FIRE, FLAVOR AND THE SPIRIT O YUCATAN
$5500
(PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)
LOCATION:
MERIDA, MEXICO
DATES,
MARCH 24 - 29, 2025
5 NIGHTS 6 DAYS
XX
fire leads the way
In Mérida, fire tells the story.
In this six-day culinary adventure through the Yucatán, you’ll cook over open flame, wander vibrant markets, swim in hidden cenotes, and stand beneath the ancient majesty of Chichén Itzá. Between rooftop dinners, hands-on Mayan cooking, and golden afternoons in colonial towns, every moment connects you to the land’s warmth, flavor, and soul. From the first mezcal cocktail to the final chef’s-table farewell, this is more than travel — it’s a journey through fire, flavor, and the spirit of Yucatán.
Where ancient fire meets modern soul.
Cook, taste, and travel through the Yucatán — a place where every flavor tells a story.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Chichén Itzá & the Sacred Earth
Cooking Over Flame & Tradition
Walk among the ruins of Chichén Itzá and feel the pulse of the ancient world beneath your feet. From stone temples to hidden cenotes, experience the soul of the Yucatán through its earth, its stories, and its sacred fire.
Shop the markets of Mérida, learn from local cooks, and transform your finds into dishes that tell the story of this land. Under Shannon’s guidance, cook over open flame, grind spices by hand, and taste the legacy of Mayan kitchens.
Cenotes, Craft & the Soul of Yucatán
From golden colonial towns to handwoven hammocks and sunlit cenotes, step inside the living heart of Yucatán. Meet artisans, share meals, and feel the pulse of its heritage through sound, texture, and time.
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QUESTIONS?
WHAT DOES THE JOURNEY PRICE INCLUDE
Your journey has been designed as a fully immersive culinary experience — where every detail, flavor, and moment has been thoughtfully curated to reflect the soul of Yucatán.
• Five nights at a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Mérida
• Private airport transfers to and from Mérida International Airport (MID)
• Private transportation for all scheduled day trips and excursions
• Hands-on cooking classes with Shannon and local chefs who open their kitchens and share regional traditions
• Private tours with local guides, artisans, and cultural experts
• Exclusive tastings and curated dining experiences that highlight the region’s ingredients, from market to table
• All entrance fees for included cultural and culinary experiences
• Daily breakfasts, along with most lunches and dinners, featuring multi-course menus, wine pairings, and authentic local beverages
Every day is built around the table — cooking, tasting, and connecting through the flavors that define Yucatán.
WHO LEADS THE JOURNEY
Each Flavors & Frontiers journey is personally designed and led by Chef Shannon Bard, a Michelin-trained chef, Food Network Champion, and founder of Flavors & Frontiers.
Shannon guides each experience from a chef’s perspective — exploring markets, kitchens, and historic sites alongside local chefs, artisans, and guides who share their craft and culture firsthand. Together, they lead guests through immersive, behind-the-scenes moments that reveal the true flavors and spirit of each destination.
Every journey is rooted in authenticity — curated, hands-on, and led by those who know the place best.
Do I Need to Pay a Solo Traveler Supplement?
Yes — for solo travelers who prefer a private room, a $1,000 single supplement applies at the time of booking. This ensures your own beautifully appointed space throughout the journey.
Single accommodations are limited on each departure, so we recommend reserving early to secure availability.
Every guest experience — solo or shared — is designed to feel personal, seamless, and deeply connected to the destination.
WHAT DOES THE PRICE NOT INCLUDE
The journey price covers nearly everything once you arrive, but a few personal expenses are not included. These are:
• International round-trip airfare to and from Mexico
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• Optional activities or experiences not listed in the itinerary
• Transportation or costs incurred during personal free time away from the hotel
• Hotel incidentals, such as room service, laundry, or bar tabs
• Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
• Gratuities for your journey leader and local guides
Everything else — from curated dining experiences to local transportation and immersive excursions — is included to ensure your focus stays on savoring the adventure.
WHERE DOES THE JOURNEY START AND END
The journey begins and ends in Mérida, Mexico. Guests can arrive via Mérida International Airport or travel from Cancún with our concierge support. All experiences start at the private villa and conclude after a farewell breakfast on the final morning.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE
While it’s not required, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance. It offers peace of mind — protecting your investment if unexpected circumstances arise, and covering essentials like medical care, emergency transport, or the loss, theft, or damage of personal items while abroad.
For the best protection, insure the full cost of your journey within two weeks of your initial deposit, and note that most Cancel For Any Reason policies must be purchased on the same day your deposit is made.
Travel insurance ensures that even if plans shift, your adventure — and your peace of mind — remain protected.
WHEN WILL MY JOURNEY BE CONFIRMED
Because every Flavors & Frontiers experience is intentionally designed for small groups, a minimum number of travelers is required for each departure.
You’ll receive an email no later than 30 days before departure confirming your journey. If the minimum number of guests has not been met, you’ll have the option of a full refund, transferring to another departure date, or converting your booking to a private experience.
We recommend booking refundable flights and pre-trip accommodations, or waiting until your journey has been officially confirmed before finalizing travel arrangements.
WHAT IS THe intimate Group Guarantee?
Every Flavors & Frontiers journey is designed to operate in full — with every experience, inclusion, and detail preserved.
If a departure operates with fewer than nine guests, an Intimate Group Guarantee (IGG) fee ensures the journey proceeds exactly as planned. This flat fee allows the full itinerary to continue with a smaller group, offering a more personal and exclusive experience.
If additional travelers join and the group reaches nine or more guests, the IGG fee will be fully refunded.
Smaller group or full house, the journey remains the same: authentic, immersive, and unforgettable
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY
Life happens — and while we hope you’ll be joining us, we understand that plans can change.
Cancellations made 31 days or more before departure are eligible for a full refund, minus a $750 per person service fee.
Cancellations made within 30 days of departure are non-refundable, as all accommodations, experiences, and local partnerships will have been confirmed and paid in full.
We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us honor our partners and the integrity of every journey.
For U.S. citizens, no visa is required to enter Mexico for stays of up to 180 days — only a valid passport is needed. We recommend ensuring your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Mexico.
Upon arrival, you’ll receive a visitor’s permit (Forma Migratoria Múltiple, or FMM) at the airport.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with the Mexican Embassy or Consulate for specific entry requirements based on your country of residence.
What Travel Documents Are Needed?
DAY BY DAY
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dAY 1: Arrival & Yucatán Welcome Feast
Where the journey begins — with fire, flavor, and a table under the stars.
Arrive in Mérida and settle into your private villa—an oasis of courtyards, palms, and quiet luxury. As the sun sets, the week begins around the table: cocktails infused with local botanicals, firelit flavors, and a celebratory feast beneath the stars. It’s your first taste of the Yucatán—bold, soulful, and unforgettable.
Savor. Indulge. Explore.
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