I first heard about San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, about 20 years ago when a friend from Austin was moving there with her husband to start the next chapter of her life. I came to understand that it was full of expats moving from the U.S. and Canada, and even other continents, because of the outstanding arts community that was happening in this Central Mexico town.

San Miguel dates back to 1542 when it was owned by the Spanish and part of the Camino Real, known as the Royal Road because of silver mining. Travelers came through the area to find treasure and then transport it to other areas of Mexico. But in the 1900s, it became known as an artist haven. The very walkable town is full of bright colors, religious history and boutiques selling their wares.

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende was designed 11 years ago to blend into the local architecture of the city. Fashioned after an old hacienda, or mansion, the 67 rooms are set amid beautiful gardens that expand as far as the eye can see.

A walk around the grounds will uncover lavender gardens, beautiful bougainvilleas, and even olive trees near the tennis courts. Babied by an impressive landscaping staff, there is eye candy everywhere and many of the flowers, herbs and other vegetables grown on property are used in the resort restaurants.

The rooms are extremely spacious with luxury bedding, expansive bathrooms, and patios that overlook the lush landscaping. With such divine accommodations, a beautiful outdoor pool, and delicious food and beverage, one will not even need to leave the property to have a glorious vacation.

Luna Rooftop and Tapas Bar is an ideal spot to spend your first evening. Sip on a mojito with peppermint, lime and lavender as you gaze upon a 360-degree view of San Miguel de Allende. Dine on brick oven pizzas (topped with veggies and olives from the property gardens) and salmon or pork tacos.

Start each morning with a fantastic hearty breakfast at 1826 Restaurant on property. Here, you can enjoy traditional Mexican favorites like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles, but I recommend my favorite new breakfast dish called Enfrijoladas (scrambled eggs wrapped in soft homemade tortillas, covered in a black bean sauce with cubed avocado on top.)

Dinner is also served at 1826 Restaurant where guests can enjoy a myriad of special dishes, designed by the artistic chefs, ranging from seafood to beef to traditional Spanish dishes. Make sure to pair your dinner with a fantastic Mexican wine, Casa Madero’s 2V (white) or 3V Gran Reserva (red). 

Guests can also sign up to have a special lunch at Los Pirules Garden and Kitchen, which overlooks the resort pool and gardens. It’s an outdoor culinary experience like no other, right there at Rosewood!

In addition to the aforementioned relaxing activities at Rosewood, one can also sign up for an introspective art workshop with Lucas Rise, which takes place at the hotel’s La Veranda. Lucas is a local artist that brings in all the materials needed to create your own individualized painting, which you can also take home as a colorful souvenir.

Guests will also want to make an appointment for a wellness experience, such as a 90-minute massage, at Sense, Rosewood’s spa. Make sure you sign up for the amenity rotation before your treatment where you can enjoy the hot sauna, eucalyptus steam room, and shower prior to your decadent massage. Here, you can also purchase the Rosewood San Miguel signature scent which is a combo of lavender, nopal and lemongrass.

The real king of the castle at Rosewood is their Residences, 2-5 bedroom luxury apartments. They have their own calle (street) and are right next-door to the hotel. This is a great option for a family or a group of friends who want to stay a while. Each one has its own full kitchen and each bedroom has its own ensuite bathroom. Obviously different residences have different sizes and rates, and vary seasonally, but the four-bedroom that we looked at was $1,950/ night. (If you split that between four couples, it’s a very reasonable rate for a luxury residence.)

The exchange rate with the peso is very generous for Americans right now. Consider a trip to this vibrant town and immerse yourself in the very best that Mexico has to offer. Adios, amigos!

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Cover Photo from Sophie Latapie

Marika Flatt is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine and was named “Outstanding Austin Communicator” 2021 by Women Communicators of Austin. Flatt was the voice of the Weekend Trip Tips on NPR’s Texas Standard for five years pre-pandemic and is a regular travel contributor to TV shows across the state.