Rosewood San Miguel de Allende: Refined Retreat that Celebrates the Region’s Colorful Cultural Heritage

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende: Refined Retreat that Celebrates the Region’s Colorful Cultural Heritage

Discover the captivating charm of Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, an enchanting oasis nestled in the heart of Mexico’s historic Guanajuato region. Rosewood San Miguel de Allende blends 19th century colonial architecture and contemporary luxury with the vibrant culture and cuisine of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage city.

Rosewood San Miguel entrance

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende is a masterpiece of creativity and history, painted on the canvas of San Miguel’s cobblestone streets and vibrant charms. At this artisanal oasis in the center of the city, surrounded by blooming jacaranda trees, each brushstroke of the hotel’s architecture reveals its deep colonial roots, and the exquisite artwork that adorns its walls showcases modern artistic visionaries who pay homage to the past. Add to this a palette of delectable Mexican cuisine, wellness inspired by native traditions, and curated cultural experiences and you get a haven for beauty, gastronomy, holistic practices, and culture that showcases the essence of San Miguel de Allende.

Nestled amidst the charming cobblestone streets and colorful walls of San Miguel de Allende, the Rosewood San Miguel stands as a testament to the rich history and European influence that define this Mexican mountain enclave. Founded by a monk in the 1500s as a missionary town along Spain’s silver route, San Miguel de Allende later played a pivotal role in the Mexican War of Independence. Today, it has evolved into a global mecca for art, cuisine and creativity, luring visitors from all over the world.

Rosewood San Miguel guestroom

Restful Retreats

The hotel feels deeply entwined with the fabric of San Miguel, and stepping inside transports you to the 19th century. Within the walls of this charming hacienda-style hotel, there are 67 beautifully appointed rooms, suites and private residences, designed to delight the senses. Hand-carved artisan furniture, dramatic wood-beamed ceilings, and richly pained walls adorned with art set the atmosphere.

The Colonial Rooms are handsomely appointed spaces that blend Spanish and Mexican design elements from the 16th century with wood floors, a stone hearth, and French terrace windows that open up to gardens or tree-lined vistas. If you desire an authentic and luxurious colonial-style living experience, the Residences are the epitome of elegance. These luxurious dwellings offer all the amenities of a graceful home while immersing you in the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Rosewood San Miguel dining

Gastronomic Journeys

In the heart of San Miguel de Allende’s exciting gastronomic scene, Rosewood offers refined dining that invites guests on a culinary adventure that celebrates the country’s authentic flavors and rich culinary heritage.

Step into the world of 1826 Restaurant, a shining tribute to San Miguel de Allende’s illustrious history commemorating the year the town was renamed to honor Ignacio Allende, a local hero instrumental in Mexico’s fight for independence. Chef Alejandro Aviles created a menu that highlights locally sourced ingredients, spotlighting nearby growers and producers. Warm and inviting, this space is framed by expansive windows, and a sunny veranda beckons for al fresco dining. The menu is rich with authentic flavors and vegetarian options.  Rosewood’s Partners in Provenance program encourages the culinary team of Rosewood San Miguel to buy produce within 15 miles of the resort’s location.  You can taste the freshness and quality of the food with each bite.

For people who want to experience an incredible view with their meal, look no further than the Luna Rooftop Restaurant, with its magical panoramic vistas across San Miguel’s cityscape. Fusing incredible ambiance with bold flavors, this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers a diverse menu that adds a touch of Mexican flair to each culinary masterpiece. Imaginative appetizers and luscious main courses make wonderful use of fresh produce, perfectly presented in a picturesque setting.

Rosewood San Miguel spa

Revitalize and Rejuvenate

Soothe your soul and energize your spirit at the exceptionally appointed Sense, A Rosewood Spa®. Step inside and find an ambiance that reflects the essence of San Miguel de Allende’s vibrant culture, a harmonious blend of traditional design and contemporary elements setting the stage for an exquisite spa experience. Indulge in indigenous-inspired therapies handed down through the generations by the Otomi natives. Massages draw themes from the phases of the moon, a variety of facials include the latest HydraFacial technology, and the honey and milk body treatment yields the silkiest skin imaginable. All treatments are designed to unlock the secrets of ancient Mexican healing, transporting guests to a realm of pure relaxation.

Rosewood San Miguel yoga

Work Out On Water

For those seeking a new way to work out, Rosewood’s FloatFit classes offer a whole new way to exercise – on the water's surface!  FloatFit is a form of high intensity interval training (HIIT) – done on water. Your instructor will offer a challenging routine designed to improve balance, enhance coordination, increase flexibility, and strength. Your core definitely becomes the unsung hero, as you really need to work hard to maintain your equilibrium so you don’t fall into the water.  After the session, enjoy any of the three pools, or to soothe sore muscles, step into the nearby Jacuzzi, offering 104°F water and powerful hydro-jets.

Culture Unveiled

Art experiences in San Miguel de Allende draw you into the cultural legacy of the region, a destination for art lovers in Mexico. The hotel offers a delightful array of art activities to unleash your creative potential, inspired by renowned artists like Pedro Friedeberg, known for his surreal and colorful works, and Juan Soriano, a highly prized painter and sculptor, as well by the vibrant creations of Vladimir Cora and the works of Leonora Carrington, a British-born surrealist painter who resided in Mexico City for most of her life. These works and more grace the hotel’s common spaces and nod to the colorful experiences guests can participate in. Meet Lucas Rise, an Argentine graphic artist whose art class explores the geometric figures, patterns, colors and textures that reflect the enchanting surroundings of San Miguel de Allende and his global travels. Master Hermés Arroyo, owner of a traditional Mojigangas Workshop, introduces the history and innovation used in the famous giant papier-mâché puppets that dominate the local festival parades. If painting is your passion, you’ll learn techniques to nurture and enhance your creative skills, and for those who prefer to wander, the on-site art concierge acts as a personalized guide, leading guests through the city’s diverse and extensive artistic offerings.

Rosewood San Miguel night view

Lasting Impressions:

Nestled in the embrace of unparalleled beauty, the hotel beckons you to cocoon in its luxurious splendor, revitalizing body and spirit so you’re ready to fully explore this enchanting colonial town. Narrated heritage tours and leisurely city walks bathe you in the rich history that surrounds you. For those craving adventure, an abundance of hiking trails, exhilarating horseback rides, invigorating golf outings, and soothing thermal hot springs await, igniting the passions of any outdoor enthusiast. Or simply meander through the cobblestone streets to reach San Miguel’s picturesque town square, El Jardin, where the vivacity and colors of this magnificent city effortlessly uplift your spirit and where Rosewood San Miguel de Allende welcomes you back to its warm embrace.

Article and Photos by Raquel Baldelomar

Raquel Baldelomar is an entrepreneur, author and journalist. She is author of Sugar Crush (HarperCollins, 2015). Her journalism focuses on how travel leads to a unique kind of productivity, creativity and wellness. She can be found at https://www.instagram.com/rbaldelomar.