Tag Archives: San Miguel de Allende

City Guide: 72 hours in San Miguel de Allende

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San Miguel de Allende has to be the most magical historic town in Mexico. The colorful homes and cobblestone streets of this enchanting village are home to more than 600-years of traditions and festivities.

Strolling by the majestic colonial homes, listening to the lively sounds of the mariachi band and smelling the delicious carne asada in the distance will surely transport you back to the early 1800´s. The soaring Neogothic Parroquia and the blissful art galleries will make this your favorite destination when you’re in need of a Mexican vacation.

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Thursday:

4:00pm– Check-in to L´Otel, This 4-bedroom luxury B&B is a heavenly oasis nestled amidst the streets of San Miguel. The stunning colorful decor, attention to detail, mouthwatering breakfast by Bertha and supreme service helped to make L´Otel one of my favorite places to stay.

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6:00pm– Head to the Rosewood Hotel’s terrace. Although I am usually a big fan of Rosewood properties, I prefer just to visit this one for afternoon drink on the terrace.

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8:30pm– Diner at Puerto Viejo. This is the perfect first stop on your quest for a casual traditional Mexican dinner. The jicama tacos, chile poblano soup and the mixed Molcajete are a must.

 

Friday:

10:00am– Breakfast at L´Otel. You must start with a delicious cup of Colombian coffee served by a wonderful hotel staff member, Arturo. Coffee will be followed by a plethora of juices (orange, mandarin and grapefruit too name a few), freshly baked scones, pain au chocolate and croissants with a side order of yogurt, home made granola and fresh fruit. Those are just a few of the items you will be nibbling on while you decide on your main course. Be sure to try the Chilaquiles Rojos. They are crunchy, spicy and perfectly cheesy.

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11:30am– Walk to the stunning Fabrica La Aurora. This beautiful art and design center is located in a former textile factory, home to more than 60 show rooms and studios. Peak in and watch the masters in action while listening to classical music in the background. Don’t miss a freshly squeezed juice and a pastry at their divine bohemian café to recharge your batteries.

 

1:00pm– Lunch at Dos Casas. Chef Matteo Salas rocks every dish. The roasted cauliflower, ricotta cheese and pine nuts pasta is yummy.

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4:00pm– Salsa or Tango lessons at Arthur Murray´s Studio (Just two minutes away from you’re your hotel).

 

8:00pm– Dinner at the most acclaimed restaurant in town, The Restaurant. Order the red wine braised beef short ribs with ricotta polenta and root vegetables.

 

10:00pm– After dinner, stroll around the main plaza. Be sure to buy a delicious corn on the cob with lime and chili for desert before you head back!

 

Saturday:

8:00am– Sleep in. Don’t make the mistake of jogging around the city if you happen to be training for a marathon like I was (See, I make the mistakes so you don’t have to). Let’s just say your ankles and the cobblestone streets don’t make for a very good match.

 

10:00am– Breakfast at L´Otel. A delectable experience.

 

11:00pm– Cooking class at Sazón, Chef Emanuel Cervantes will take you to the local organic market to buy the produce you need for your Mexican cooking class. After a delectable two-hour class, you will be seated in the formal dining room in a picturesque colonial courtyard to taste your wonderful creations.

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4:00pm– Call L´Otel and have the remarkable masseuse Guadalupe (Lupita) wait for you in your suite for a ninety-minute deep tissue massage. She is by far the best and most knowledgeable masseuse I have ever had (and I get a massage everywhere I go).

 

5:00pm– Relax in the terrace’s hot tub and have Arturo bring a glass of fresh Jamaica juice while you watch the sun set behind La Parroquia and listen to the relaxing sounds of the church bells.

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8:00pm– Dinner at the AAA Four Diamond Mexican restaurant, La Andanza.

 

10:00pm– Drinks at the swanky Bar, Matilda.

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Sunday:

10:00am– Breakfast at L´Otel. However, if you have had enough of it (which I don’t presume you will), head to the French bakery, Petit Four.

 

11:00am– Attend Sunday mass at La Parroquia. If mass is not your thing, peak inside General Ignacio Allende’s home, located 10-feet away from La Parroquia.

 

1:00pm– Lunch at my favorite bakery, Cumpanio.

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4:00pm– Realize you want to buy L´Otel but it’s not for sale!

Safe travels.

 

L’Otel. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Hotel of the Week, , , , ,

San Miguel de Allende has to be the most magical town in Mexico. The colorful homes and cobblestone streets of this enchanting village are home to more than 600-years of traditions and festivities. Strolling through the majestic colonial homes, listening to the lively sounds of the mariachi band and smelling the delicious carne asada in the distance will surely transport you back to the 1800´s. The soaring Neogothic Parroquia and the blissful art galleries will help make this your favorite destination when you’re in need of a real Mexican vacation.

After a arriving to San Miguel, I took a right in Calle Correo, then another right in Calle Chiquitos, I walked for about ten meters and there it was, the most enchanting hotel I had ever seen in Mexico: L’Otel. L’Otel is a hidden gem, unknown to the masses and known to the lucky few. This whitewashed, four-bedroom Bed and Breakfast happens to be perfectly decorated with exquisite crisp pastel colors and ultra chic décor. The infusion of Mexican and French styles makes this the ideal place for a cozy and romantic getaway. The owner’s passion is beautiful aesthetics; he is a renowned architect and an excellent interior decorator.

The Owners Suite is my favorite, shocking! It is so divine that every time I want to talk about it I feel at a loss for words. Most of the wallpaper and décor was flown in from France and purchased from local artisans in towns scattered around San Miguel. The beds are heavenly high (you even need a step to get in bed), the day-bed is in a small nook with more pillows than you can count, the wood-burning fire place warms you during the cold nights, the bathroom is as big as a New York apartment and the sitting area and desk are from out of an ELLE Design magazine.

If you think this cannot get any better it does. Bertha is the most fantastic cook in San Miguel, and maybe even in Mexico. Many hotels (even homeowners) have tried to bribe her into taking other jobs (including myself) but she is as loyal as it gets. Bertha only makes breakfast, but with the spread she puts out, this will be enough fuel to last you for days. The spicy Chilaquiles give you a nice kick-start to the day. The enchiladas with Chile Poblano are mouth watering, and finally the Enmoladas (enchiladas with mole) are the icing on the cake.

Writing this article is torture; I am dying to go back. Finally, the rooftop terrace is the perfect way to end your day. Order a margarita, take a dip in the plunge pool and hear the bells from the church while the sun sets.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.