This underrated Mexican city's artisans have transformed their home into a shopaholic's paradise

"Traveller check into hotels for easy access to historical Mayan sites and the cenotes beyond, with ambles through colourful squares and late, balmy nights digesting feasts over tequila tipples. Between cultural excursions and natural wonders, however, there's much to be said for the artisans in these parts. From crafted perfumes to handmade chocolates, these are the gifts and trinkets to make space for in your luggage."

"Botanists and perfumers Nicolas Malleville and Francesca Bonato founded their Yucatán-based fragrance line, Coqui Coqui Perfumes, in 2003, creating high-end scents that range from tobacco-infused colognes to neroli bath oils and covetable extra-large room diffusers, all in minimalist packaging that reflects their understated, artisanal aesthetic. Their perfumery sits in a grand 16th-century mansion on Calzada de los Frailes, complete with an interior courtyard. Once a private residence, it is now an apothecary-inspired shop with antique cabinets and walls lined with vintage illustrations of flowers."

Valladolid in eastern Yucatán mixes colonial architecture, nearby Mayan sites and cenotes with a lively artisan scene offering perfumes, chocolates, candles and textiles. Travellers often base themselves in the city to visit historical sites and enjoy evenings in colourful squares. Coqui Coqui Perfumes, founded in 2003 by Nicolas Malleville and Francesca Bonato, produces high-end scents from tobacco-infused colognes to neroli bath oils and oversized room diffusers in minimalist packaging. Their perfumery occupies a 16th-century mansion with an interior courtyard, apothecary-inspired displays, home textiles, hammocks, blankets and travel items made in Valladolid and nearby villages. The duo also operate a nearby hotel and spa inspired by Mayan ruins and cenote pools.

Read at CN Traveller