Chiijaj Hotel & Club De Laguna

The garden and lagoon views made it easy to spend the whole weekend unwinding at Chiijaj. I read a 500-page book in different spots around the grounds, usually with a cold beer. The landscaping is lovely, with cacti, palms, flowers and grass, and there are plenty of places to sit. The pool is a good size for lounging, and the jacuzzi sits beneath a huge tree. You can swim in the lagoon from the docks, and friendly neighbors offer pontoon rides. Every room faces the water without an obstructed view, so the sunrises are beautiful. My room opened straight onto the garden and pool. On Friday and Saturday, the lower garden becomes a lagoon-side club from 2 PM to 11 PM. The DJ played salsa, reggaeton, rock and classic Mexican music. Cocktails inspired by the four elements were on offer, along with Mexican beer, tequila and mezcal. The setting and drinks made for a fun atmosphere. I found the rooms spacious and spotless. Mine had a queen bed and a large couch, and the bed was the most comfortable I’ve had in a hotel. The sheets felt high quality, the bathroom was immaculate, and the roomy shower had fantastic water pressure. The curtains kept the room dark until I was ready to get up. At the restaurant, I enjoyed the mix of Mexican food and familiar American choices. I’d order the chilaquiles verdes again, and la ramera, a Chiijaj-original snack, is worth trying. I liked every meal I had there. The staff were warm and helpful from the start. Check-in was quick, and someone showed me to my room, where snacks and a kind note were waiting. Yuvia, who’s behind Chiijaj, clearly puts a lot of care into the hotel, restaurant and club. She and the team checked in, shared recommendations and chatted with me by the pool. They also gave me tips about beaches, massage places and other spots to see after leaving. I came away feeling refreshed and would happily return. If you’re around Santa Maria, Chiijaj is worth visiting for dinner, an evening out or a weekend stay.