Quinta Chanabnal

Three kilometers from the archaeological site of Palenque, Mexico.

Quinta Chanabnal has just 7 rooms, and is inspired by Mayan traditions with thatched roofs and stone pyramids dotted about the complex. Painted in earthy oranges and reds, the rooms are rustic but spacious with separate sitting areas, tribal artefacts, and air conditioning. Some have balconies offering mountain or garden views which are perfect for an afternoon siesta.

The atmospheric restaurant at Quinta Chanabnal is lit by candles in the evenings and serves Mayan and Mexican specialities such as sopa azteca and lamb in saffron sauce. There’s also a beautifully designed outdoor pool that cascades over three levels of rocks, all at different temperatures.

Nearby is the sprawling Mayan site of Palenque – one of the best preserved in Mexico, and a constant source of new discoveries for archaelogists. Birders will likewise be in heaven as they explore the sprawling ruins, with the colourful keel-billed toucan and a cacophony of exotic birdlife in the surrounding jungle. Back at Quinta Chanabnal you can relax in the herb infused Mayan steam room, and just outside of Palenque you can take a dip beneath a turquoise waterfall.