Mérida has a way of pulling me back. It was the very first city my fiancé and I explored together over a year ago, and it’s where we chose to spend a long holiday weekend this time around. We unplugged, wandered beyond the city to marvel at centuries-old haciendas, and made ourselves at home in some of the most beautiful properties we’ve ever stayed in. Our days unfolded between hole-in-the-wall eateries and fine dining experiences like K’u’uk—an eight-course adventure housed in a restored mansion. And the best part? Mérida is just a nonstop, 90-minute flight from Miami, making it a tempting contender for our wedding.
Though we haven’t settled on a final location yet, I can’t shake the feeling that Mérida could be the one. The city’s Spanish-Colonial streets are alive with color, its homes carrying the weight of history in crumbling facades, Cuban tiles, and textures rooted in Yucatán traditions like sisal. Every time I return, I find myself searching for a corner of this place that feels like ours.
A City Steeped in Heritage
To walk Mérida’s streets is to step through time. It’s one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in the Americas, blending ancient Maya traditions with Spanish colonial influences. For a stretch of history, it was among the wealthiest towns in Mexico, a hub of trade and culture. That legacy remains visible in the haciendas—grand estates with soaring ceilings, intricate woodwork, and mosaics that whisper stories from over a century ago.
Many of these mansions, once abandoned or neglected, are now being reborn. Locals and newcomers alike—artists, chefs, architects, designers—have taken on the task of restoration, transforming the city into a canvas of creativity. What was once a fading treasure has become a thriving hub, a place where people come to start fresh. The idea of building a dream home here feels almost surreal when compared to the costs of U.S. cities. In Mérida, luxury can be as attainable as a down payment in Miami.
Haciendas with a Soul
The haciendas are the heart of Mérida’s allure. Each one holds a different kind of magic, shaped by the hands of local artisans over generations. The craftsmanship, from hand-painted tiles to intricate ironwork, makes these spaces feel like living museums of Mexican design.
During this trip, we split our time between two properties. The first was El Pórtico de la Candelaria, a home filled with vintage details that gave it a lived-in warmth. The second was Casa de Flamenco, which has quickly become one of my favorites (this was my second stay there). Both properties carried the spirit of Mérida in their architecture, reminding me why I keep coming back.
We’ve also stayed at the well-loved Rosas y Xocolate Hotel, known for its iconic pink façade. Each visit offers a new layer of inspiration, whether it’s through the spaces themselves, the stories they hold, or simply the way they make you pause and take it all in.
A Creative Renaissance
Mérida is no longer a quiet corner of Mexico. It has become a crossroads for creatives from around the world—Miami, Mexico City, Europe, Los Angeles, New York. The city buzzes with energy, but it never loses its soul. That blend of authenticity and reinvention is what makes it so special.
To stroll through its neighborhoods is to encounter artists setting up new studios, chefs reinventing local flavors, architects sketching designs that balance old with new. It’s this fusion of tradition and innovation that keeps Mérida relevant while honoring its roots.
A Personal Connection
Mexico has always been close to my heart. Growing up in Texas, I spent countless weekends crossing the border with friends, discovering small towns and savoring the food and music. My fiancé’s family, too, made Mexico their home after leaving Cuba. For us, this country is layered with memories and meaning.
Mérida, in particular, feels like the perfect convergence of our stories. Every visit fills me with inspiration—through the culture, the heritage, the cuisine, and the warmth of its people. Whether I’m sipping coffee in a courtyard, wandering through a hacienda, or savoring a dish that feels like art, I’m reminded of why this city keeps calling us back.
Why Mérida Matters
There’s a saying that some places leave footprints on your heart, and Mérida is one of those places for me. It’s not just about the beauty of the architecture or the allure of the haciendas. It’s about the way the city blends history with possibility, how it invites you to slow down and see the details, and how it welcomes both locals and visitors into its story.
As we continue to dream about our wedding, Mérida stands as more than just a potential location. It feels like a chapter waiting to be written—a backdrop that holds both history and hope, tradition and new beginnings. And maybe, just maybe, it’s where our story will take its next big step.