ultimately replaced manufactured goods with the natural henequen products.

Thus, the haciendas were abandoned by their owners and masters. Today, many have been restored and transformed into hotels, restaurants, live museums and events venues. Chablé managed to restore itself and become a Wellness Destination where it seeks to combine history, culture, wellness, and tradition with the modernity of the new era.

How well do we combine old and new? The Main House or “Casa Principal” still has the original irrigation systems that the working hacienda once used. Our beloved “Timo” sculpture by Rodrigo de la Sierra is used in the pond and every so often drained to irrigate our organic gardens sprouting fresh ingredients used in our restaurants and at our SPA.

Similarly, the sprue, where the Master of the hacienda’s horses and cattle animals drank water, is still on property and resorted as a natural area full of flora and fauna complete with beautiful lilies, dragonflies and frogs that add natural music to the atmosphere.

Around the property you will see original walls from the hacienda that are 200 years old. The walls  harmonize with the environment, although some of them have been overgrown by nature over the years. The walls provide a sense of history and unique architecture to the overall design of Chable Resort. For this reason, Chable Resort received an award by UNESCO for its architecture and beautiful design by blending the original structures with modern elements in the luxury accommodations and facilities around the land.

Welcome to the first Hacienda in the world that Redefines Wellness!

Endowed with a Cenote and a unique landscape in the middle of an abundant forest, Chablé’s true beauty unfolds. A luxury hotel full of magic and rooted in history.

The surrounding environment puts guests in touch with hundreds of medicinal plants used since ancient times by herbalists, J’Men and X’Men, (Priests and Priestesses) midwives and bonesetters.

The plants grow alone in the jungle, waiting to be discovered to provide wisdom of healing to those who seek it. Some of them are strategically taken to the Cenote area, where the work of spiritual purification for healing begins.

In the midst of the subtle aroma of copal smoke, the Medicine Woman purifies the spirit and the bonds it has, so that clarity can be found in a moment of finding its own medicine. After a deep connection beyond the senses, from the soul to soul dialogue, she receives the instruction from the subtle worlds, about what medicines are appropriate for that moment. Together, with the consultant, they go in search of the tools to find the right medicine from a variety of aromatic herbs, trees, flowers, barks, roots or sap, to mud, stones or elements.

The decision of what the medicines are does not depend on a protocol to be followed, but in the directives of the connection of the soul with the healing itself in that moment. The experience is about finding the medicine in our surroundings  and asking permission from the guardians of nature:  The aluxes. Once granted, the consultant prepares the herbal medicine together with the Grandmother of medicine, grinding it in the molcajete, cutting it with her fingers or preparing them in poultice.

Sometimes the medicine asks to be used in an outdoor medicinal bath, prepared with the same herbs boiled in a clay pot, taking energy from the environment and nourishes the senses, allowing to be part of a magical experience.

Sometimes mud asks to be anointed, mixed with herbs or simply dried in the sun. In some healings, the snail asks to be sounded so that its vibration is heard in the cells and transforms the energy of something stagnant, as emotions can be. Or the feather of an eagle consecrated for healing, clears the negative energy that it carries.

The song of the birds, the connection with nature, the sounds, tastes and experiences, are the object that heals the life of those who come to seek it.   The legacy our ancestors left us was to connect with nature and the universe with an open heart.

It is a unique experience to understand that medicine is not in the chemical elements that a plant can have, but in the complete essence of connection that everything in nature has its own dialogue.

The physical and psychological benefits of yoga are well-known, but have you ever considered the positive effects yoga can have on children?

Today it is increasingly easy to find yoga centers and gyms that teach classes. In fact, there are already centers specifically for youth yoga. The benefits are not only physical exercise but also in establishing a strong balance between the body and mind at an early age, especially as children are still developing.  Unlike adult classes, youth yoga classes are more active and accompanied by stories, games, songs and imaginary trips. As their language skills develop, children have a natural tendency towards mime, imitating sounds and movements. Additionally, learning the curious names of activities and postures are just some of the reasons little ones enjoy yoga so much!  In general, the main benefit of yoga is relaxation. However, children also experience stress with the influx of information accessed by the media, video games, television, Internet and physical activities around the house or at school.  Children’s yoga has numerous advantages that go beyond relaxation and can help improve in the below areas:

• strength and flexibility
• posture
• coordination and balance
• strengthening body systems
• self-esteem and body awareness
• concentration and the ability to relax and reduce stress
• encourages self-control and stimulates self-awareness

At Chable, the entire family is invited to experience the many benefits of yoga under the guidance of our trained professionals with daily adult and youth sessions. Namaste.

It’s no secret Mexico is a land full of flavors, with a diverse and wide gastronomy throughout the various regions. In fact, some of the most important ingredients and foods come from the streets! Yucatan is no exception. Here, you can find a variety of street food, with many dishes to try.

Some examples of the typical Yucatecan snacks are:

Nuts and dried fruits:

You can find a variety of products, such as: peanuts, pumpkin seed with toast and nuts, in different presentations, from 1 kg bags to smaller presentations to eat separately or to be used in a dish, such as a salad.

Piedras and Kibis:

The traditional piedras and kibis, are most commonly paired  with cabbage and habanero. This snack is one that that all Yucatecans like equally.

Fruits with chilli

Fruits with chili are the traditional snack of Mérida Downtown. It is impossible not to have one while venturing through the city. You will find a variety of stands with different fruits, depending on the seasonal harvest topped with chili powder and a squeeze of lemon.

Marquesitas:

The traditional “marquesitas” are a must when visiting the Yucatan! There is nothing better than going to a park and sitting down to eat a “marquesita”. Traditional ones are made with Hollandaise Cheese or “Queso de Bola”, or you can try another version with Nutella or your favorite sweet ingredient such as marmalade, peanut butter or burnt milk caramel.

On October 13, Ixi’im restaurant had an amazing opportunity to host chef Mike Bagale, known for his incredible work at three-starred Michelin restaurant Alinea in Chicago, USA.

Alongside our own Chef Jorge Vallejo and Executive Chef Luis Ronzón, the night was full of surprises, exquisite flavors and a warm ambiance.

Chef Mike is currently traveling the world to reconnect with the basics in cuisine, and we are pleased he was able visit the Yucatán and Ixi’im as part of his journey.

At Ixi’im Chef Mike was able to show guests a new dining experience centered around a convivial environment. He invited guests to sit in communal tables so they could share their experiences with one other in between bites.

The night began with a surprise cocktail, the Grosella mezcal margarita. The unique drink includes a grosella cured in mezcal and served frozen.

One of the favorite dishes of the night was the Huitlacoche and fried cheese donut (or tamale).

Chef Mike also incorporated social media into the evening, by using Instagram to share videos explaining each dish, how they were prepared and their significance to him.

Without a doubt, this was an incredible experience at Ixiím for all who attended! Thank you to our guests, Chefs, the Ixi’im staff and Chef Bagale for an unforgettable evening!

November 2 in Mexico marks a special day of traditions, when we celebrate the Day of the Dead. Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate the magical night this year at Chablé!

Celebrating our culture is at the forefront of the Chable experience. We seek to revive the magical traditions that exist in our country so guests from across the globe can enjoy authentic Mexican experiences during their stay. Day of the Day allowed us the opportunity to share a traditional festivity with our guests, dedicated to honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed away.

This year, we created a representation in our own gardens of the different altars you will find throughout the many different cultures of Mexico. We drew inspiration from one of the most special places to experience Day of the Dead, the Cemetery of Janitzio, where year after year tombs are adorned with the traditional flowers of cempasúchil, “ofrendas” of food and drinks for the deceased and dances and typical songs of the region.

In addition to our altar representation, the “Catrina” visited our guests representing the joy and color of the holiday.

The entire Chablé family participated in an Altar and Catrina contest, which was great fun! Guests were able to admire the altars as well as food and typical items from Central Mexico as well as the Yucatan, Hanal Pixan is celebrated.

Our Catrina contest allowed staff to use their creativity and admiration to create masterpieces as a tribute to loved ones who have passed complete with typical costumes, accessories and painted faces.

Thank you to all of our guests, visitors and staff for being part of such a wonderful night.

“You only die when someone forgets, and I never forget you”

Anonymous.

Meditation is a practice in which an individual trains the mind or induces a mode of consciousness, either to achieve a mentally clear and calm state or to recognize thoughts and emotions.

According to Jeremy Holmes and Alberto Pérez (2000), different meditation techniques can be classified according to their approach. Some can focus on the field of perception and experience while others center on concentration.

Among the benefits of meditation are:

• Improved concentration
• Better memory
• Control of emotional health
• Improved immune system and general health

At Chablé Resort & Spa we welcome guests to train their minds and enjoy a transformative experience with our Yoga and Meditation Teacher Raúl or our Abuela Ak’bal. Guests will be guided through a Four Elements Meditation. The magic of the cenote combined with the surrounding nature creates the perfect ambiance for a unique experience.

A complete list of resort activities can be seen on our website. www.chableresort.com

Would you like to discover a series of secrets and hidden details inside the celebrated Ixi’im Restaurant?

Welcome to our Fine Dining eatery at Chablé, a tribute to the Mayan culture and language. The word “Ixi’im” means “Maíz” or “Corn” – one of the most important ingredients in our country. The water, fire, light, aromas and flavors of Ixi’im create an incomparable atmosphere that can be enjoyed at “The Most Beautiful Restaurant in the World”, as named by Prix Versailles 2018, which emphasizes the beauty and elegance of the interior and exterior structures.

The biggest treasure that the original walls from this machinery room and “heart” of the original 19th century hacienda has is one of the largest collections of Tequilas in the world.

The word “tequila” comes from the Nahuatl (tequitl: work or occupation and tlan: place), a word referring to a place of work, more specifically to the one made by the farmers when cutting plants to create the “Drink of the Gods”

It was back in the mid-70s that, driven by passion and love for this spirit, Mr. Rafael Selvas (RIP) began a collection, bringing it up to 2,300 bottles. Chablé’s proprietor has this same passion for Tequila and appreciation of the creation process, which led to a good friendship between them. Both agreed in their desire to show the world this national pride that fully represents our country to the World’s eyes, thanks to the appellation d’origin, and great benefits of Tequila, including improving blood pressure or having relaxing attributes. For this reason, we believe that Tequila is essential while “redefining wellness”.

The current collection has more than 3,600 different bottles, and 3,175 are exhibited at Ixi’im Restaurant. Among them, you can find unique pieces of more than 250 years, such as our oldest bottle, from Casa Cuervo; a cream color ceramic container placed on a metal base to simulate a bell tower which rests on the central shelf of our private room at Ixi’im.

On the same shelf, guests can find the House Tequilas: our Chablé Añejo Cristalino, aged 12 months inside a barrel and two filtrations. Ideally, it is enjoyed cold as aperitif accompanied by the traditional sangrita prepared exclusively by our mixologist. Otherwise, this particular Tequila can be paired with any dessert on our menu and enjoyed as a digestif.

“Atelier del Maestro Tequilero”, also created a Tequila Extra Añejo at the beginning of 2012, limited to a stock of 3,000 bottles and aged in French oak barrels just over 3 years, resulting in a subtle and elegant blend with notes of caramel, cinnamon, vanilla and tobacco. It has a dark amber color, which reflects flashes through the design of its bottle, an interpretation of the agave stalk ready to be processed, according to the industrial designer and master crystal craftsman Orfeo Quagliata.

As a recent tribute, we have a bottle of Don Eduardo Añejo, Don Eduardo Blanco, and Don Diego Blanco, owners of this impressive collection, a fact that new guests and friends learn.

One of the most requested activities at Chable Resort that focuses on balance – besides our different Yoga programs – is our Slackline.

This idea originally emerged in the 1980’s in Yosemite Valley, when climbers would walk on loose rope as a form of training.

The Slackline is maintained with a nylon ribbon between fixed points. The tape is suspended and can roll; therefore it can be difficult at first but not impossible! In fact, it is a complete balance sport, where your body and mind are at work. This is the reason it is one of our favorite activities from our ‘Daily Program of Fitness, Mind and Body’. Among its benefits, you can improve balance, concentration and strength in your abdomen and legs.

Become an expert in Slackline with the help of our Wellness Team on your next stay at Chablé!
See a complete list of all the activities at Chablé on our website.

A meliponario is an ancestral production unit from which the ancient Mayans obtained honey thanks to a species of bees known as Xunan Cab, or Melipona bees in English.

This species of bees is native to the Mexican southeast and some regions of South America, where there are an approximately 300 species.

Honey has been regarded as a product with a high energy and nutritional value, and the honey from Melipona’s is no exception. In fact, this honey not only has nutritional value, but also contains a variety of medicinal elements from which the Mayans took advantage of.

Here at Chablé, our meliponario is used for conservation efforts for Melipona bees as well as preservation of a legendary ancestral practice.
Important facts about the bee:

• Honey production is annual

• Its production is around 1 to 3 lts. per year

• The number of bees depends on the size of the trunk or the hive itself; typically approximately between 500 and 3000 bees.

• A worker bee lives around 1.5 months; a queen bee can live up to 1 year.

• The trunk where the bees live is known by the Maya as “jobon”

• Their main enemies are ants and flies

• Most production takes place over the dry season (January to May)

• The main sources of food are trees such as tsi’tsi’lche and chaca

• The quality of honey depends on the type of flowers the bees visit

• The greatest importance of this type of bee is its role in pollination, thus they are referred to as “life-giving”.

• At Chablé we have 2 different bee species, the melipona beecheii (Xunan kab) and the frieseomelitta nigra (Trigona nigra / Sak xik)

Meliponario Restrictions

• Entry is prohibited with any type of repellent (including organic), lotions, perfumes, deodorants, etc.

• It is forbidden to open the hives (boxes and trunks).

• It is forbidden to move the hives (boxes and trunks).

• It is prohibited to cover or obstruct the entrance of the hives.