Mahakua
MAHAKUA-Hacienda de San Antonio (great community) was opened in October 2000. The elegantly restored, 19th Century casa grande was originally built by German planter Arnoldo Vogel and his Mexican wife, Clotilde Quevedo de Vogel.
The Hacienda occupies a generous 470 acres within a 5,000 acre working ranch that includes an organic farm and coffee plantation. The Hacienda is tucked away in the high country of Western Mexico, about 200km south of Guadalajara. Between MAHAKUA-Hacienda de San Antonio and Colima, the state capital, lie several traditional villages.
Cypresses dot the edges of the classical Spanish gardens inspired by Granada’s Alhambra. The rich and varied foliage includes vanilla plants, oak, mango, guava and orange trees, ficus, and a “mixed nuts” garden with pecan, walnut, pistachio and macadamia. The garden features a form of Venus “bee-catcher” that lures the insects into the folds of its large, alluring petals.
Each suite has its own name – the three Grand Suites are called Volcán, Sol and Quetzal – and its own theme. Some of the rooms are designed around the tapestries of the region or its charreada while others incorporate pre-Columbian legends and Spanish discoveries.
Grand Suites: The three Grand Suites (Volcán, Sol and Quetzal) come with a large and comfortable living room and the Sol and Quetzal have an adjoining balcony. These suites offer about 1,350sq feet of space with interiors reflecting the lifestyle of a gracious mansion.
The intricately-tiled 35-metre swimming pool is a cool summer escape and its classical Pool Pavilion serves light meals and drinks during the day.
Escorted horseback rides lead through the adjoining coffee plantation, the dairy and the farm, past lakes brimming with fish, through forests to lush green fields where spectacular views of the two neighbouring volcanoes and their surrounds await. A two to three-hour ride will encompass most scenic points including a photo-stop under the soaring 100ft plants of the unique “Bamboo Alley”. Picnics can be arranged. Those unaccustomed to horses may enjoy a hike through the same area.

Municipio de Comala
Colima, Mexico
U.S. Reservations: 904-288-0036
The resort is set in manicured grounds and looks onto a spectacular active volcano. A large working aqueduct provides year-round water for the formal gardens inspired by Spain’s famed Alhambra Palace where, along with fig and cypress trees are garden plants like the blue agave, from which tequila is made.
All the suites are located in a two-storey wing with its own private courtyard. A broad, winding volcanic-stone staircase connects the two floors and their 25 suites – some with balconies and views, others on the ground floor with direct access to the gardens.
With its spacious sofas, fireplace, bar and hand-carved furniture, the living room is a quiet place in which to relax, read or reflect.
Suites: The suites are 540-640sq feet with large adjoining bathrooms, high, vaulted ceilings and fireplaces. Some have a terrace or balcony offering views of the volcano, aqueduct or the estate. Others offer French doors opening onto the gardens.
This cozy lounge on the Roof Terrace with its large armchairs and divans is another relaxed setting for board games or satellite TV.
Getting There: MAHAKUA-Hacienda de San Antonio lies in the pleasant highlands of Western Mexico (or Pacific Mexico), near Colima, which is connected by direct highways to Guadalajara and Manzanillo which are also the closest international airports. There are also direct domestic flights to Colima from Mexico City and Tijuana. From Colima airport it is 28km (or 35 minutes) by complimentary transfer to MAHAKUA-Hacienda de San Antonio.

2005 Rates: Suite $675. Volcán, Sol and Quetzal Suites $1,450. Rates are per room per night for one or two persons sharing. Compulsory supplementary US$150 per person per day includes: all meals, selected house beverages, laundry (except dry cleaning), Hacienda activities and land transfers to and from Colima airport. Buy-outs and private house parties can be arranged by contacting the Hacienda. Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 17% IVA (Mexican Taxes). There will be a ground transfer charge of US$100++ per vehicle each way from Guadalajara and Manzanillo. Air charters between Guadalajara and other domestic airports to the Hacienda are available on request. Rates and government taxes are subject to change without notice. US$ rates are converted to local currency at time of billing.

Reservation Information