Tucked into the atmospheric streets of La Mejorada, one of Mérida’s most evocative historic neighborhoods, Cigno Mejorada offers a refined new way to experience the Yucatán capital. Set within a restored heritage residence recognized by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History, the boutique hotel balances sensitive architectural preservation with contemporary design, creating a place where history, climate, and everyday life quietly converge.
From the moment guests step through the original restored doorway, the pace shifts. A shaded vestibule opens into a sequence of cool corridors, courtyards, and softly lit interiors, echoing the traditional Yucatecan approach to climate-conscious living. High ceilings, cross-ventilation, and the interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces reflect a deep respect for local architectural traditions while setting a serene tone that feels worlds away from the bustle of the city—despite being just steps from cultural landmarks like the Railway Museum, the Museum of Yucatecan Song, and Parque La Plancha.
Architecture Rooted in Memory
Led by architect Roger Escalante, the project was guided by a clear principle: protect the soul of the original house. Rather than imposing a bold new identity, the design preserves proportions, structural rhythms, and the domestic scale that define historic homes in Mérida. Contemporary volumes were carefully added around the central garden, expanding the hotel’s footprint without disrupting its sense of intimacy. Circulation unfolds as a thoughtful progression—vestibule to courtyard, shade to light, stillness to water—allowing guests to experience the architecture gradually, in tune with the climate.
Material choices reinforce this continuity. Chukum-finished walls lend a cool, matte texture that gently reflects the region’s shifting light, while regional stone and cement tile floors introduce geometric precision. Accents of Ticul red nod to the peninsula’s pottery traditions, complemented by clay details that add warmth and tactility. Cedar and tzalam woods appear throughout carpentry and furniture, chosen for both durability and their natural elegance—materials that age gracefully alongside the building itself.
Contemporary Interiors with Organic Roots
Interior design by Mex & Co, under the direction of Stacy Echeverría, introduces a contemporary neoclassical language grounded in restraint. Earth tones, olive greens, and soft creams form a calming palette, sharpened by subtle black accents that define lines and add visual clarity. Local craftsmanship appears in thoughtful ways: petatillo weave patterns integrated into screens and walls, woven headboards, and custom furniture designed to fit niches and corridors, reinforcing the feeling of a lived-in house rather than a conventional hotel.
The result is an atmosphere of quiet elegance—spaces designed to breathe, where durability, comfort, and beauty coexist without excess. Every detail feels intentional, inviting guests to slow down and notice textures, light, and proportion.
Rooms, Gardens, and Water as a Guiding Thread
Cigno Mejorada’s 22 rooms are distributed between the original structure and new garden-facing wings. Some rooms retain traces of the past—exposed beams, generous proportions, and subtle remnants of old flooring—while others open onto private terraces with lush vegetation, hammocks, and plunge pools that turn relaxation into a daily ritual. For more intimate stays, La Villa offers a five-room enclave, including a two-level bridal suite ideal for celebrations or extended retreats.
Water plays a central role throughout the property. Four pools are positioned to suit different moments of the day, from a midday dip to an evening swim. At the heart of the hotel, the main pool evokes the enveloping calm of a cenote, surrounded by vegetation that creates natural shade and cooling microclimates. A rooftop pool deck offers a contrasting perspective, where guests can watch Mérida’s light shift from day to night.
A Living Archive of Place
Public spaces extend the hotel’s ethos of discreet hospitality. The lobby and reception areas are designed for unhurried observation, featuring archival photographs from the UADY collection alongside ceramics, books on Yucatán, and curated objects that transform the hotel into a living archive of the region. A small boutique showcases thoughtfully selected pieces, while lounge areas and the bar encourage conversation and reflection after a day exploring the city.
Art and craftsmanship are woven throughout the experience, from metalwork by Fabricio Van de Broek to sculptural and ceramic pieces by Mexican artisans, including works from Oaxaca. These elements add cultural depth without overwhelming the architecture, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to serene, place-driven luxury.
A Serene Base for Exploring Mérida
Removed from the city’s bustle yet deeply connected to its rhythm, Cigno Mejorada feels less like a hotel and more like a private house—one that invites guests to experience Mérida at a slower, more thoughtful pace. It’s a refined base for exploring the historic center and an intimate refuge to return to at day’s end, where light, materials, and craftsmanship quietly leave their mark.
