The culinary delights of a typical Yucatecan kitchen come from a mouth watering mixture of European and Mexican flavors (Mestizo Cuisine). A bit of history will explain this strong European influence. Once upon a time the Yucatecan peninsula was considered to be too far away and too difficult to reach from the rest of Mexico. Mountainous terrain and very poor roads kept the peninsula isolated. Having ports with commercial and cultural contacts with Europe, (especially France), New Orleans, Cuba and Arab immigrants, the Yucatecans were easily influenced by many aspects of these countries and cultures, such as dress, architecture and cooking, which explains why there is a lot of European flare in its cuisine.

Much of the ingredients used in the menu is organic and comes from the gardens of hacienda San Jose or any of the other haciendas of the group. Fresh-baked bread is "made at the haciend" and the fresh fish comes from the different coastal villages you can find at the coast of the state of Yucatan only 45 minutes from the hacienda.

Ingredients first used by the Maya include corn, beans, tomatoes, chiles, squash, chaya (a Spinach-like plant), avocado and achiote (annatto). The Spaniards introduced citrus fruit-limes and Seville oranges feature in many dishes, chicken, beef, dairy products, coriander, garlic, olives, oregano and rice. Pork, chicken and turkey are widely used in Yucatecan recipes, usually in conjunction with "recados", which may contain "achiote", Seville orange juice, pepper and chiles.

The hacienda San Jose features the Restaurant, overlooking the breathtaking main gardens and located within the old factory buildings. The menu proposes a blend of regional and international cuisine. With our master chef, Reyes Santos, leading the charge, he'll show you how to fully grasp the gravity of this emblematic cuisine. He elides nothing offering all his secrets and your culinary knowledge and skills will blossom under his guidance. Reyes Santos cuisine will melt in your hearts.
Once you arrive at the hacienda do not forget to ask your Host for our "Romantic Dinner" arrangements, just imagine your dinner for two served in a perfect hideaway were the grounds are lit by twinkling candles and the only noise you can hear is the sound of the more than 50 species of birds that live on the property. We can also take care of regional romantic music arrangements: the well known local "Trio", just for the two of you.

Special Events

Imagine a uniquely creative event. From an elegant dinner with twinkling candles and antorches in the old machine room to a dinner in the middle of a Mayan Community hold in the magnificent main gardens of the hacienda.

Add our sales executive with the imagination and innovation to ensure the event exceeds all expectations. People who can collaborate with you in planning the ideal incentive experience.

Then picture all this in the luxurious surroundings of one of The Haciendas in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Each a prime location with it`s own distinctive style, offering a wide range of ideas for your special events and incentive travel. A colonial city or a historical resort, the choice is yours. And with every hacienda from Hacienda San Jose in Yucatan to Hacienda Puerta Campeche in the city of Campeche you are guaranteed superb Luxury Collection standards of service.

At The Haciendas the range of ideas and the variety of locations means every event taste can be catered for.
View of the Bar

We believe that you deserve much more than just another ordinary event. So you can be sure that whichever Hacienda you choose, with whatever extraordinary event you ask us to stage, your stay will be characterized by just that little bit extra.

Extra creativity, extra professionalism, extra enthusiasm.

All in true The Haciendas style.