Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada’s Presidential Suite is located in an 18th-century mansion and has two furnished terraces.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is perhaps the country’s best-kept secret. This sleepy, colonial-era city is known for its relaxing atmosphere, art scene, fabulous food and nearby natural attractions. Here’s the rundown of everything you need to know for a memorable stay.
Where to Stay
Those traveling to San Miguel should fly into Leon / Guanajuato Airport (BJX). From this airport, it’s about a 90-minute drive to the city. For those arriving by private jet, Queretaro Airport is the spot to touch down, and it’s just 60 minutes from San Miguel. Upon arrival, check into the Presidential Suite at Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada. Note: Make sure to book well in advance during holidays, including Independence Day (September 15), Dia de los Muertos (November 1-2), Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The hotel’s top accommodation, suitable for VIPs, is the Presidential Suite. This accommodation gives guests ample space with a full lounge to relax in. The suite also has touches inspired by the Mexican culture like the Talavera-tiled bathroom. Our favorite amenities in this oasis are the two balconies that are equipped to host parties and barbeques. (We think this room would be the perfect place to host a bachelor or bachelorette party.) By the way, did we mention the private plunge pool and butler service? That’s right. Butler service will make hosting any celebration simple; as a plus, all accommodations at Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada come with this posh service. For a special booking, contact Martha Espinosa ([email protected]).
Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada is also the ideal setting for a destination wedding. Forget the tropical beach; instead think old-fashioned, romantic charm. There are also activities for the wedding guests; before the I-dos, travelers can learn to create those favorite Mexican foods at the onsite Sazon cookery school. Note: Up to 80 people can take advantage of this experience. As for the actual wedding venue, consider the hotel’s Jardin del Parque, which can host up to 300 guests and is surrounded by flowers and enveloping trees. To plan a wedding or special event at the hotel, contact Andrea Zambrano ([email protected]).
Pictured: The Rosewood suite at Rosewood San Miguel de Allende comes with a private rooftop that offers a unique viewing point for the city’s skyline.
For another top stay, travelers should book a guestroom at Rosewood San Miguel de Allende. The ground-level rooms have either a private terrace or garden. Otherwise, the accommodations on the second and third floors come with private balconies and views of the city. Those looking to unwind after traveling should spend a leisurely day at the hotel spa. We suggest booking the signature Mole Scrub treatment, which uses an authentic blend of Mole spice and cocoa to exfoliate the skin. Therapist Nancy Regeiro is known for her precision and knowledge of lavender. Book the Allende Massage, which uses lavender, with Regeiro for the ultimate in revitalization. Tip: There is also a spa menu for children ages 5 to 13. To create VIP spa reservations, contact Anabel Ramos Acevedo ([email protected]). After a day at the spa, dinner in the wine cellar is the perfect way to round off an evening. Guests dining at La Cava will feast on a tailored menu that complements the wine or the fine selection of tequilas. To book a special dining experience, contact Lucila Ramirez ([email protected]). To dine in more of a local scene, travel to the roof to Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar and the 1826 Tequila bar. The most requested drink on the menu is the “Mezcal Pepino,” which includes Alipus San Juan mezcal, cucumber, agave honey, lime juice, Tajin chili powder and orange juice. Our Suggestion: Stay awhile, order two.
Want more rooftop access? Request a stay in the Rosewood Suite, which is the premium accommodation for couples. This room, as we’ve already hinted, comes with a private rooftop and plunge pool. It also has the best views of the city. Alternatively, families should book one of the seven residences next to the hotel. These come with all the comforts of home, including multiple bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, living room, private parking and a rooftop with a Jacuzzi.
Pictured: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende’s Rosewood Suite offers 2,900 square feet of space with both indoor and outdoor living areas.
Note: There are also connecting rooms in the hotel for couples or families traveling together. For example, Room Nos. 123 and 124, along with six other sets of rooms. To create a personalized stay, contact Oscar Molina ([email protected]).
The Sites
Hot springs: About 15 minutes from the main city are natural hot springs, which provide a perfect escape (trust us). These springs are not just a mecca for tourists, we hear the locals say the water heals aliments. Tip: The three main spas with the bubbly water are Escondido Place, La Gruta, and Xote.
Shopping: For travelers looking for authentic antiques consider perusing the aisles at the La Calaca boutique. Here, there are artifacts dating from the 19th century and earlier. Items worth shipping home include dining ware and religious relics. For another shopping outing, advisor Hope Smith from Born To Travel suggests travelers visit Cuna Quince, known for its various shops and a delicious eatery.
Vineyards: Wine aficionados will be thrilled to hear that there are four wineries within a 20-minute drive of San Miguel de Allende. The top vineyards to tour and taste at include Bodega Dos Buhos, Vinicola Toyan, Cuna De Tierra and Santisima Trinidad.
Gastronomy: Travelers cannot visit San Miguel without indulging in the culinary scene, which ranges from traditional Mexican to fusion dishes. Some of the top places to dine include María Xoconostle, Moxi Restaurant and Mercado Centro. Note: Mercado Centro is actually a gourmet market with 27 different shops, ranging from seafood to fresh fruits and vegetables. This is the ideal place to grab a quick lunch while touring the city. For a delicious, upscale meal, Smith suggests Dôce 18 Concept House. In addition, Myste Wright, an advisor from Protravel International, suggests tacos at Don Taco Tequila. Her order is the signature taco on a flour tortilla, which is wrapped around a ribeye then flambéed in tequila and served with caramelized onions and garlic crusted cheese. “From steaming street food to high end dining, this city is a foodie’s paradise,” swears Wright.
Pictured: San Miguel in Mexico is known for its relaxing atmosphere, art scene, food and nearby natural attractions.
Adventure: For adrenaline seekers, this city also offers soft adventure opportunities. Wright was able to explore the nearby Coyote Canyon on horseback with a tour from Coyote Canyon Adventures. “The canyon is magnificent. Sheer cliffs rise above the river that snakes through the canyon floor. From a horseback vantage point the view is incredibly humbling,” explains Wright. In addition to horseback riding through the canyon, travelers can also rappel off of a cliff. (Hold on tight.)
Art: Fábrica la Aurora is the focal point of art and design and it’s just a 15-minute walk from the city center. Here, guests can visit 50 different galleries, antique shops and furniture stores. Tip: The center is open every day of the week. To soak in more of San Miguel’s art scene, visit cultural center Ignacio Ramírez el Nigromante, also known as Bellas Artes. Visitors will be able to see different exhibits on the ground floor and don’t miss the mural by artist David Alfaro Siqueiros.