Notes from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

OK, so I didn’t start Southerly to be a travel a blog, but we are fortunate to experience some pretty cool places (especially as travel restrictions ease) that I love sharing with y’all. In fact, 100% of people voted for travel content when I asked on social media! So, here we are.

We recently returned from a trip to San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato Mexico. My fiance’s colleague got married there and after visiting, I can see why.

I had heard that San Miguel was like the Florence of Mexico. An artist town rich in color, culture and charm. And that’s exactly what I experienced there. With its cobblestone streets, quaint rooftop bars, colorful doorways, and picturesque aesthetics, San Miguel is one of the most wondrous places in Mexico. Behind every door, was a literal dream!

We only spent a few days there and that’s really all you need to discover this little gem. Most everything is within walking distance (so long as you’re not in stilettos!). And in my opinion, its best to explore and stumble upon what draws you in. If you want to be pointed in a certain direction, here are a few of my recommendations.

Stay

Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende Urban Resort

We stayed at the beautiful Live Aqua Resort. This spot is all about the vibe (I was in aesthetic heaven), but it also boasts a great pool and delicious food. The rooms were spacious and had a modern with local twist. We had breakfast on the patio on several occasions, and enjoyed dinner on-site as well. The one downside is that its on the edge of town - a bit further from the heart of the city - but still only about a 20 minute walk depending on your destination. Having the pool and lounge areas were respite after long days of discovery.

The Rosewood

The Rosewood Hotel is well known not only for its beautiful grounds, but also for the popular rooftop destination, Luna Tapas Bar. We weren’t able to experience Luna, but we did enjoy a lovely Sunday Brunch at the property. The grounds are covered in lush gardens and while I can’t speak for the rooms personally, I’m sure they are just as amazing. Make sure to check out their shop as well for some fun local finds.

Eat

Hacienda El Santuario

While I wanted to make a stop at the worlds’ best rooftop bar Quince, I’m happy that we instead followed our own path to the most charming hacienda. After you get past the humble entrance (which is very cute on its own!), the hotel reception leads down to a lush garden that opens up to the center of the building/plaza. Through another set of doors lies a quaint bar oozing in Mexican culture and hospitality. There are wall to ceiling murals with one that reads “for a good life, a good tequila.” And adjacent to the bar is a 400-year old kitchen where you can get the best enchiladas (at least that I had!).

Spice Market

This restaurant is on-site at the Live Aqua Resort. It is an asian-fusion restaurant and, I have to say, it was one of our favorite meals! The service was excellent and the food delicious. Plus its outdoor seating with a cool ambiance.

Il Castello Pizzeria

I know what you’re thinking. Pizza in Mexico?! But, I’ll be honest…after a few days and a lot of tequila, I was craving some comfort food. Just a 3 minute walk from our room, we found this hole in the wall pizza joint that hit the spot. We devoured a veggie pizza and size-able portion of spaghetti. No regrets.

In all fairness, due to the wedding, we didn’t get to explore as many restaurants as I would have liked!

Do

Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel

In some of the more famous shots of San Miguel, you’ll peek a grand, neo-Gothic style cathedral perched at the top of the hill. This is the heart of the city and a must-see for the architecture and culture. From here, you can explore some of the backstreets to find your perfect shot.

Door & rooftop explore

Y’all know I love door pics and aside from Charleston, this has to be a top destination for doors. Is that thing?! While there’s so much beauty at street level, I was amazed at what lie beyond the doors as well. Simply go walk around and see what you find! The views from the rooftops were unreal.

Doce 18

Near the center of town, you’ll find this beautiful concept building that houses a bar, restaurant, upscale shops and a boutique hotel. Need I say more? We stopped here to explore, and I’m so glad we did.

Fabrica la Aurora

We stumbled upon this art area as I was searching for an iced coffee. Here you’ll find a number of galleries and vendors as well as a few cafes.

Mixta & Trinitate

There are tons of cute shops all throughout San Miguel. My favorite was the stunning Mixta shop that offered clothing, jewelry and housewares in a gorgeous colonial style mansion. I don’t even think my fiance minded waiting while I made my way through the rooms. I found a cute locally made dishtowel and a fun beaded necklace. If I could have taken home more, I would have! We also stumbled into the picturesque Trinitate shop. The garden items and succulents drew me in, but the shop offers beautiful home and entertaining items as well. We shipped back a bird house and some items for the patio! Fingers crossed they make it OK. I’d visit these two again if we ever go back.

There are many other things to see and do in the area that I wish we had time to check out such as hot springs and the botanical gardens. But in the time we spent there, my creative spirit was alive. Its always humbling to visit new places, and this one will certainly hold a special place for us since we were there to celebrate love.

xo, Angela

“Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open.” – John Barrymore