Nestled in the heart of Mérida, a town brimming with quiet romance and old-world charm, lies Casa Lecanda—a century-old residence lovingly restored into a boutique hotel. With its sweeping white archways, sunlit courtyards, and lush tropical gardens, this intimate hideaway feels like a dream come alive. I may not be exchanging vows here, but the property has become so entwined with our wedding journey that it almost feels like our second home.
With multiple trips back and forth leading up to the big day, I knew Casa Lecanda would be more than a hotel—it would be our rehearsal dinner venue, our retreat, and our sanctuary in between the whirlwind of planning.
The Slower Rhythm of Mérida
Whenever friends ask me what to do in Mérida, my answer is always simple: buy a book and relax. The city doesn’t demand itineraries or packed agendas; instead, it invites you to slow down. Life here moves gently, in shaded courtyards and hammock naps, where even the smallest moments feel rich.
Casa Lecanda embodies this spirit perfectly. Every corner invites you to linger—whether it’s swinging lazily from a hammock, sipping cool lemonade by the pool, or wandering the tiled hallways that echo with history. Each of its seven guest rooms feels unique, with handcrafted furniture, restored clay tile floors, and expansive wooden doors that still carry the soul of the original home.
And then there’s the light. Natural light floods through every open archway, enhanced by the hotel’s soft color palette. The effect is dreamy and romantic, like living inside a painting.
Scents and Memories
Some places etch themselves into memory not only through what you see but through what you smell. For me, Mérida’s essence is bottled by Coqui Coqui Perfumeria, whose fragrances linger like whispers of the Yucatan itself.
One of my most cherished memories is a night spent under the stars with my fiancé. We filled a concrete tub with their Tobacco bath oil, poured a bottle of wine, and let the laughter roll deep into the night. Through the open windows, the moon lit the jungle sky, and I remember thinking—this is what love feels like. To this day, Tobacco remains my favorite scent, and it’s no surprise that my fiancé now wears the cologne. Each time, it takes me right back to that perfect night.
At Casa Lecanda, the air greets you with citrus and orange blossoms from their Flor de Naranjo fragrance, instantly refreshing and grounding. Paired with the warmest welcome—smiling staff, chilled washcloths, and refreshments—you feel less like a guest and more like family returning home.
A Photographer, a Dream, and a Proposal
Mérida’s magic didn’t just shape our memories; it helped shape our wedding plans. A few years back, I met KT Merry during a photoshoot. She’s one of those rare photographers whose work balances elegance and emotion so seamlessly that her images feel timeless.
At the time, Pedro and I weren’t engaged yet, but marriage was in our conversations. On a whim, I whispered to KT, “If he proposes, do you think we should get married in Mérida?” Her answer was immediate: “Yes.”
Not long after, Pedro proposed. When KT called to congratulate us, I knew two things for certain: we’d marry in Mérida, and she’d be the one to capture it all.
Discovering Mérida Together
Sharing this city with others has become one of our greatest joys. Some people instantly fall in love—like my mom, who tried to extend her stay during one of our visits. Others struggle with its slower pace and hidden gems that require patience to uncover. My advice is always the same: if you crave bustling tourist attractions, Mérida might not be your place. But if you’re drawn to spontaneity, history, and romance woven into every cobblestone, you’ll be enchanted.
When KT joined us for our engagement shoot last October, I curated an itinerary of our favorite haunts. We wandered Casa Lecanda’s gardens, strolled the cathedral that dates back to the 1500s, and explored the hauntingly beautiful semi-restored hacienda where our wedding will take place. We also introduced her and her husband to Coqui Coqui, La Fundación de Artistas, and countless local restaurants (they’re plant-based, which inspired us to adopt the lifestyle too).
Of course, the trip wasn’t without hiccups—getting lost, late-night cocktails, a few moments of chaos—but isn’t that what makes travel unforgettable? The mix of missteps and magic is what gives a place its hold over you.
Why Mérida Stays With You
There’s a special alchemy in Mérida—a blend of colonial architecture, tropical warmth, and an undeniable sense of romance. Casa Lecanda, with its soft light and intimate charm, captures this essence and magnifies it. It’s why it became more than a hotel for us. It became a backdrop to our love story, a witness to laughter, stolen moments, and future promises.
With every trip, I fall under Mérida’s spell a little more deeply. It’s a city that doesn’t shout for your attention; it whispers, gently inviting you to stay longer, wander slower, and love harder. And as our wedding approaches, I know it will always hold a piece of our hearts.
