Spa Manager of Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya

Who:  

Daniel Escalante, Spa Manager of Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya.

Where is your hometown? Were you born here or did you move here?  

My home town is in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico- I moved to Los Angeles at the age of 10 and then returned back to Mexico 20 years later.

What makes you consider it home? 

A home-cooked meal, the noisy buses coming down the street, opening up the newspaper and reading about people you actually know or went to school with. Every place has a special smell and sound that we tend to forget about until you go back to it… Then it reminds you of home.

What is your favorite local dish and/or place to eat? 

My favorite dish is called Papadzul which is a Mayan dish, a traditional dish from the Mayan cuisine. The name’s origin, according to some Mayan culture specialists, means the food for gentlemen (the Mayan word papa means food; dzul means gentlemen).

What is your favorite place to stay when you are “home?”  

I can still stay at my mom’s house when I visit. Taking a ride on the street, driving through the cathedral down town at night is amazing.

And where do you suggest that travelers stay to feel “local?” 

The best place to stay when visiting Merida is in their boutique hotels located down town or in Paseo de Montejo which is their main avenue, surrounded by local shops with handmade souvenirs from local Mayan.

What unexpected activities can you experience in your hometown? 

I would definite say The Cenotes which can also be called sinkholes. These are under water caves. There are over 6,000 different Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula and they are all connected to each other. Also, a good spot to transport yourself is the Chable Merida- the spa and tequila collection are not to be missed.

What’s a neighborhood I need to explore off the tourist map?  

In Merida there is neighborhood that’s called Santiago which is one of the first barrios founded in Merida in 1542 that was used to keep Mayans that were found during the conquering of Spain.

What makes your hometown special/unique? 

The people, the food and the culture. You can still find little towns (pueblos) inhabited by Mayans that still speak the Mayan language and live through their ancient customs and beliefs.

What is your favorite memory in your hometown? Why? 

Walking by a school and hearing the sound of the kids playing ball and running around, while the ice cream vendors are waiting for all the kids to come out… I guess it brings me back to when I was there.

Why would someone want to visit your hometown? 

This year, the city of Merida was named the American Capital of Culture for a second time, highlighting the Yucatán capital’s abundant riches. Chichen Itza castle is one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, many more archeological sites plus warm people and amazing food.

What song best represents your hometown? 

La Trova Yucateca or also known as Trio, are three guitars singing about love and poetry with a very singular sound that is very Yucatecan style originated by Los Panchos in the late 50s.