Cooking school at Hacienda Petac is a recipe for good taste

Hacienda Petac outside Merida, Mexico offers exquisite culinary delights  (Courtesy: Hacienda Petac)

Merida, Mexico — Hacienda Petac is an elegant private estate situated just 30 minutes from Merida in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and light years away from Taco Bell.

Hacienda Petac has built its reputation as a food lovers dream destination thanks to hands-on cooking classes conducted in  its state-of-the-art kitchen.

Breakfast in bed
(Courtesy: Hacienda Petac)

But that's only half of the story, because without the regular excursions to nearby markets to shop for ingredients, it would be impossible to work the culinary magic of the destination.

So popular has Hacienda Petac become that notable chefs are now creating tour packages for small groups wishing to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Yucatan cuisine.

Chic accommodations and tranquil surroundings are a trademark
(Courtesy: Hacienda Petac)

Rounding out the experience by not allowing "too many cooks to spoil the broth", visitors also have an opportunity to tour the Mayan ruins at Uxmal, enjoy a picnic at a hacienda museum, explore the wonders of Merida and swim in one of the region's numerous cenotes.

A cenote is a natural pit or sinkhole resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes the groundwater beneath. The pools are particularly common in the Yucatan region where they had important religious significance for the ancient Maya civilizations.

Fine dining is the standard
(Courtesy: Hacienda Petac)

Incorporating flexible concepts to adapt to the needs of virtually any touristic lifestyle, Hacienda Petac can arrange all-inclusive packages for foodies who wish to organize their own small groups that include accommodations, cooking classes, drink demonstrations, market tours and much more. In addition, the resort staff provides first rate service with personal attention to every need.

Singles or couples need not miss out either. Hacienda Petac offers a selection of 6-night travel programs through several tour operators that include their cooking immersion classes as well as excursions.

Cooking at Hacienda Petac is a hands-on experience
(Courtesy: Hacienda Petac)

Tour de Forks will feature Michelin-starred celebrity chef Anita Lo with February dates called "Cooking in the Yucatan." Says Lo “Travel is one of the most obvious ways to expand your palate and integrate new flavors into your cooking.”

If there are too many things on your plate in February, Edible Destinations has year-round itineraries where guests can digest the region's best recipes in hands-on side-by-side classes conducted by gifted Mayan chefs.

Chorizo burrito
(Courtesy: Hacienda Petac)

All it requires is an adventurous spirit and a "taste" for travel.

The masterfully restored Spanish colonial estate of Hacienda Petac nestles on 250 protected acres with a capacity for only 14 guests. Better yet, it can only be booked by one group at a time, ensuring the fact that when you stay at  400-year-old property you have the whole place to yourself.

Each of the seven bedrooms is spacious and elegant
(Courtesy: Hacienda Petac)

Seven spacious bedrooms, housed in three separate buildings, are beautifully appointed with soaring ceilings and oversized showers and tubs designed from polished native stone.

Other amenities include a heated pool, spa, gym, game room, media salon and a chapel available for weddings.

Bright colors add to the magic
(Courtesy: Hacienda Petac)

Throughout the villa, walls have been painted in richly pigmented hues of ochre and cornflower blue using traditional methods. Handcrafted textiles and antiques mixed with modern furniture lend warmth and authentic charm.

The heart of the property is Casa Principal, home to the dining room, bar, library and several shady terraces which are crisscrossed with trails that are ideal for bird-watching and leisurely strolls.

Mayan ruins are a favorite day trip from the resort
(Courtesy: Hacienda Petac)

Off grounds tours include Mayan temples and ruins, a wetlands reserve with a flamingo colony, the colonial city of Merida and, of course, the talcum powder sand beaches of the Gulf Coast.

Swim in a cenote, a sinkhole created by limestone bedrock
(Courtesy: Hacienda Petac) 

Located just a half-hour's drive from Merida Intenational Airport, four major airlines provide service to the area; Aeromexico, American, United and Westjet from Canada.

Hacienda Petac can also provide transfers from Cancun for an additional fee.

The bird dock at Hacienda Petac at sunset awaits a new day
(Courtesy: Hacienda Petac)

For the ultimate escape, filled with the luxurious solitude of living in a private estate where you and the staff are the only humans in a pristine wilderness, it might just be worth your while to see what's cooking at Hacienda Petac.

After a visit to Hacienda Petac you're sure to come a way with new knowledge of what constitutes "good taste" Yucatan-style.

www.haciendapetac.com