Cigno

Delight yourself with Cigno, a hotel-restaurant located among the peaceful cobblestone streets of the popular neighborhood of La Ermita in Mérida, Yucatán.

Among the peaceful cobblestone streets of the popular neighborhood of La Ermita, in the historic center of Merida, is the boutique hotel Cigno, a space where the past of the White City merges with an unprecedented experience that captivates the senses of contemporary nomads. Cigno restores the timeless architecture of a stately 19th-century Yucatecan mansion to create a haven filled with elements that privilege absolute comfort.

AAccess to the upper terrace
Photography: Cigno

 

Its dedicated restoration, by architect Roger González, emphasizes the original features of the structure, above all its imposing neoclassical-eclec- tic façade, which gives it a singular personality. Inside, the high ceilings that promote a cool atmosphere and the mosaic tiled floors have been preserved. The refurbishment process is enhanced by the use of chukum an ancient technique for working with stucco that was used in the Mayan pyramids, providing an appearance of honest rusticity that harmonizes with the ancient borders and moldings. On one of its walls is projected the evocative detail of the great voyages with a mural of La Ermita de Santa Isabel, also known as the church of Nuestra Señora del buen viaje, which was inspired by the sketch included in the book “Incidents of Travel in Central America”, published around 1840, in which John Stephens and Frederick Catherwood relate their explorations in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Bar
Photography: Cigno

At the boutique hotel, time passes peacefully and unhurriedly, inviting you to take a reading break in the library, relax in the main courtyard with its pool surrounded by lush vegetation or admire the infinite horizon sheltered by the trees from the second pool on the upper terrace of this city oasis.

“Cigno invites you to pause and relax in the main courtyard with its pool surrounded by lush vegetation or admire the infinite horizon sheltered by trees from its second pool.”

In its 10 rooms and suites guests enjoy an interior design that provides a sense of luminosity, breadth and freshness. Features such as pristine white walls, a chromatic palette of earth tones, wood-beamed ceilings and bluetoned pasta floors with the “canage” motif evoke the vernacular aesthetics of the haciendas nestled in the jungle and the colorful cenotes.

Suite
Photography: Cigno

In the furniture and decorative elements, organic materials come together to enhance the beauty of tropical woods and natural textures. These unique pieces, created especially for the hotel, were crafted by master carpenters and artisans from local communities, who are the guardians of craft skills and knowledge passed down through generations.

For food-loving travelers, Cigno pays homage to the local cuisine and its flavors in its restaurant. The dishes by chef Ángel Peláez reimagine essential recipes and are dedicated to contemporary food with original creations such as the palm-heart ceviche or shrimp risotto. Mixology and a carefully curated cellar with a wide selection of wines are available in its two bars, in the lobby and on the upper terrace, as well as at Aljibe, one of Merida’s best kept secrets, which is located inside the property.

Restaurant
Photography: Cigno

The boutique hotel complements its guests’ stays with private yoga sessions and massages to promote wellbeing and relaxation. Mixology classes, snacks and Yucatecan cuisine are also available for those who want to learn more about traditional cooking. For adventurous spirits, bike tours of the city are available together with trips to the archeological zones of Chichen Itzá and Uxmal, kayaking in the mangroves, free- diving sessions and underwater photography in the cenotes. Cigno is a refuge for contemporary nomads in the heart of Merida.

Aerial view main courtyard
Photography: Cigno