There’s no place like home and the Yucatan is home to more than 1,200,000 ex-pats

Whether you are moving in or on vacation, Merida is a great place best explored the way the locals live. Tourist attractions are great but Merida offers so much more than that. It is a charming small city that isn’t so small. You can come here and rent a house or stay at a local bed and breakfast, right in the heart of residential areas and truly live like a local. Sure, hotels are great, but if you truly want to explore this city, come and get cozy.

Here are a few key tips to get you started when planning your trip to Merida:

Flying here

You can catch a nonstop from Houston or Miami or connect in Mexico City. It is actually quite easy to get here and Merida has its own airport.

Getting around

Merida is huge, but you will likely spend your time in the Centro, or historic center. You can walk almost everywhere but in the heat, you may not want to. Rely on Uber, which is really cheap. For longer trips, you can rent a car at the airport.

The street-food situation

It is pretty much everywhere in Merida and generally safe to eat. Most food stalls operate in the same way: they make big batches of food, open early in the morning and serve until they sell out.

Where to stay

The easiest way to rent a home is through major sites like Airbnb or HomeAway, which let you pay by credit card. You can also find bed and breakfasts this way or through local real estate agencies that will often rent to vacationers.

What to bring home

You will see handicrafts for sale from street carts and roving vendors throughout the Centro. The prices are right but the quality isn’t always there. Hit neighborhood shops that are permanent fixtures and often authentic items from the area like linens, handbags, beach totes, and jewelry. There are boutiques that sell handmade perfume, suede luggage, and finely woven totes. There are many local artists who craft all of these things right in their shops.

The day trip worth taking

The Mayan ruins of Uxmal, about an hour’s drive from Merida, area as grand as Chichen Itza but not nearly as overrun by sunburned tourists. The dusty limestone Pyramid of the Magician is a must-see. The climb up the steep steps of the Templo Mayor will give you views over the jungle. You can hire an English-speaking guide on site but much of the charm is simply wandering through the complex of monumental Mayan buildings. There is little shade so go early to avoid the afternoon heat and pack a hat and extra sunscreen.

There is so much to see and do in Merida and there is also time to do much of nothing. Merida is, if anything, a relaxing town with good food, great entertainment and lots of time to sit still and enjoy some downtime.

If you are looking for a great place to stay while you are here, check out Vida Magica and live just like a local.

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Yucatan, Paradise of Tourism-Discover all the ways to explore the Yucatan

If you want to talk about the Yucatan you need to talk about its origin, the meaning of life and other important things. Recognize and feel the sacred legacy of the Mayan with their archeological sites, cenotes, and caves. Marvel at the colors that are painted between its jungle and beaches. Appreciate and imagine the majesty of its haciendas and colonial cities. It is the epicenter of artisan hands that preserve culture and celebrate life. It is to feel and remember the flavors of traditional and contemporary cuisine. It is an experience where past and present gather together. It is to discover the mysticism of its magical towns and feel the warmth and hospitality of its people.

Nature and adventure

Exuberant fauna and flora and natural showcases of great beauty are in the Yucatan. For those who like strong emotions and living with high adrenaline, there are activities that cannot be missed here. Visit grottos, immerse yourself in different kinds of cenotes, and sail along the Yucatan coast.

Business and meetings

The Yucatan has maintained a constant growth in business meetings tourism, reaching an excellent position as one of the favorite destinations of Mexico and a positive projection at a national and international level for being a safe destination with the adequate infrastructure for congresses and conventions.

Cuisine

Yucatan cuisine is an exquisite fusion of Mexican and European flavors, the result of different influences from around the world. The unrivaled combination of condiments and spices such as pumpkin seed, oregano, red onion, sweet chili, lime, achiote, habanero pepper, and cilantro gives Yucatan food that special flavor.

Luxury and wellness

Yucatan in itself can be classified as a wellness destination thanks to the secure environment that is perceived. But this well being takes another level when it is enjoyed in a boutique hotel, a bed and breakfast or a private hacienda in the middle of the jungle.

Culture and archaeology

Handicrafts, gastronomy, architecture, music, and folklore, framed in a rhythm of colors, flavors, sounds, and texture, are the irrefutable proof of a cultured land that lures and welcomes everyone with open arms. The archaeological heritage of the Yucatan is a very important cultural resource and is essential for the identification and cultural appreciation of the Yucatecans.

The Yucatan in all its glory is the best destination whether you are looking for a corporate retreat, family vacation and a one on one getaway. The people and the culture are like no other region that Mexico has to offer. If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it. It’s right here waiting for you in the Yucatan.

Stay at one of the best bed and breakfasts in Merida, Vida Magica! You will experience Yucatan life like no other way.

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What to expect at a bed and breakfast

A bed and breakfast sounds pretty self-explanatory: a house or cottage that gives you a bed to sleep in and breakfast in the morning. But as many of us who have stayed in B&Bs, or owned them, we know that there is so much more to them. More private than a hotel and often with more amenities, a B&B is always catering to the specific wants and needs of each visitor.

If you are an avid hotel-goer and have never stayed at a bed and breakfast, this article is for you! There are a few differences if you stay in a B&B in North America versus Europe and other countries, but many are quite similar.

Here is a short list of what you can expect in most bed and breakfasts:

Breakfast

The most obvious amenity you can expect is breakfast. Most B&Bs have nice breakfasts that change from day to day. In some B&Bs, breakfast is served in one area where everyone eats together. In others, you can eat privately in your room, on a patio or balcony. Because B&Bs usually use fresh, local ingredients in their meals, it is much easier for them to cater to your dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to ask; this is one of the defining characteristics that separate a B&B from a hotel.

Wi-Fi and television

Like most hotels and resorts, B&Bs almost always have Wi-Fi and cable television. And most always, unlike hotels and resorts, there is no extra charge for this amenity.

Special amenities

Not as common in older B&Bs, but today’s newer establishments often have amenities like pools, hot tubs, patios, and balconies. Although hotels often have these amenities as well, at a B&B they are much more private because there are fewer rooms and therefore fewer guests.

Local attractions

B&Bs can be located in busy tourist areas or nestled in quieter small towns. Usually, in either setting, local attractions are often a walk away. Fine dining, city sites, museums, and other attractions are often close by. The owners of B&Bs often can tell you things off the beaten path that is a must-see. You won’t learn that info from a hotel concierge.

Affordability

Lastly, but possibly most importantly, rooms at B&Bs cost close to, or even less, than locals hotels. One might think that B&Bs would be more expensive, as the guest list is so small, but keep in mind that the costs of a B&B are much less than a hotel. Fewer guests, fewer employees, and smaller buildings all add to the affordability of staying at a B&B.

At Vida Magica in Merida, we believe that everyone should take the opportunity to stay at a bed and breakfast. We are certain you will appreciate the private ambiance, excellent breakfast, and pampering that comes with your stay. It is our hope that afterwards, you will enjoy your stay so much that you will seek out B&Bs for all of your future trips!

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The history of the bed and breakfast

The B&B arrangement is a very old one. The concept has existed in one form or another since the beginning of man. Monasteries served as B&Bs for travelers, and in some cases still do. Before the 20^th century, it was quite normal for country travelers to spend a night at a private house rather than an inn and this custom persists in many parts of the world. However, prior to the 19^th century, this was strictly an informal arrangement constrained by acquaintance and social rank; a doctor might stay with a doctor or pharmacist, while a nobleman would stay with the local gentry.

Bed and breakfasts have been very popular with the traveling public in Europe for years. The abbreviation of “B&B” on roadside signs first became popular in the British Isles, typically with detachable “Vacancy” signs swinging below. Tourists will see B&B signs in many windows there. The term “bed and breakfast” is not used in many other countries. Terms such as paradors, pensions, gasthaus, minskukus, shukukos, and pousados are used to describe what Americans and English-speaking Europeans think of as a bed and breakfast.

The United States also has a history of bed and breakfasts dating back to the time of early settlers. As the pioneers traveled the trails and roads across the country, they sought safe refuge in homes, inns, and taverns. In fact, some of those historic accommodations now serve as B&Bs.

During the Great Depression, many people opened their homes to travelers to bring in some additional money for the family. The term “boarding house” was used at this time. After the Depression, this type of lodging declined and many people had the idea they were just for low-income travelers or drifters. In the early fifties, the term “tourist home” was used. This too was essentially a form of bed and breakfast. Once motels were built on the new highways, they were soon forgotten.

In large part because of the number of Americans traveling to Europe in recent years and rediscovering B&Bs, there has been an exponential increase in interest in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Today, the B&B is not viewed as a low-cost lodging facility but as an attractive alternative to the typical standard chain hotel or motel room. Today, some bed and breakfasts offer amenities, not unlike those found at the most upscale hotels in the world.

In Merida, there is a wonderful B&B called Vida Magica. Vida Magica is owned by Americans who now call Mexico their homeland. They know the importance of a well-run bed and breakfast and they bring that knowledge to the people of Merida and to Vida Magica. If you are looking for an out-of-the-box experience on your next vacation, consider Merida and consider staying at a B&B like Vida Magica. You will not be disappointed.

Visit Vida Magica today and learn just how wonderful a bed and breakfast can be.

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If you’ve never stayed at a bed and breakfast in Merida, here is what you are missing out on

There are plenty of reasons why you should give B&Bs a chance. For starters, it’s totally different than anything you’ve done before and it’s way cheaper.

If you are planning a getaway, before you start checking the rates at the most popular hotel in town, we have a different idea for you: a bed and breakfast. That’s right, stay in a room at the home of someone who knows your destination best.

Most people aren’t quite sure what to think of a bed and breakfast. Either they have misconceived notions of the kind of service they’ll get and the type of people who run the place, or they just have no idea how these quaint establishments function. The truth of the matter is, bed and breakfasts are different but in a terrific way.

You will often pay less than a hotel

The average prices of hotels tend to be historically higher than staying in a bed and breakfast. On average you can expect to save about $50 per night and also get some great amenities that a hotel won’t offer you.

Forget your continental breakfast

At B&Bs you can get a homemade breakfast. We’re pretty sure you wouldn’t have the owner of a hotel cook you breakfast but at a bed and breakfast, you can be pretty sure that’s what will happen. And we are certain it will be more than just continental.

Most amenities are free and much better

Chances are, if you stay in a B&B you will have free Wi-Fi. Most hotels don’t offer that. Not only will you get that but also parking is free and concierge services are complimentary as well. While a hotel concierge may direct you to a kiosk with outdated tourist pamphlets, many B&B owners are seasoned locals with a wealth of knowledge about the area.

A B&B can make you feel like you have transported to a completely different universe

And isn’t that the point of a vacation? Many B&Bs are themed and if you are traveling outside the country, like Mexico, you will get the full local feel while staying in one. At Vida Magica, we mix old-world Mexican charm with modern comforts.

At a B&B you will get the care and attention you truly deserve

The service at a B&B goes way beyond just providing you with comfortable lodging for your vacation. The main difference between a bed and breakfast and a hotel is that the owners of a B&B see their patrons as guests, while hotels may see their patrons as customers. Many B&B owners will go out of their way to make sure their home adheres to many levels of comfort. Some B&B owners will even rent out their whole place to a group so that they can have fun together.

If you are planning to vacation in Merida, visit one of the most wonderful Bed and Breakfasts around, Vida Magica. We are sure you will never want to stay anywhere else.

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Merida: Mexico’s most enchanting city

Everyone knows that if you want a bustling metropolis you go to Mexico City. If you want a coastal paradise you should head to Playa del Carmen. But there is one destination that slips under the radar but consistently stuns and its name is Merida. Many agree that Merida is one of the most beautiful cities in the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s also one of the safest in the country, highly cultural, artsy and only 20 miles away from the beach. There are many reasons to plan a visit that you won’t ever want to leave!

Art, culture, and history

With its colonial past, Merida has rich culture, history, art, and traditions. Enjoying the city to the fullest means discovering all of it. All you need to do is get out and walk around. From the lavish, pink buildings on Main Square, to the Cathedral, to government buildings to an abundance of parks. The Museum of Modern art is set around a lush courtyard and regularly shows exhibitions by Yucatan artists. Don’t forget to get out of the city for a day trip and visit the Mayan ruins. Once you see them you will never be the same again.

Live like the locals

If you’re looking to meet the locals, heat out after sunset when the night air is cool and gives you a break from the relentless heat of the day. Night and day markets and nightly music and dancing by Santa Lucia and Santa Ana squares are where the actions happen. There are also dances on Main Square every Monday night at 8 pm.

Culinary scene

The regional gastronomy is so amazing that you won’t believe you only knew about tacos, fajitas, and burritos. Every dish you eat in the Yucatan uses local products that won’t be found in other Mexican states. There are many dishes and cuisines that will blow your mind. Be prepared to stay awhile if you want to explore all of the food.

As the capital of the Yucatan state, Merida has around one million inhabitants. But you will never feel like it’s crowded or unsafe. In fact, walking around the city will make you marvel at the peaceful atmosphere around you. Going out at night is a regular activity for both locals and foreigners so the vibe is very carefree. One-way streets only allow so much traffic. Watch out for city buses zooming by and taxis honking at everyone on foot. Other than that, you will be fine. You will be in Mexican heaven actually. We promise.

If you are looking to get away from it all, either for a short vacation or forever, come stay at one of the best bed and breakfasts in Merida, Vida Magica. Stay with us as long as you like and keep coming back, we don’t mind! We are happy for the company!

Come to Merida and be amazed! Stay at Vida Magica and experience the best accommodations the city has to offer.

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Why stay at a bed and breakfast?

Staying at a bed and breakfast is the perfect choice of lodging when you need a relaxing escape. You can find B&Bs almost anywhere you go and they provide much better value than hotels. From personalized attention to delicious food, there are many reasons to choose a bed and breakfast over a hotel.

Value

When you stay at a hotel, you generally get very little bang for your buck. You get a room that is usually small. If you are really lucky, you may get free parking and a continental breakfast. However, many times these extras cost more and you have to pay for other amenities such as the internet and snacks. When you stay at a bed and breakfast, you get a comfortable room in addition to many free extras. The large majority of B&Bs now offer Wi-Fi and nearly all offer free parking and snacks. One of the best perks of a B&B is the included breakfast, which is usually a delicious home-cooked meal.

Unique rooms

Each of the rooms in a bed and breakfast has character. Since they are individually decorated, they each have their own feel. If you are with a group, check out each other’s rooms. They are each unique. Some B&Bs pride themselves on how each room is different and some even offer themes.

Rich history

Many B&Bs boast a very interesting or unique history. You will be surprised to learn how many are in restored buildings that are hundreds of years old. In the South in the United States, for example, you will find many B&Bs that were once plantation homes. In Merida, Mexico, there are some B&Bs that are renovated old commercial buildings in the heart of town (check out Vida Magica). Most B&Bs have a rich history and stories so be sure to ask the innkeeper about the history of their inn.

Personal attention

Have you ever stayed at a hotel where you couldn’t get anyone’s attention? This doesn’t happen when you stay at a bed and breakfast. Instead, innkeepers go the extra mile to make sure you feel welcome and comfortable and they are available to help you when you need it. B&Bs are nearly always smaller than hotels, which allows you to get more personal attention and assistance. Whether you need tips on what to do in the area or you just have questions about the inn, never feel shy to ask. Innkeepers serve as great local experts and love to give you insight on what to see, do and eat in their town.

Little extras

B&Bs go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. You will find lots of little extras when you stay at a bed and breakfast. Some leave out fresh, warm cookies for guests, while others offer free wine and hors d’oeuvres hour in the evening. Each bed and breakfast prides itself on making you feel as welcome as possible.

Every bed and breakfast is unique. Why stay at a cookie-cutter hotel when you can stay somewhere with more value, more attention, and exciting history? When you are in Merida, make sure you stay at Vida Magica, one of the best and most exciting bed and breakfasts in town.

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