Boutique Hotel Quinta Chanabnal

A gorgeous, modern Mayan palace, just 10 minutes' drive from the ancient ruins of Palenque

There is an aura of majestic romance about Quinta Chanabnal. Italian owner Raphael and his Mexican wife Elizabeth met by chance in the jungle of Palenque’s Mayan ruins. Five years later and 5 miles down the road, they opened (May 2010) this stunning boutique hotel: a re-visioning of a Mayan royal residence. A crown of stone carvings adorns the most regal of the 7 suites, a scroll of ancient script swirls through the elegant reception hall; there is even a ceremonial pyramid. Walk through the lush rainforest and you come to a sultry lagoon - behind it, waterfalls trickle down rocks to a sapphire pool. The beautiful grounds are also abundant with wildlife such as iguanas and basilisks, and birdlife.

The passion behind Chanabnal is evident everywhere - from the exquisitely etched friezes depicting the couple’s courtship, to the carefully prepared plates of typical (and wonderful) Chiapan dishes. Elizabeth oversees the restaurant and its attentive staff; Raphael is a Mayan scholar who loves to share his knowledge of this fascinating pre-Hispanic civilisation. Together they have created an enchanted dwelling, fit for any vacationing monarch.

Highs

• A tranquil oasis, tucked away in luscious jungle yet only 3km from the famous ruins; close to Yaxchilan and Bonanpak sites too
• Authentic Mayan architecture from the massive palapa thatched roofs to stone-stepped pyramids
• Seven large and luxuriously decorated suites of rich fabrics and ornate redwood furniture
• Pretty swimming pool set amongst rocks and cascading waterfalls; sun loungers with waiter service
• Authentic Temazcal (Maya sweat bath) lodge plus body massages and beauty treatment area overlooking lagoon

Lows

• Deluxe Suites are expensive; the Presidential Suite, which is set in a separate Mayan house, is very expensive (but is a perfect honeymoon splurge)
• Breakfast not included in the rates
• You’ll have to drive if you want to eat lunch or dinner elsewhere - luckily the food at the guest-only restaurant is excellent
• Aside from the ruins, there isn't much to see around Palenque, and the town itself has few attractions