I really can’t say enough about the enchanting San Miguel de Allende in the hills of Mexico. I know when many people hear Mexico, their minds go to Cabo or Cancun (or El Chappo). Many Texans flock to the mountains of Colorado to escape the heat, yet a large percentage also go to San Miguel. While I love a good Aspen trip, I think I fell hard for the rich cultural and visual paradise that is San Miguel. Walking through the cobblestone streets on an incline, there were vibrant hues of homes with perfectly bejeweled doors. Music often fills the streets with mariachi bands celebrating any festivity and banners swinging from rooftops across narrow caminos. The very present sounds of church bells make you feel as if you are roaming the streets of Italy without the long haul flight and time change.

The stay at The Rosewood was impeccable. Poolside in a cabana with friends, a pampering massage in the spa, and enjoying a fresh margarita on the rooftop every night were just a few of the highlights. The shopping in town was also excellente. Stores feel more like homes than a place of business, many with courtyards and impeccable design that just comes with the territory. The markets were full of handmade fabrics, pottery, and lanterns that create splashes of pattern. I really don’t have anything negative to say, except that I needed a couple more days to stay and play.

THE ROSEWOOD: SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

Reception/Lobby.

The bar…over 96 types of Tequilla!

The central courtyard.

The room.

The main courtyard in the evening.

The door to the spa. As you can see, many architectural details.

The back of the hotel.

The pool area after some rain. A rarity that cabanas are completely free. I will say that poolside service was painfully slow, and don’t ask for an ice coffee….

The resort grows their own very fragrant lavender. The scent is present in spa services, as well as in the suites. Housekeeping would light fresh lavender by the tub every evening. A delightful touch.

Very interesting landscape surrounds the hotel. Little arrangements of rocks and plants are scattered around perfectly cut grass.

A wonderful play of pattern on the rooftop from light fixtures that are often seen on the streets for sale.

The rooftop bar offers one of the best views in town.

If only I were still lounging here now.

The colorful Rosewood residences, including a balcony of potted boxwood.

Architecture And Culture

 

The Jardin is a bustling part of town right near the main church.

Speaking of the church, it was quite breathtaking.

 

This door is just plain cool of color.

I would love to one day replicate this tile I saw in a small linen shop on a side street.

A very common courtyard entrance to a restaurant.

Street fountain minus the water. Beautiful tile that surely has history.

A private residence friends were staying in. I love the courtyard and intimate ambience.

Stairs in the side courtyard. I love the architectural nooks and crannies.

View from the steps.

View from the rooftop looking into some beautiful homes. I adore the window boxes.

Another lovely home visible from above. How clean and chic are the pots of white flowers, as well as the navy and white awnings.

  

I spy blue and white…

A lovely view from the top of the hill.

Shops

Mixta

I am obsessed with everything about this store.

The courtyard alone is magical.

Spy the detail of the doors, as well as the pattern of the wallpaper. So many wonders inside.

 

Recreo

An exceptional store if you are looking for one of a kind tunics and ponchos. Expertly crafted and designed, just like the store itself.

This was the highlight. Have you ever seen such a thing? Tiers and branches of boxwood.

Some of the tunics.

Casa Katalina

These candles. Seriously. I lugged these home in my carry on to ensure next year’s birthday cake will be colorful and festive.

Hilo Negro

A Mexican take on blue and white. I also LOVE the red and cream.

Markets

If I could have fit this in my suitcase, it would have found a home with me. Worth over triple in the states.

Lights abound. Plus look at the sweet Christmas decorations on the right. They could make quite the tabletop decoration. 

Great for a luncheon or a child’s room.