Twist Trips: Mexico

Merida, Mexico

Have you ever wondered where the Twist Travel Magazine staff goes to relax and unwind? Well, we are letting you in on a little secret. It’s a luxury hacienda just outside of Merida, Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula. And we want you to join us for a “Mom Rejuvenation” getaway.

SAVE THE DATE: November 3-7, 2021

We have purposely designed our Mexico getaways to run over a weekend, so you don’t have to have someone cover school pick ups or childcare for more than three days. You will still get 5 days/4 nights to detox from your daily life, remember to prioritize yourself (think naps, gourmet meals, daily laundry service and a guide that will hold your hand if you choose to adventure).

Personally, we can’t think of a better way to unwind, especially just before the holiday season. So, will you join us in our happy place, where a dedicated staff, and only the people traveling with you will be seen or heard? That’s right, we will have the run of the property. Get ready to nap in a hammock over the pool, walk the grounds of this old henequen factory, and get back in touch with yourself and why you are important.

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WHO SHOULD GO

Twist Trip: Mexico is specifically designed for moms and busy women who need a break from their daily life. Too often, we put everyone else’s needs above our own, which is why we are giving you an excuse to disconnect and unwind before the holidays take over your life. 

*This trip is aimed at women, but we don’t want to ignore those dads who need a break too. We do ask that if you are sharing a room, you find a friend to share with though, or opt for a single occupancy room. 

SAMPLE ITINERARY

• November 4: Arrival
• November 5: Morning Yoga + Free time*
• November 6: Day trip around Merida
• November 7: Morning Yoga + Free time (optional night excursion to colonial Merida)
• November 8: Departure

* Spa services will be spread across 2-3 days

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Airport Transfers (roundtrip)
• 4-Nights at Hacienda Petac (we’ll have the whole thing!)
• All Meals
• All Alcoholic Beverages (House brands)
• Cultural day trip with Guided Tour of Uxmal and Cenotes 
• One 60 minute massage per guest
• Two Morning Yoga Classes
• Full use of private spa and gym
• Daily Laundry/Nightly Turn Down
• A Full Service Staff, with On-Site Manager/Concierge
• Hilarious hosts
• Twist Trip: Mexico swag bag
• Dedicated Facebook Group for tour participants
• . . . and a few more surprises

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Flights
• Mandatory travel insurance

PRICE: $1995 (double occupancy)/ $2350 (single occupancy) + Flights

• Payment plans are available:
  • Pay in full now ($1995 or $2350 depending on occupancy)
  • Two installments ($1000 deposit due upon booking, 2nd payment due by September 15 ($995/$1450 single)
  • Three installments ($500 deposit plus 2 payments of $747.50/ $985 depending on occupancy)- 1st payment due upon booking, 2nd due by July 1, 3rd due by September 15th

*Please note: a minimum number of guests is required to guarantee departure. Please do not book international flights until you receive an email from us letting you know the minimum has been met.
**Trips are non-refundable unless someone takes your place from the waiting list or the country is shutdown. 

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HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ON THIS TWIST TRIP? 

We are maxing out this getaway at 10-12 people, depending on how many want single occupancy. We want to keep this group small so that we can experience the magic of the property together, enjoy dining as a group, and have fun while traveling without too many personalities interrupting your zen. 

HACIENDA GUEST ROOMS (7 in total)

You will never enjoy such a blissful sleep as you drift off to sleep to the sound of tree frogs and nature at Hacienda Petac. Not only are the beds comfy, but the service is beyond anything we have ever experienced. Each room comes with a full bath plus toiletries.

Your laundry will be washed and folded for you every day (if you leave it in the hamper). One of our favorite amenities is the coffee sign. Instead of “Do Not Disturb” signs on your door knob, there is a sign you can turn requesting coffee ready for you in the morning. And they will know just the way you like it. Quietly wake up each morning to the sound of birds and a fresh breeze blowing through your room. All rooms have patios.

• 3 rooms with a king bed
• 1 room with a queen bed
• 3 rooms with queen beds

NOTE: If you would like to share a room, please submit the name of your roommate and bed type preference. If you are traveling solo or would like your own room, there is a single occupancy supplement of $455 (total trip cost US$2450).

MEALS AT THE HACIENDA

Have you ever wanted a Mayan grandmother or aunt’s house that you can pop into for dinner whenever you want the best Mexican food ever? Well, you get exactly that via three meals a day at the Hacienda. Oh, and freshly made guacamole, which is the best we’ve ever hand… anywhere in the world.

Meals are made from scratch and served in courses. You won’t ever want to leave the table either as non-alcoholic beverages, wine, beer and cocktails are served on a table laden with flowers. The table decor never looks the same from meal to meal, so get your cameras out. You will want to take photos of each setting, and linger at the table long after the meal has ended.

CULINARY AND MIXOLOGY CLASSES

While we love having our meals prepared for us, learning how to make a traditional Mexican dish, native to the Yucatan, is the best way to bring your trip home with you. We will learn how to make one meal, as well as several cocktails that you can continue to enjoy throughout your trip. For those who don’t drink alcohol, have no fear, we’ve made sure Mocktails are available.

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

Please let us know ASAP if you have any allergies or food intolerances. The property will do our best to accommodate, but they do need time to plan as every meal is carefully curated just for us. 

Remember: You are your best advocate and must be vigilant when traveling with a group.

TRIP REQUIREMENTS:

• Positive attitude
• Sense of humor and adventure
• Embrace a bit of whimsy on the road, as the itinerary may change due to circumstances beyond our control, or if something amazing pops up that we don’t want you to miss! 
• All activities are optional. If you’d rather nap than go out with us that is OK. This getaway is all about figuring out what YOU need. 
• Must bring your own water bottle for our day tour. It does get hot!
• You must have travel insurance. Click HERE to buy a policy through our preferred provider, Allianz Travel.

AIRPORT INFORMATION:

The closest airport to the Hacienda is Merida International Airport (MID). There are very few direct flights. U.S. guests should plan on connecting in Texas or Mexico City. Airport pick ups will be arranged based on your arrival time.

You can also fly into Cancun, but you will be responsible for getting to the Hacienda on your own. No airport transfer will be available, but we can help you arrange transport for an added fee (it’s farther than Merida, so costs more).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the water safe to drink? Yes. And there will be bottled water available.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico? Yes, Merida is one of the safest parts of Mexico. If you go into the city, just use common sense and don’t overindulge in alcohol so you don’t become a target.

Are any vaccinations required? There are no specific vaccination requirements for this trip. You will not be around rabid animals or most people who had vaccinations as a baby will be covered. If you love to eat street food, you should get a typhoid oral vaccine either way (last 5 years and your doctor can send a prescription to your local pharmacy).

HOWEVER, we do like to mention that the CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Mexico: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

Do I need a VISA to travel to Mexico? U.S. and Canadian residents do not require a VISA to travel to Mexico. You do need an up-to-date passport though (a passport card or Global Entry card is not enough). Other countries that do NOT require a Visa include, EU countries, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland.

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ABOUT YOUR TWIST TRIP: MEXICO HOSTS

YOUR HOSTS

If you have ever wanted to travel with ALL of us, or just one of us (but meet the other two of course because we only keep good company), now is your chance! Get to know us a little more and why you will be laughing hysterically, sharing more than you would have guessed and walking away from a trip to Mexico refreshed, invigorated and ready for the next Twist Trip.

*Please note: not all editors will attend each trip

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Keryn Means • Editor-In-Chief

Keryn is a passionate traveler who first visited the Hacienda with five girlfriends back in 2016. Since the day she left the property she has been dreaming about a trip back. It is her happy place. Just ask her about it and she bubbles up with excitement. She can’t wait to show you the beauty of this property and the Yucatan Peninsula.

Follow her on @walkingontravels 

Katja Gaskell • European Editor

Having spent nearly six years living in Mexico City, Mexico is like a second home to Katja. During her time living here she travelled extensively, making sure to find the best tacos and tequila in every location. Hacienda Petac is one of her favourite places in Mexico and she can’t wait to go back!

Follow her on @globetotting

Claudia Laroye • Canadian + Contributing Editor

Claudia Laroye is a curious and adventurous traveler based in Vancouver, Canada. She writes about travel for various online and print publications around the world, including Lonely Planet, the Vancouver Sun, Westjet Magazine and the Vacay Network. She loves Mexico, and in particular, guacamole, mole and pineapple margaritas. Follow her on @thetravellingmom

Tawny Clark • Contributing Editor

Tawny Clark, half of the travel blogging duo Captain and Clark, is an award-winning travel writer and videographer. You can find her work on BBC Travel, National Geographic, USAToday and the Expedia Viewfinder blog. When not traveling the world with her two toddlers and husband, she’s most likely curled up at home with a good book and copious amounts of coffee.

Follow her on @captainandclark

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