SABOR Y SOL: A CULINARY ESCAPE TO MERIDA
March 15-22, 2026
Join Chef Ana García for a one-of-a-kind culinary vacation in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula! Explore vibrant markets, cook authentic Yucatecan dishes, sip on tropical cocktails, and experience the rich cultural and historical heritage of Mérida. This immersive experience blends hands-on cooking with curated excursions to discover the unique flavors and traditions of the region.
IMPORTANT! This itinerary is designed to give you a clear idea of the type of experience we offer, but it may not reflect the final version you’ll receive on Sunday. We reserve the right to make changes — including to the schedule and the dishes — at any time. Our goal is always to create the most memorable and enriching culinary vacation possible, so we continually refine and improve the itinerary throughout the year based on seasonal ingredients, local opportunities, and guest feedback. Every adjustment we make is with your enjoyment and overall experience in mind.
Sunday – Welcome to Merida, a colonial jewel!
- Arrival at Mérida International Airport (MID) – Transfer included to your beautiful accommodations in a charming boutique home in the historic center of Mérida.
- Welcome Reception & Orientation – Enjoy a refreshing glass of agua de chaya con piña (chaya and pineapple agua fresca) and a light welcome snack as Chef Ana introduces you to the week’s culinary adventure.
- Gourmet Dinner – Let Chef Ana introduce you to Yucatecan cuisine with a gourmet 4 course dinner.
Monday: Let’s Cook in a PIB! Cochinita Pibil with Traditional Cook
The day starts with Chef Ana’s famous big breakfast with fresh fruit, biscuits, homemade jams and jellies along with a new traditional Mexican main dish each morning.
Step back in time with an immersive earth-oven cooking experience. You’ll prepare the iconic Cochinita Pibil, achiote-marinated pork (or chicken) slow-roasted underground in banana leaves with a local legend. Side dishes include fire-roasted potatoes, pickled onions, and esquites with cotija and habanero mayo. Enjoy handmade blue corn tortillas and sweet potato tamales with coconut, all paired with a bold sour orange and guava agua fresca and a smoky Pibil Margarita infused with roasted pineapple and burnt orange.
After a day of cooking outside of the house, we will come back to the house and enjoy the infinity pool, play board games, enjoy exotic cocktails and snacks along with a soup in the evening to tide us over.
Tuesday: Coastal Yucatan – Sun, Sea, and Beach Flavors
Today after breakfast we will take a tour of the charming Mercado de Santiago to pick up the seafood and other ingredients we will need for todays cooking experience. Dive into the bright, fresh flavors of Yucatán’s coast with the celebrated Tikin Xic—achiote-marinated fish baked in banana leaves—or grilled octopus in chile xcatic butter. These are served alongside coconut rice, grilled local vegetables, and a crisp jícama-cucumber salad. Begin the day with a citrus shrimp panucho appetizer and finish with papaya dulce topped with queso de bola ice cream. A watermelon-basil agua fresca and a coastal-inspired gin cocktail complete this day of seaside indulgence.
Today in the evening we will take a stroll in the immense Parque de Plancha and the see the new restaurant district just steps away from Casa Loltun.
Wednesday: Excursion to Celestun – Beach, Seafood & Cocktails
- Day Trip to Celestun – Travel to the beautiful Gulf of Mexico to visit Celestun, a laid-back beach town known for its beautiful beaches and its flamingos.
- Beachside Lunch at a Palapa Restaurant – Savor ceviche mixto, pescado a la talla, and coconut shrimp.
- Relax & Swim – Spend the afternoon enjoying the beach and warm waters of Celestun.
- Sunset Cocktails at a Beach Club – Sip on a refreshing coco loco (coconut rum cocktail) before heading back to Mérida.
Thursday: Trip to Colonial Gem Valladolid
Today we journey east to explore the charming colonial town of Valladolid. Our first stop is the lively Donato Bates Market, where colorful stalls overflow with local produce, spices, fresh tortillas, and regional specialties. It’s a perfect window into everyday Yucatecan life and a great place to gather inspiration for the dishes we’ll make later.
After the market, we’ll take a short drive just outside Valladolid to visit Don Goyo Longaniza, where we’ll meet owner Carlos Canché. Carlos will walk us through his family’s traditional process for producing their award-winning longaniza and smoked meats—crafted without preservatives beyond salt, just as generations before him have done. And yes, we’ll taste these incredible flavors straight from the source.
From there, we continue into the countryside to Aldea Xbatun, a small Mayan village dedicated to preserving ancestral foodways. We’ll be welcomed by the women of the Aldea into their traditional palapa kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. Over an open wood fire, they’ll guide us through preparing timeless dishes from the Mayan kitchen, sharing techniques, stories, and the cultural roots behind each recipe.
This is a day to slow down and immerse yourself in authentic Yucatecan life—learning directly from the keepers of Mayan culinary traditions, cooking side by side with local women, and tasting the extraordinary flavors that define the region.
Free Evening to Explore Mérida – Enjoy live music in the Plaza Grande or visit a rooftop bar for a nightcap.
Friday: Modern Merida – A Yucatecan Fiesta
The last cooking day of your culinary adventure begins today with a refined take on Mérida’s traditional flavors. You’ll prepare Pollo en Escabeche Oriental—tender chicken slow-braised in a spiced vinegar and chile broth—paired with smoky black bean purée, handmade tortillas infused with chaya, and a vibrant beet and orange salad. Dessert is a light and fluffy coconut tres leches cake, accompanied by a refreshing chaya-pineapple agua fresca and a smooth mezcal sour with a hint of xoconostle.
Saturday: Free Day – Discover Mérida and the Yucatan at Your Own Pace
Take the day to explore the city’s vibrant museums, boutique shops, or simply relax at your hotel. Optional activities include a visit to the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, exploring the colorful neighborhoods, or taking a day trip to Izamal, the “Yellow City” or the ruins of Chichen Itza.
This evening we will go out for an optional (not included in the package) fine dining experience at one of Merida’s top restaurants like K’u’uk under Chef Pedro Evia which offers a blend of local Yucatecan elements with contemparary techniques. K’u’uk is located in a historic mansion and has been named one of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Sunday: Departure – Until Next Time!
Breakfast and transfer to Mérida International Airport – Say goodbye to new friends and take home unforgettable memories and culinary skills to share.
Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, is a vibrant city where rich history, diverse culture, and distinctive cuisine converge. Established in 1542 atop the ancient Mayan city of T’ho, Mérida showcases a harmonious blend of colonial architecture and indigenous heritage. Landmarks like the Catedral de San Ildefonso, the oldest cathedral on the American mainland completed in 1598, and the elegant Paseo de Montejo, lined with grand mansions, reflect its storied past.
Culinary enthusiasts will find Mérida particularly enticing. The city’s gastronomy is a fusion of Mayan, Spanish, and Middle Eastern influences, resulting in unique dishes such as cochinita pibil—marinated pork slow-cooked in banana leaves—and sopa de lima, a fragrant lime soup with shredded chicken. These flavors offer a tangible connection to the region’s multicultural history.
Today, Mérida stands as a cultural hub, having twice been named the American Capital of Culture. Its lively arts scene, bustling markets, and frequent festivals celebrate both traditional and contemporary expressions, making it a dynamic destination for travelers.
Approximately 36 kilometers north of Mérida lies Progreso, a charming coastal town that serves as the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its tranquil beaches and the impressive Progreso Pier—the longest in Mexico extending 6.5 km into the sea—Progreso offers a relaxed seaside experience.
Progreso’s culinary scene highlights the Yucatán’s coastal flavors. Fresh seafood dishes like ceviche and the traditional Tikin Xic fish, marinated in achiote and sour orange juice before being grilled, are local specialties. These meals are often enjoyed along the malecón, where ocean views enhance the dining experience.
Together, Mérida and Progreso encapsulate the essence of Yucatán’s rich cultural tapestry, offering visitors a journey through time via their historical sites, vibrant traditions, and gastronomic delights.
SABOR Y SOL: A CULINARY ESCAPE TO MERIDA
March 15-22, 2026
Double occupancy – $2799 USD plus tax per person.
Single occupancy – $3999 USD plus tax per person.
This package includes accommodations with private bath in the Casa Loltun, breakfast on all days, 4 cooking classes with lunch and all tours mentioned in the itinerary. There will also be “unscheduled” meals and cocktails not mentioned in the itinerary. Don’t worry. You will never go hungry or thirsty at La Villa Bonita. The kitchen in the house is stocked for your use at any time and our staff will be on hand to make drinks and snacks whenever you would like. Alcoholic beverages are also included as well as some delicious Mezcal! Packages includes pickup and return to the Merida airport (MID). It does not include tips for the staff, personal spending and shopping, nor does it include the expenses of eating out.
La Villa Bonita No-Change-Fee Guarantee!
We want you to enjoy your vacation at La Villa Bonita and we know that things may come up that preclude you from joining us. While we do not accept cancelations or refund payments, if you need to change your reservation for any reason you can do so once without penalty and subject to availability. You will receive a credit towards that you can apply to a different date or different experience. If you choose a more expensive experience you will need to pay the difference. Please contact us for further details.
Payment Options and Sales Tax
Payment is in full upon making your reservation. We will send you an invoice by email that you can pay online or you can call us and we will receive your payment information. Prices do not include 16% sales tax which will be added to the final price of your package. Tips for the staff are not included.
Casa Loltún: Your Home for a 7-Night Culinary Journey in Mérida
Casa Loltún, a beautifully restored colonial residence in the heart of Mérida’s historic center, is the perfect home base for Chef Ana’s 7-night culinary vacation in March 2026. This architectural gem, redesigned by renowned architect Xavier Salas and fully restored in 2022–2023, blends colonial charm with modern comfort. With a main house and additional apartments, the property accommodates up to 14 guests in handcrafted luxury, featuring high ceilings with exposed beams, traditional pasta tile floors, and elegant furniture made from local woods like Tzalam and Parota.
The home opens onto a lush tropical garden—an oasis of greenery where hummingbirds flit among native plants and citrus trees. At its center lies an inviting infinity pool, perfect for a morning swim, a midday cool-down, or a relaxing evening under the stars. It’s the ideal space to unwind between culinary adventures or gather for a cocktail at sunset.
Located just a short walk from the iconic Paseo de Montejo, Casa Loltún places you within easy reach of Mérida’s bustling markets, museums, art galleries, and cultural landmarks. Just steps away is the spectacular new Gran Parque La Plancha and Mérida’s up-and-coming Restaurant Row. Casa Loltún offers a truly immersive Yucatecan experience during your unforgettable culinary week.
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Not Included
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La Villa Bonita offers Chef Ana Garcias’ award-winning culinary and cultural vacation experiences in our specially-designed resort in the foothills of the Tepoztlan valley.
Contact Info
Start your Mexican culinary adventure now! Dates available year-round. Contact us for the most up-to-date availability.
+1 (631) 994-3436 // US
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