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Meandering Through Mexico: A Review of 3 of the Country’s Best Hotels

City Guides, Travel
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14 Mar 2022
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7 min read

FOUR leaves behind the cooler climes and heads to three of Mexico’s most exclusive hotels to be immersed in the country’s vibrant culture, chic design, sun-drenched hangouts and breathtaking nature.

Known the world over for its exciting mix of extremes, Mexico is a country that literally has something for everyone. With a rich and ancient history and jaw-dropping land-, sea- and mountainscapes, combined with a buzzing gastronomic and cultural scene, it’s no surprise that once people visit Mexico, they keep returning for more.

Home to some of the world’s most sought-after restaurants, hotels, and beaches, FOUR takes a whistlestop tour of three of the best hotels in the country as we visit Los Cabos, San Miguel de Allende, and Mexico City.

Starting in Los Cabos, the much-loved beach resort on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, we head to The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, to soak up some of the magnificent views that the hotel is famous for. And trust us when we say that they don’t disappoint! With sweeping views of El Arco (the iconic rock formation that marks Land’s End) and the Bahia Cabo San Lucas, The Cape offers a boutique backdrop that elevates a beachfront getaway to new heights.

In fact, this hotel offers a fresh and vibrant approach to everything on offer. From its ultra-comfy accommodations to the carefully curated food and aesthetic, The Cape hasn’t overlooked a single detail. As a design-led hotel, Mexico City architect Javier Sanchez has cleverly woven the hotel building into the surrounding natural landscape of Monuments Beach to create a stunning mix of clean, contemporary lines and a laid-back California vintage vibe.

As an area popular with both the surfing set and the younger, cool crowd, this luxury boutique hotel is definitely one to visit if you want to see a different side to Cabo and let your hair down a little.

With two stunning pools, one an infinity-edge with a swim-up bar and adjoining hot tubs, as well as outdoor spa cabanas, guests can relax in style and tranquillity as the amenities seamlessly blend into the natural rock formations on the property.

This chic hotel is the perfect place to retreat to after a day spent exploring or riding the waves with the whales, offering a multitude of chillout areas as well as boasting the only rooftop bar in Cabo San Lucas. Adorned with lush foliage and gently flowing water features, The Rooftop is the place where The Cape’s discerning guests can transition from barefoot living by day to urban vibe at night. With expert mixologists on hand to craft cocktails and an array of local artisan beers and serves, this large open-air terrace is a fun experience not to be missed when in Cabo.

With design at its core, the hotel’s culinary centrepiece restaurant Manta also emphasises simple, elegant aesthetics that are inspired by nature and exalted by contemporary features. The brainchild of JSa Arquitectura and chef Enrique Olvera, Manta was said to be “conceived as a black box that focuses on the views from one of the most desirable and secluded playas in Cabo”.

The tasting menu at Manta pays homage to the entire Pacific coast with food inspired by Mexico, Peru and Japan, to name a few. Chef Olvera uses his trademark style of creating food that fuels the imagination whilst also respecting traditional cooking methods and ingredients of the surrounding terroir. The food is hearty, casual, and everything you would expect from the award-winning Mexican chef. Although the property feels compact, there are also three further food and beverage offerings to choose from, each boasting their own unique style, but all committed to producing high-quality food from locally sourced produce.

Another highlight of our stay in The Cape was definitely the chic accommodation. With resort-style amenities, each room comes with its own private balcony, a swing bed and a swoon-worthy freestanding copper bath in which to gaze at the view while drinking a sundowner.

For those staying in the exclusive villas, guests can expect a dedicated butler service and a generous living area that feels more like a luxury home away from home than a hotel.

Though you can’t walk into town from The Cape, the marina at Cabo San Lucas is less than four miles away, making it easy to take day trips (especially boat and kayak tours) to the southernmost tip of Baja California. Here you can enjoy an array of dining, shopping and events to add an extra authentic experience to your stay in the area.

Scoring highly for its design, gastronomy, seamless service and exceptional vistas, The Cape is a very special venue that creates an unforgettable memory of Los Cabos and all within 45 minutes of Los Cabos International Airport (SJD).

Next on the tour, we head to the highlands outside Mexico City to visit San Miguel de Allende. A colonial-era city known for its striking Baroque architecture and thriving arts and cultural activities, San Miguel de Allende is a four-hour drive from the capital and definitely worth a visit. Arriving at our next stay in the Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, we were instantly taken aback by the beautiful heritage property nestled into the hills. The hotel comprises former colonial properties, including a 17th-century fortress and the famous Casa Principal, to create unique and individual accommodations rich in intriguing design and history.

Evoking the charm of a bygone era, guests are immediately transported into a luxurious Mexican sanctuary that prides itself on its stellar service, authentic experience, and outstanding gastronomy.

Greeted by friendly and efficient staff, the wooden doors open to make way for a standout aesthetic that combines antique furniture, original artwork and contemporary fabrics. With a small array of rooms, suites and an exclusive residence that accommodates up to 14 guests, we settled into our spacious accommodation and took note of all its luxurious details and state-of-the-art amenities.

With San Miguel de Allende known as the country’s gastronomic capital, the hotel pays tribute to this title with its award-winning cuisine from Executive Chef, Eduardo Zorrilla. Spread among three on-site venues, each wows with its unique style, design and food and beverage offering. Restaurante del Parque, an alfresco dining experience in the elegant setting of the hotel’s manicured grounds, is perfect for sampling traditional Mexican flavours and an extensive drinks list.

Andanza, meanwhile, is the hotel’s fine-dining experience that showcases chef Santiago’s culinary repertoire and extensive knowledge of fresh, local fare. Popular among hotel guests as well as visitors to the city, the menu combines international dishes with a Mexican twist. Dishes such as Grilled Cactus, Pork Belly Pibil Style Tacos and 300g Rib Eye with Chimichurri are given a contemporary update and make Andanza a standout restaurant in the city.

The final offering from the hotel is The Blue Bar, a buzzy haunt that is perfect for relaxing at the end of the day. With cosy indoor seating as well as a breezy patio area, the bar is a great place to watch the world go by and reflect on the sights, sounds and colours of this enchanting city.

If it wasn’t clear already, food is such an integral part of the hotel that guests can even take part in a ‘cooking vacation’ while visiting. Casa de Sierra Nevada’s cooking school, Sazón, gives guests the chance to learn about Mexican specialities, healthy eating and regional delicacies, all under the guidance of the hotel’s expert cooks. Taking you on a tour of the country’s gastronomic history, you will be cooking your own modern Mexican masterpiece for all to enjoy by the end of the course.

This stylish hotel has everything you need for a luxury stay in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, including a full-service Laja Spa offering the latest in holistic and natural treatments for when you retire back to the hotel after a full day exploring the city. Or if you’re feeling inspired by the town’s extensive artistic legacy, including Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Frida Kahlo, and you fancy being creative, then Casa de Sierra Nevada also hosts art workshops in Casa Parque, where you can learn tricks of the trade from their expert resident artist.

Conveniently located just a three-minute walk from Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a neo-Gothic church, and a nine-minute walk from the Mercado de Artesanías, the hotel is a truly exquisite base from which to explore this fairytale Mexican city and the surrounding lands.

Having sampled a cool coastal hideout and a colourful retreat in the heartlands, it was time for us to head to the big smoke on the final stop of our Mexican tour. Staying at the St. Regis Mexico City, we were able to finish off the trip in the signature style and elegance that St. Regis is renowned for. In fact, this hotel probably stood out the most for its incredible service and attention. Old school in its manners, yet modern in its style, it offered the best of both worlds to create a truly memorable stay.

Aside from its unparalleled service, the hotel is in a great location to explore the hustle and bustle of North America’s largest city. Enjoying a prime space in front of the Glorieta de la Diana Cazadora on the Paseo de la Reforma, guests can step out and enjoy the capital’s top restaurants, bars and attractions of its trendy La Condesa, Roma and Roma Norte neighbourhoods in a mere matter of moments.

Designed by Cesar Pelli, the Argentine-American architect who is renowned for creating some of the world’s tallest buildings, the hotel is housed within a glittering skyscraper that towers above the Mexican capital and offers a luxurious respite from the frenetic scene below. Naturally, the building also boasts striking panoramic views of the cityscape and its neighbouring landmarks, including the city’s showcase boulevard that’s home to the landmark Ángel de la Independencia statue and the Parque Chapultapec, the city’s gigantic green lung.

With floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, guests can indulge in the vistas at all times as they sit back and relax in the stylish communal seating areas, or from their spacious rooms. With a timeless aesthetic, the soft furnishings carry the hotel’s signature and tasteful purple and cream colour palette. Luxurious attention to detail includes plush carpeting, stylish contemporary glass and wood furniture, geometric shapes and framed abstract art.

With fifteen Luxury Suites available, guests can expect even more space, along with the same sophisticated furniture and curated design found in the Grand Deluxe Rooms. Onyx and marble bathrooms are the same as what’s on offer in the Grand Deluxe Rooms, but the Luxury Suites have an additional powder room. For those wanting a kitchen, there is the possibility of the St. Regis Suite, although this is often booked out by visiting dignitaries.

With attention to detail underpinning the St. Regis brand, the Mexico City hotel is no different, with its signature hotel scent, Carolina 400, wafting through the corridors and the elaborate fresh flower displays throughout, making it feel like more than just a business hotel.

Although many guests are business travellers, the hotel also attracts many who are looking for a spa experience at their exclusive Remède Spa or food lovers who want to sample great cuisine with stunning views at Diana Restaurant.

The St. Regis Mexico City is a well-polished, luxury hotel that has created a clear sense of place in the buzzing capital. Though the bellmen and butlers wear tails and top hats, the formal vibe is still approachable and friendly. Greeted at the reception with a glass of champagne and a genuine smile, this hotel knows a thing or two about customer care.

After traversing the city and sampling some of its world-famous food and festivities, we left Mexico feeling like we had experienced only some of its best bits and left us wanting more. Until next time, Mexico!

–

This editorial first appeared in FOUR’s 01.22 Edition

Photos © The Cape, A Thompson Hotel; Casa De Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel and The St. Regis Mexico City / Mark Knight Photography

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