My wife and I recently stayed at the Hacienda Santa Rosa for our honeymoon of 8 nights in November 2007. After reading all of the previous positive reviews, we had extremely high expectations. These expectations were easily exceeded. As reported by other travelers, this is a truly amazing place.

The Hacienda Santa Rosa is situated approximately 1 - 1 hr 15 min from the Merida International Airport. If you are arriving late at night as we did, I would highly recommend hiring a driver. Rather than hiring transportation through the hotel (at a cost of $150 USD or so each way), the Hacienda reservations manager arranged for a transfer via a local company, Orbitur, which was extremely professional, always timely, and only cost $60 for a transfer; we actually hired them for some day trips as well) Although the roads are well kept and the drivers aren't necessarily reckless, the roads are not all greatly lit.

On arrival to the town of Santa Rosa at 9 pm, we were a bit apprehensive given that the town contrasted greatly with the opulence and grandeur of the Hacienda thereby engendering a bit of guilt and unease on our part. (We did eventually venture into the town of Santa Rosa during the daytime on a bike ride and the people are extremely friendly but there is really not much there (i.e. no restaurants, pubs, etc.)

As we approached the Hacienda, we were greeted by lush and carefully manicured lawns, candles everywhere, and two large torches with blazing fire. We were greeted by the staff and Cesar, the manager, all of whom were extraordinarily kind and friendly (more on this later) and they provided juices/refreshments in the front awning with relaxing music playing in the background. First impression --- This is going to be amazing.

Here is my take on various parts of the Hacienda Santa Rosa:

The Rooms: There are 11 rooms at the Hacienda with varying amenities and varying prices but are essentially divided into 4 ranges (The Superior room, Junior suite, Suite, and Mayan Villa) We were initially upgraded to the "Suite" (Room #10) which has a private terrace but shares a large pool (separate from the main pool) with two Junior Suites. We subsequently asked to "downgrade" (if you can consider it that) to a Junior Suite, specifically asking for Room #6 (This had a King bed, a full bed, a private garden enclosed by stone columns and a stone wall with an eating area, day bed and plunge pool). My recommendation is to check out www.differentworld.com before booking since that website has detailed descriptions and pictures of each suite. My only rec: Book a suite with a plunge pool.

The Food: Spending 8 nights at the Hacienda Santa Rosa, we were able to experience pretty much everything on the menu (breakfast, lunch and dinner). The food is truly excellent and is on par (or better) than most restaurants that we've been to NYC. Compared to what you can get in Mexico/the Yucatan it is expensive (e.g. in Merida, we spent $60 USD on meals and drinks) but honestly, it is not outrageous for where you are staying. For example appetizers ranged from $7-13 USD, main courses were $18-$24, desserts $6-7. Realize that the quality of the food is great and that in the end, if you stay at the Hacienda Santa Rosa you really have no other outside options as there is really nothing else nearby. Definitely ask for any specials not on the menu. Again, there was nothing we disliked.

The Ambience: The Hacienda Santa Rosa has been known to be the most "private" of the other Haciendas and this is true --- Given that there are only 11 rooms on site, there are typically very few guests around thereby allowing you to feel as if you have all the grounds to yourselves. The staff (waitstaff, concierge, housekeeping, etc.) are INCREDIBLE. They are able to provide a unique service of providing service even before you realize you want it. They make everything possible/perfect and take care of you without you even realizing that it's being done or that they are there. For example, each evening as we retired to our room, the rooms were re-cleaned, flowers were placed everywhere, subtle incense was placed in the rocks outside our rooms, our plunge pool was filled and candles were lit throughout our room, garden, and pool. Very romantic. During the day time and afternoon, it was perhaps the most relaxed we've ever been in our lives.

Amenities: If you are a traveler considering staying at this Hacienda, you must realize that there is very few things around the area --- Sights are perhaps a 40 minute drive away and the adjoining towns have very little in terms of things to do or see.
Therefore, it is a place for romance, relaxation, and tranquility. On the grounds, there horses to ride (with a guide if necessary), bikes are provided allowing us to see the towns of Santa Rosa and Santa Domingo and meet some of the regular townspeople.
There is a beautiful botanical garden and gardener Victor who provides information about the medicinal properties of the plants, etc. Massage/spa services are also available. One previous poster indicated that the massage was cost prohibitive but honestly, it's 1) Less expensive or equivalent to a cost of a massage in the US (e.g. Relaxation Massage for 50 minutes is $85 USD) although be aware that the hotel places a $25 surcharge. The nice thing is that the massage is provided by trained Mayan locals and the Hacienda has an arrangement with the Mayan Foundations (a NGO) so a large portion of the money goes back to their community.

Negatives: Really nothing. The only thing I would point out is that the cost of utilizing the hotel's transportation services may be a bit over-expensive. For example, transportation from the airport is $150 USD, a 3 hour tour to Merida is around $130 USD, to see Uxmal is $150 USD and to see Uxmal and Kabbah is $180 USD. I would recommend either renting a car if you are comfortable with driving (the majority of European travelers were; we weren't.) or we actually utilized the services of the aforementioned drivers (Orbitur) which the hotel reservation manager, Miguel Gil told us about who were ALWAYS on time and efficient (round-trip to Merida was only $85.) Also, the traveler needs to be aware that even though this is a luxury location, you are still essentially in the Yucatan. There are bugs, there are mosquitos, but they are manageable. It's not a place for the less adventurous is what I'm getting at.

Overall Impression: This was the perfect place for a honeymoon. The people are amazing and the services are top notch. It is the perfect place for couples who are looking to get-away for a while, to share an intimate time together, to spend the days with a glass of wine or reading a book or going for a ride. It's not necessarily for adventurers or those who always "need something to do." The Hacienda Santa Rosa will always be unforgettable for us and we highly recommend it to everyone.