When you say that something combines the best of two worlds, it isn't always true – but this home in Yucatán really does. It's a contemporary space that feels like a private, luxury beach home but is actually tucked behind the historical facades in the center of Mérida, one of Mexico's most exciting cities.

Before creating the space, its designers would look through old doorways or windows to see the abandoned plots and overgrown gardens beyond. That was their inspiration – creating a world within a world, an outdoor space that's also sheltered, a place to enjoy the city then take refuge in a modern but natural oasis. For the look, they took the stones and woods of Mexico and added a nod to Mexican brutalism with textured concrete.

The current owners discovered the house as guests and immediately fell in love with the surprising contrasts. Singularly modern yet built with local, quality materials. Grand in its proportions (the double height living/dining room!) yet completely private and intimate. As guests, they kept coming back until the opportunity arose to make it their own. Simply put, it's a private piece of paradise, incomparable to anything else in Mérida.

One of the elements that makes the villa so appealing is the fact that it was built around the pool. It's a home in two parts – you enter through the living and dining space, and cross the garden to reach the bedroom, which is housed in a modernist-style bungalow. And though the villa consists of only one bedroom plus living areas, the pool – at 15 meters in length – is delightfully excessive.

Enter this villa for rent in Merida through the two doors of its historical facade, and you'll find a large kitchen and a living room that opens into a garden. Cross the garden to the bedroom bungalow at its end. Beside the bedroom, there's an open bathroom, with views of the garden. Lavatories, pantry and supply closets are concealed to make the space as open as possible.

JOYA COLONIAL DE YUCATAN

Yucatán retains a lot of authenticity, and Mérida is a gem – considered the safest city in Mexico, with a provincial atmosphere and cosmopolitan flair. For history buffs, it's a treasure trove made up of a colonial center, archeological sites, and haciendas. The cathedral square and the colorful Lucas de Gálvez Market are both within walking distance of the house.

Regional specialties like panuchos and tortas, as well as the best local restaurants, are all found on easy walks, but if you'd prefer to eat at home, the kitchen is fully set up for cooking, and there are many little convenience stores nearby, as well as a nearby market.

Adventurers will love the many cenotes (sunken lakes in which you can swim), kayaking in the mangroves, or going horseback riding on the beach in Sisal, with long extensions of dunes and mangroves along a very peaceful shore (70km, or 1h by car). Meanwhile, wildlife lovers should head for the reserve at Celestún, especially in flamingo season, from November through February.

Farther afield, visit the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal (85km, or 1h 10 mins by car), and or the lovely, canary-yellow town of Izamal (1h by car). Progreso, the local Meridanos' beach escape, is the nearest coastal town (45 minutes).

LOCATION

Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico. Nearest airports: Mérida International Airport (MID): 6km (10 mins by taxi), Cancún International Airport (CUN): 300km.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Mérida is warm all year round. November to April has mild and spring-like weather. And the absolute best time to visit Mérida is around 1st November for the Día de los Muertos festivities. May to August are hot and humid months so a great time to make the most of the pool.