Nestled in the heart of Mérida, one of my absolute favorite towns in Mexico, is a hidden gem called Casa Lecanda—a stunning boutique hotel housed in a century-old restored mansion. With its elegant white archways, lush tropical gardens, and tranquil vibe, Casa Lecanda isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an experience I knew I had to weave into my wedding journey. Even though I’m not technically tying the knot here, I wanted this charming haven to be part of the adventure. As I find myself traveling back and forth in the lead-up to our wedding, Casa Lecanda has become my peaceful sanctuary, my little home away from home.
The Magic of Mérida and Casa Lecanda
When friends ask me what to do in Mérida, I always give them the same advice: “Buy a book and relax.” It might sound simple, but that’s the unique allure of this small town. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, take a deep breath, and savor the beauty around you. Casa Lecanda is the perfect embodiment of Mérida’s charm. The property exudes timeless elegance, with its stunning interiors, custom-made furniture, original clay-tile floors, and grand restored doors. Every room is a masterpiece of comfort and authenticity, capturing the true essence of this 100-year-old house.
What makes Casa Lecanda truly special is how seamlessly it blends history with modern luxury. Whether you’re lounging in one of their hammocks, taking a moment to relax by the reflective pool with a fresh lemonade, or exploring the quiet corners of the property, you’re bound to feel inspired. There’s something about the space—something in the air—that invites creativity and tranquility all at once.
The Scent of Romance
One feature of Casa Lecanda that never fails to enchant me is the use of light. The soft hues and clever placement of windows allow the natural sunlight to pour in, creating an airy, romantic atmosphere throughout the space. And then, there’s the scent. Walking into the hotel, you’re greeted by the sweet, refreshing notes of Flor de Naranjo—an orange blossom fragrance that fills the air and welcomes you like an old friend.
But the scent that truly tugs at my heart is one tied to my memories with Pedro, my fiancé. During one of our trips to the Yucatán, we experienced an unforgettable moment together under the stars in the jungle. In the midst of a hot, steamy bath with the night sky above us and no light pollution in sight, we poured a few drops of Tobacco bath oil from Coqui Coqui Perfumeria into the oversized concrete tub. We laughed, shared a bottle of wine, and soaked in the magic of the moment. Now, Pedro wears the Tobacco cologne—my favorite scent—which always takes me back to those beautiful memories.
The Perfect Setting for My Engagement Photos
Mérida has become a place that holds many special memories for Pedro and me. I was first introduced to the magic of this city by KT Merry, my wedding photographer. KT is one of the most sought-after photographers in the world, known for capturing luxurious weddings that feel like fairytales come to life. It was during a photo shoot with her that I first confessed my dream of getting married in Mérida. Without missing a beat, KT encouraged me to follow my heart and get married in this enchanting town. Months later, when Pedro and I were engaged, I knew one thing for certain: I wanted KT to shoot our wedding.
A few months after our engagement, I returned to Mérida with KT to take our engagement photos. We spent our time exploring all the hidden corners of the town that had come to mean so much to us—staying again at Casa Lecanda, visiting our wedding venue (a semi-restored 1700s hacienda), and wandering through the streets that had captured our hearts. Along the way, we discovered quaint spots, incredible restaurants (some of which catered to KT and her husband’s plant-based lifestyle—Pedro and I later adopted this lifestyle too!), and moments that would soon be captured forever.
Mérida: A Place for Adventure, Romance, and Discovery
Mérida is a town that isn’t for everyone. It’s small, quiet, and requires time and patience to truly explore. For those who love crowded tourist attractions and constant hustle, it may not be the ideal destination. But for those who appreciate spontaneity, old-world charm, and a touch of romance, Mérida has a spellbinding allure. It’s a place where you can lose yourself in its winding streets, bask in the sun, and stumble upon surprises at every turn. And with each visit, I fall deeper under its spell.
One of the best parts about visiting Mérida is sharing it with others. Some, like my mom, fall in love with the town so deeply that they try to extend their stay. Others may not understand its slower pace, but that’s the beauty of it—it’s a place that invites personal connection, away from the frenzy of city life.
The Adventure of Travel and Love
The trip to Mérida with KT last year remains one of my most cherished memories. While we were busy with wedding plans, I made sure to carve out time for the adventure itself. We took late-night walks, discovered new places to eat, and had our fair share of challenges (like getting lost a few times!). But these bumps in the road are what make travel memorable, aren’t they? It’s all part of the adventure. And at the end of each day, we returned to Casa Lecanda—our peaceful retreat—where we could unwind, reflect, and simply be.
A Romantic Town, A Dream Wedding
Mérida is a town that surprises you, time and again. Its blend of old-world charm, luxury, and romance makes it the perfect place to start a new chapter of your life. As we continue planning our wedding, I can’t help but be excited to return to this magical city with my loved ones. There’s something incredibly special about a place that evokes such deep emotions and unforgettable experiences.
Casa Lecanda is more than just a hotel—it’s a symbol of all that Mérida represents: timeless beauty, warm hospitality, and a deep sense of connection to the place and people around you. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, planning a wedding, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Mérida and Casa Lecanda offer an experience like no other.
I can’t wait to return—this time, not just for a quick getaway, but for a life-changing adventure, surrounded by the beauty and magic of Mérida, the Yucatán, and, of course, the love of my life.