SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

MONTSERRAT

Widely heralded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, the culture, history, and gastronomy of Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende offer a seductive ambience for any international traveller

Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Krisha Canlas

Nestled amongst the Sierra Mountains in the state of Guanajuato in Mexico’s central highlands, the high desert city of San Miguel de Allende is an eclectic oasis of colour and creativity.

San Miguel de Allende preserves a rich artistic and cultural heritage that continues to attract young creatives from around the world, as seen in the Instituto Allende and Bellas Artes. The city itself is a protected UNESCO site, thanks to its integral role in the early stages of the Mexican War of Independence and General Ignacio Allende, from whom it takes its name.

Defined by its quaint cobblestoned streets, the colonial facades of its buildings and ornate Baroque architecture, the city combines old-world charm with a youthful, energetic and cosmopolitan feel. This mixture is as compelling a cocktail as the enticing concoctions served by the city’s renowned mixologists in one of its many rooftop bars. San Miguel de Allende also boasts exquisite viticulture, thanks to the multiple vineyards found in its environs.

Equally mouth-watering is the local gastronomy scene, leading to San Miguel de Allende being named as the Gastronomic Destination of Guanajuato. The region’s culinary heritage pays reverence to the local produce which can be found in the weekly organic markets. Worldrenowned chefs congregate within the city’s restaurants to deliver ingenious fusions, best enjoyed over rooftop dining. After 11pm, the town’s nightlife comes alive as the famous local tequila starts to flow.

Venture outside of the city to discover the hot springs of La Gruta, Escondido Place and Mayan Baths, the breathtaking Jesuit Sanctuary of Atotonilco or, for the more adventurous, hot air balloon rides over jaw-dropping canyons, horseback riding and intrepid desert hikes.

With the city unfurling around the picturesque centre of La Parroquia, a pink neo-Gothic church that looks like something out of a fairytale, it is no surprise that this is one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations. Within easy reach of Mexico City, succumb to the undeniable allure of San Miguel de Allende.

Multisensory Experience

Discover a celebration of the senses in one of Mexico’s most engaging and beautiful destinations.

H

otel Matilda is an award-winning, luxury boutique hotel that opened in 2010, and caters to today’s sophisticated international traveller. The edgy, contemporary property delivers a chic, lifestyle-focused guest experience highlighted by one-of-a-kind artistic and culinary events. It is set in the heart of enchanting San Miguel de Allende, the renowned crown jewel of colonial Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hotel Matilda was recently awarded the number one hotel in Mexico in Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards, for the second year in a row! It was also named the number one City Hotel in Mexico by Travel + Leisure magazine, in both 2017 and 2019. The hotel has also recently earned the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Award! The ‘Matilda lifestyle’ guest experience combines an awardwinning holistic spa with its own new Zen Garden and an apothecary that creates personalised hand and body products for guests; an upscale poolside bar, The Monkey Bar, known for its creative mixology using fresh and indigenous ingredients; Múi Bar, an innovative Ramen Bar; newly redecorated designer rooms and oversized suites with dynamic appointments; a vibrant art-gallery-like interior – the first and only contemporary ambience in colonial San Miguel de Allende – filled with an eclectic collection of dramatic contemporary works by noted artists, many specifically commissioned for the hotel; and world-class dining in Moxi, which has become a favourite foodie destination in Mexico. Hotel Matilda has evolved into a cultural hub of San Miguel, known for its art openings and extravagant epicurean events including Supper Clubs with acclaimed guest chefs and culinary theatre evenings to celebrate The Day of the Dead.

Hotel Matilda features 32 rooms and suites in five categories, continuing the hotel’s design theme of “transitional décor”, bridging old and new, by taking the colonial style of San Miguel de Allende and updating it with adaptations, materials and colours that reflect today’s lifestyle and current trends in art and hospitality. With recent refurbishments in 2022, the two largest accommodations, the Owner’s Suites, boast upgraded design elements. Owner’s Suite A features a large living room, a sumptuous bedroom, and a private balcony with covered sunbeds, designed by Casa Armida. Owner’s Suite C, with 816 square feet of space, was redesigned by Namuh and features an expansive terrace, intended for enjoying every sunrise and sunset with the utmost in privacy and luxury. The hotel also features an infinity swimming pool set in a verdant garden with indigenous plants and flowers. Local products such as lavender and rosemary are used in many of the spa treatments and Hotel Matilda prides itself on supporting local Mexican companies with its construction and décor materials. Hotel Matilda has a green profile, with photo-voltaic panels producing up to 30 percent of the electricity requirements and solar panels heating water throughout the property. New in 2022, in addition to the tranquil Zen Garden, Spa Matilda has welcomed Cosmydor, a sustainable and natural Parisian brand, from 1877, exclusive to North America.

Outlook Travel: What changes have you experienced within the industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic?

-----Bruce James, General Manager (BJ): We had to make many changes at the hotel with regards to cleaning protocols, and more. Travel was halted due to the pandemic in 2020 but we reopened safely and carefully in July and added luxury amenities to continue the luxury experience while practicing social distancing. Some of these include the new fitness room service, where guests could request work out equipment delivered to their room. Also, for private dining experiences, we turned the relaxation room of the spa into a private dining alcove for couples, since the spa remained closed at that time. While the hotel was closed, we also made many new refurbishments and additions to the property including the new Mui Ramen Bar.

OT: Are there any more exciting developments or projects in the works for the hotel?

-----BJ: We always have new projects underway. We are currently working with new design partners and current partners such as Casa Armida, who recently redesigned one of our top suites. Led by the architect Luis Fabián Flores, this house has laid the foundations for San Miguel de Allende to be recognised as a design capital of the world.

OT: What is the most challenging element of running a hotel and how do you strive to overcome this?

-----BJ: The most challenging element is keeping one step ahead of our guests’ expectations and desires. We have a global clientele who expects the best and a bit of the unexpected from us. We strive to achieve that by creating new events, artist collaborations, and new developments at the hotel, to keep our guests coming back for more, year after year.

Q&A

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

TASKED WITH KEEPING alive the culture and traditions of this historic city whilst simultaneously developing creative and unique tourism experiences, we speak with Tania Castillo, Tourism Director at San Miguel de Allende.

Outlook Travel (OT): Tell us about the vision and mission behind San Miguel de Allende.

Tania Castillo, Tourism Director

(TC): San Miguel de Allende is one of the most touristic cities around the world. We are known for our unique restaurants, hotels, vineyards, architecture, weddings, culture and more.

One of our main objectives is to give locals, visitors and tourists another reason to visit us and explore the different attractions we have in our beautiful city - from walking tours to delicious meals, wine and tequila tastings, hot air balloon experiences, 5-star hotels and more. Above all, we try to keep alive our cultural events and traditions.

Details are important for us - we want your visit to be perfect, to walk around the cobbled streets feeling safe and happy while enjoying the views, the people, the cultural events, festivals, markets and more. The idea is to be different, to innovate and create various ways to attract new markets, and not to be afraid to make things different.

Tania Castillo, Tourism Director

OT: In your opinion, why should someone visit San Miguel de Allende?

TC: San Miguel de Allende is a city that has evolved its cultural, gastronomic and artistic value to an international level. A beautiful destination not far from Mexico City, we have great connectivity and

Visit us in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, ´The Heart of Mexico´, a beautiful colonial city bursting with culture, tradition, art, and adventure, where you will live incredible experiences and make memories that last a lifetime.

Coyote Canyon Adventures has been operating adventure tourism and ecotourism since the turn of the century. We are a family run Destination Management Company (DMC) which strives to create activities that will truly immerse you into the culture, whether that be riding through a breathtaking canyon or wondering the cobblestone roads while you learn about historical figures who walked those very streets.

We believe that the setting you are enjoying and the people that surround you are equally important, thus we have designed adventures to be enjoyed by all. Life is so short, so precious, that we must treasure and enjoy every moment in every way possible. For some that may be a warm coffee at sunrise, for others it may be exploring new places, or simply a breath of fresh air. We make unique and memorable experiences that will immerse you in the culture and setting of our city. You will leave this enchanting place feeling like you travelled through time. San Miguel de Allende, #1 wedding destination in the world, a place booming with romance, from live music by a candle lit dinner, to a hot air balloon ride above the clouds. We understand life is made of memorable moments and we strive to fully live them, because with us, not even the sky’s the limit.

We don’t do ordinary trail rides, we specialise in horseback adventures tailored to any rider, from expert horsemen looking for a challenge, to families with kids as young as two years old and people up to 86 who just want to spend the day out in the country.

Coyote Canyon Adventures

+52 (415) 100 1059 | +52 (415) 114 4945 | +52 (415) 154 4193 coyotecanyonadventures@gmail.com

www.coyotecanyonadventures.com

appeal to all tourism trends, including wellness, sustainability, romance, incentives, adventure and nature. Just by walking around town, visiting our marvellous stores and eating delicious meals, you can get to know a little bit more about the history of beautiful San Miguel de Allende.

We have a world full of possibilities, with wineries just a 20-minute drive from downtown, hot springs that are rich with minerals that promote health and well-being, as well as horseback riding tours, ATV tours, bike tours, zip line circuits, archaeological walks, and hot air balloon rides. Also close to the city is the historical site of the Sanctuary of Jesus Nazareno in Atotonilco, named by UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

We are proud to be a city rich in art and culture. Since the opening of the Instituto Allende and Bellas Artes with their plastic arts workshops, San Miguel de Allende has become a stage for local, regional and international artists. A paradise for curators, collectors and art enthusiasts, everywhere you walk there’s a gallery two steps ahead or a store. You will find incredible pieces at our design stores and from our local artists at the artisan market where you see the effort, hard work and talent each and every one possesses in their craftmanship.

And last but not least, people come for our excellent food made by renowned chefs. Our famous rooftops are the cherry on top of the cake; what’s better than a really nice meal with an amazing view and good company? They are sure to entice you to stay with their views, food and music.

“SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE IS A CITY THAT HAS EVOLVED ITS CULTURAL, GASTRONOMIC AND ARTISTIC VALUE TO AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL”

– TANIA CASTILLO, TOURISM DIRECTOR, SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

Visit the market stalls near Saint Michael the Archangel church and the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel

Sanctuary of Atotonilco, a church complex

OT: How does San Miguel de Allende cater to sustainable and eco-friendly travel experiences?

TC: We are not just a beautiful city with architecture, history and mountains - we are also characterised by our firm commitment to economic and social development in balance with care for the environment and natural resources.

One of the activities that follows this mission is in Agustín González, a community located within a 15-minute drive from downtown. 15 women spend part of their time hooking up rugs and producing textiles to boost their economy giving the “Rancho Tour” - an excursion in which visitors can live the daily life of this community with demonstrations of typical cooking, stone carving, Otomi language classes, among other activities. All this can be enjoyed in an environment surrounded by nature with cacti, cows, horses, donkeys, flowers, traditional houses and more.

San Miguel de Allende has incredible tourist sites that impress all national and international travellers, and there is no better way to get to know them than through a bike ride. A bike tour is a sustainable activity that shows the other side of town going through places such as the Allende Dam, the Laja River, the Indian Chapels, ruins and the beautiful landscapes of the farm fields on the outskirts of the city.

There’s also Rancho Xotolar which is a stroll through the countryside with horseback riding, hiking, camping, tours of the pyramids, even cooking classes with crops from the land and other elements of the region.

OT: What are some of the major tourism trends in your area?

TC: Architecture is a huge part of our charm, with beautiful boutique hotels and houses, as well as the iconic Parish of San Miguel Archangel which you see in pictures and postcards. We also have Atotonilco’s sanctuary, the baroque-style church of the Oratory San Felipe Neri, the church of San Francisco de Asís, the historic house of Allende Museum, Casa Canal, and La Aurora Factory – an old textile factory now converted into a Cultural Center of Art and Design full of canvases, sculptures and handicrafts from great artists.

Our cuisine is something you cannot miss, and tourists will appreciate a local walk around town where you can try ice cream, tacos and esquites or eat at one of our more glamorous restaurants. Almost every bar and restaurant downtown combines the antique charm of the house with the renewed cosmopolitan version of the city.

Finally, weddings in San Miguel de Allende are a unique and special feature here. These begin with the typical callejoneada in the cobbled streets with the Mojigangas, dancing, singing and having the most wonderful time. We boast some breathtaking venues that offer tailor made experiences for brides and grooms. If you are planning on getting married, there is no better option!

Celebrating a wedding with mojigangas in a callejoneada

“WE ARE NOT JUST A BEAUTIFUL CITY WITH ARCHITECTURE, HISTORY AND MOUNTAINS - WE ARE ALSO CHARACTERISED BY OUR FIRM COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN BALANCE WITH CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES”

– TANIA CASTILLO, TOURISM DIRECTOR, SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

OT: As a small city, how can overtourism be avoided?

TC: We focus on high quality tourism. San Miguel de Allende is, as mentioned, a cosmopolitan city with more than 60 different nationalities living here and 10 percent of our population are Americans. This creates a certain kind of bubble, an oasis, which attracts luxury hoteliers, entrepreneurs, and investors to settle here. Our actions cater to a high-end market, like the tourism agreements that we have with specific cities for cultural events, festivals, happenings in different spots in San Miguel de Allende and much more.

OT: What are your key priorities for the coming year?

TC: We hope to increase our numbers of foreign tourists, giving everyone a reason to come back and enjoy their stay. Most importantly, we want to give our locals back their culture and traditions with more festivals and happenings.

OT: Finally, what would you like to highlight that might be overlooked by international visitors?

TC: Not many visitors know about our wineries. We have good, awardwinning wine, some with restaurants that allow you to try a delicious meal or even stay for the night if you would like to wake up to a beautiful scenery outside of town.

Our hot springs are a great idea for something different to restart your body and mind from the stress of everyday life. Another unknown for most visitors is tasting our local products such as tequila Casa Dragones - a top-of-the-line tequila inspired by our history with its colours and design, but also the beer Allende, as another of our local products loved by many.

Our hotel is dedicated to indulging our guests, we could not forget one of the greatest pleasures of life. Come and enjoy our Mediterranean style restaurant, using the highest quality ingredients, and make the perfect pairing with the best of our wines. We have 14 exclusive rooms, each with two levels and a view of the mountains, in front of a water mirror and vineyards. All rooms are decorated and equipped with the highest standard of quality and detail. They all have a king size bed and are smoke free.

www.vinedossanlucas.com/san_francisco

vinedossanfrancisco vinedossanlucas

www.lasantisimatrinidad.com.mx

Viñedos San Lucas

We have 14, exclusive, smoke free rooms, all decorated and equipped with the highest standard of quality and detail. All rooms have a king size bed, master suites and suites have a second stay; equipped with up to two additional single beds, without extra charge for children under 12 years old. Come enjoy the magic of the senses, with a personalised wine tasting session in the tasting rooms of our winery. A unique experience to learn, share and relax; discovering the wonderful world of wine. Choose one of our tasting options according to your own preference or try a dinner pairing with our noble productions.

www.vinedossanlucas.com/san_lucas

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

DO:

FOR BUDGET TRAVELLERS… FOR A PREMIER WELLNESS CENTRE...

Esencia Yoga Spa

FOR AUTHENTIC ADVENTURE...

Coyote Canyon Adventures is a family-owned sustainable tourism operator specialising in adventure and eco-tourism. Experiences include horseback riding excursions, rappelling down Coyote Canyon, hot air balloon rides, archaeological and cultural tours, plus much more. The company is committed to making a low impact on both the environment and local culture.

SLEEP:

FOR A B&B BOUTIQUE... Casa de la Noche

FOR A COLONIAL-MODERN STYLE HOME... Casa de la Mañana

FOR COUNTRYSIDE LUXURY...

Escape from the city to the picturesque vineyards of Viñedos San Lucas and Viñedos San Francisco. A stay at either hotel is sure to indulge all your senses, as both properties are surrounded by scenic nature, and offer a host of experiences including wine tastings, equestrian activities, spas and yoga.

FOR A 4-STAR CELEBRATION OF THE SENSES...

Hotel Matilda is a top choice for international travellers combining a sophisticated setting with a reverence for the Latin art scene. Here you will find sophisticated accommodation, gourmet dining and personalised spa experiences. In 2021, the hotel was recognised as the number one hotel in Mexico in Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards. The ideal location for a romantic escape or a bespoke getaway in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, Hotel Matilda is the epitome of a boutique hotel. Offering a selection of rooms, the exclusive Owner’s Suite provides a private balcony from which to enjoy the city’s famous sunsets.

LANDMARK LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS ATTRACTIONS

FÁBRICA LA AURORA

A must-visit to sample the city’s famous art scene, this former textile factory is now the Cultural Center of Art and Design and houses artworks and handicrafts from the region’s most celebrated artists and artisans. For nine decades, this building played an integral role in the city’s industrial history. Spend an afternoon strolling through its galleries and open studios to meet the creators.

PARROQUIA DE SAN MIGUEL ARCÁNGEL

The parish church is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Its pink stone and ornate turrets, designed by Mexican stonemason Zeferino Gutiérrez in the late 19th century, are described by many to resemble a wedding cake. An impressive architectural feat inspired by churches in Belgium and Germany, its towering spires are a useful point of navigation throughout the city.

PYRAMIDS OF CAÑADA DE LA VIRGEN

A 30-minute drive outside of the city centre, this ancient archaeological zone comprises four complexes of sacred pyramids. The site was originally occupied between 540 and 1050 AD and has only relatively recently been uncovered in archaeological excavations to offer a fascinating insight into ancient Mesoamerican culture. You can visit every day of the week except Sundays.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

THE CLOSEST AIRPORTS to San Miguel de Allende include León (BJX – 1.5 hrs), Querétaro (AIQ – 1 hrs) and Ciudad de México (MX – 3.5 hrs). From each, it is possible to take a taxi or use a direct shuttle service to reach the city. Primera Plus also offers a reliable and comfortable bus service, with reclining seats, TVs and Wi-Fi on board. Rental cars are also available, although this is typically an expensive option and not the most practical choice once in San Miguel de Allende.

In terms of getting around the city itself, San Miguel de Allende’s compact size means that the majority of the attractions are within walking distance. It is an extremely pedestrian-friendly location, although a certain level of fitness is required since the terrain is hilly. A host of walking tours are available pinned to different themes to explore the city with a local guide depending on your area of interest – whether religion, gastronomy, or the local art scene to name just a few.