What a coincidence – one of Mexico’s most traditional holidays coincides
with a Sarah Brightman concert at Chichen Itza, and Hacienda Xcanatun cuts
its package price by 20% to make it more affordable for everyone.

Escape Halloween

Settle Into Hacienda Xcanatun’s 2-Night Day of the Dead Package Reduced 20%

Extra Bonus – Sarah Brightman in Concert at Chichen Itza

MERIDA, Mexico – This year, skip Halloween’s manufactured craziness.
Instead, using the luxurious 18th century sisal plantation, Hacienda
Xcanatun as home base, take part in the Yucatan’s deeply traditional Day of
the Dead (Dia de Muertos) celebrations held October 31st, November 1st and
2nd. It is a time of fond remembrance of deceased loved ones similar to a
family reunion of the living and the dearly departed. Markets, parks,
public spaces and cemeteries are filled with special offerings (ofrendas) of
sweet breads shaped like skeletons and bones; sugar or chocolate candies
fashioned into colorful skulls. As an added attraction this year, Sarah
Brightman, the well known British soprano, will be performing in concert at
Chichen Itza on the night of October 31, 2009. The ancient Maya ceremonial
center will provide an inspiring and magical backdrop for Ms. Brightman’s
eclectic repertoire, on the eve of the Day of the Dead festivities.

To celebrate both events, the elegantly restored Hacienda Xcanatun, now a
luxurious boutique hotel set in tropical gardens on the outskirts of Merida,
has designed a money-saving package for guests to enjoy both the Yucatecan
festivities and rituals surrounding Day of the Dead, and the Sarah Brightman
concert. Their 2 Night Weekend Getaway Special features a 20% reduction on
accommodations, along with seasonal extras. Tickets for the Brightman
concert must be purchased directly from Ticketmaster Mexico and range from
$39 to $616 per person. A van transfer from the hacienda to Chichen Itza,
approximately 1 ½ hours away is available upon previous request.

The 20% Off Day of the Dead 2-Night Special, valid from October 29 –
November 8, 2009,. space-available basis, ranges from **$424 to **$520,
single or double occupancy depending on the accommodation selected.
Additional nights can be added with the same savings.

The Getaway Includes:

* 2 night’s accommodations in a luxurious Superior Room or Deluxe
Suite. (Taxes and hotel service charge are additional).

* Daily Xcanatun Breakfast for two.

* Complimentary Mucbipollos (translated as “buried chicken” in Maya)
at breakfast or lunch, Friday Oct. 30 through Sunday, Nov. 1. Made only
during the holiday, the dough for this mouth-watering tamal is laced with
fragrant red achiote paste and stuffed with chicken, pork, tomato, onion,
and epazote. Securely wrapped in banana leaves, the huge tamal cooks in an
open pit and is perhaps the most favorite of the many specialty foods
prepared for these holidays.

Information on Day of the Dead activities is available from the front desk,
or a private guide can be arranged for touring the markets, competitions and
surrounding villages. Elaborate home altars are built in even the simplest
thatched huts, as well as private homes and exclusive haciendas and
decorated with seasonal flowers, candles and photos of beloved family
members. Favorite dishes, drinks and even “vices” like cigarettes and poker
chips, are placed on the altar to nourish and entertain the spirit of the
returning relatives. In keeping with traditions, an altar is erected at
Hacienda Xcanatun in memory of the owners’ past loved ones, along with
remembrances and offerings of the staff to loved ones.

Hacienda Xcanatun has 18 spacious accommodations decorated with hand-carved
furnishings and antiques. All of the rooms and suites have marble bathrooms
and access to private verandas. Facilities include two freshwater swimming
pools, an intimate Spa offering a wide range of holistic Maya and European
beauty/ wellness treatments, along with a gourmet restaurant highlighting
inventive fusion Yucatecan Cuisine. Golfers take note: the new championship
Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, El Jaguar, is 5 minutes away.

For information and reservations about the Day of the Dead Special call
Hacienda Xcanatun toll-free at 1-888-883-3633, or e-mail:
hacienda@xcanatun.com.

**Special Note: Once the reservation for this package is confirmed, the
first night stay is not refundable. The website is at www.xcanatun.com