San Miguel de Allende is a spectacular travel destination for the fall. As the Mexican sun wanes through October and November, San Miguel de Allende becomes a temperate playground for artists, fashion-lovers, and foodies alike.
A showcase of classic Mexican architecture, the UNESCO World Heritage Site pueblo founded in 1542 is simultaneously culturally rich, aesthetically breathtaking, and historically significant. San Miguel de Allende is a well-preserved city with an array of winding cobblestone streets and vibrant towers of colonial architecture. Among many accommodation options, the most enchanting homebase for in-the-know visitors is Casa de Sierra Nevada, a Belmond hotel. The meticulously preserved 37-room boutique hotel stands as a testament to the grandeur of Spanish-inspired design. Casa de Sierra Nevada's historical significance as a former parochial center dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries only adds to its cultural allure.
Located in the very center of town, Casa de Sierra Nevada is ideally situated for exploring SMA. After delving into local art, gastronomy, and culture, guests return to a sparkling azure pool surrounded by stone arches, a grassy lawn, and bursts of vibrant colored bougainvillea for a refreshing respite. Tunki Rooftop by Handshake is the hotel’s picturesque rooftop bar with the best views in the city and serves Peruvian-inspired cuisine paired with creative and intricate mixology.
For those guests looking to truly immerse themselves in Mexican culture, the hotel offers personalized culture workshops that bring the San Miguel de Allende experience to life. For culinary-leaning guests, Sazon Cooking School, renowned in the city, combines a visit to a local produce market with tailored private culinary instruction, leaving guests with a more profound understanding of Mexico’s classic and contemporary cuisine – as well as a fresh bite to eat. Artistic offerings at the hotel include Mexican painting and drawing classes and the incredible opportunity to create “Mojigangas” – traditional papier mâché sculptures – alongside the hotel’s resident local artist. Additional experiences include guided art tours; after all, Diego Rivera was born only a few miles away; full or half day horseback rides through the countryside paired with ranch lunches, winery visits with private tastings, and scenic hot air balloon rides, among many others. At the end of a long day exploring, many guests opt for the hotel’s lavish Laja Spa.
SMA offers a number of chic activities for the discerning traveler this fall. Art galleries and cultural experiences range from Fábrica la Aurora, a former textile factory today housing canvases, sculptures, and handcrafted local artisan products to abandoned colonial mine Mineral de Pozos and an active lavender ranch. Visitors can stroll through exhibits of local fashion and handcrafted furniture, then descend into a mineshaft or stroll fields of fragrant lavender. The city’s creative energy permeates every activity a visitor experiences.
Foodie travelers can expect a burgeoning Mexican gastronomic scene in San Miguel de Allende. Vibrant local Mexican flavors at La Posadita and Moxi contrast sharply the growing international food of the city, from Atrio’s Asian cuisine to Trazo’s modern European kitchen. There are also numerous local options for those wine afficionados – and couples looking for a romantic escape – to learn the art and beauty behind Mexican wines, from grape cultivation to sampling.
