San Miguel de Allende: Discovering the Heart of Mexico
A Travel Management Company
DestinationPick Newsletter: February Edition
February 2025
San Miguel de Allende: Discovering the Heart of Mexico
Destination: San Miguel de Allende
A world-renowned tourist city located right in the heart of Mexico, San Miguel de Allende has seen millions of visitors in recent years come to cross its thresholds and experience its unique way of life. In this month's edition, we'll be discussing why SMA is justifiably recognized as "the heart of Mexico."
Getting to San Miguel de Allende
Visitors can travel by both land and air. The most cost-efficient transportation options may vary depending on where travelers depart from. Some travelers departing from the northern regions of North America have found it cheapest to fly direct to Mexico City and take a taxi or rental car up from there. The closest international airports are located in León and Querétaro, a 1.5-hour drive and a 1.25-hour drive from SMA, respectively. Local buses and taxis from the airports provide transportation into the city.
(Map of nearby airports and travel routes to San Miguel de Allende.)
San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful town with a rich history dating back to 15th-century Mexico, when the fight against Spanish rule was still underway. The local community keeps its history and culture alive through many traditions and exuberant festivals year-round, from religious festivals to music and arts, and much more (learn more on Holidays and Traditions in Mexico). This is just another reason why it's always a good time to experience the culture and delicious cuisine in San Miguel! This highly awarded tourist town is never short of a reason to celebrate, having earned recognition from several major travel publications in 2024.
2024 Awards & Recognition
Award / PublicationRecognitionTravel + Leisure Annual Reader's Poll#1 City in the WorldCondé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards#3 Small City in the World
The city's iconic cobblestone streets are lined with vibrant houses, buildings, and historic churches. In fact, it's said that the three-century-old Baroque-style architecture of San Miguel de Allende gives the city an artistic aura reminiscent of Florence, Italy—right here in North America. Make no mistake, though: SMA is where visitors come to experience a true taste of Mexican culture and cuisine!
Here, couples looking to create a different experience from the traditional 100+ room resort can enjoy a more intimate, family-focused affair for themselves and their guests by booking their stay at one of the haciendas. Additionally, getting married in one of the beautifully constructed churches, whose walls tell centuries' worth of history, makes for a timeless story to tell!
"San Miguel de Allende is a city that has evolved its cultural, gastronomic, and artistic value to an international level . . . [and it has] appeal to all tourism trends, including wellness, sustainability, romance, incentives, adventure, and nature."
— Tania Castillo, Tourism Director
Site Visit: Casa de Sierra Nevada (San Miguel de Allende)
This past October, we had the pleasure of conducting a site visit at Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel.
This hotel consists of 37 rooms and suites, a large pool, a tranquil garden, a spa, and much more. Each of its 6 houses has a name and a historic tie to the local community.
The hotel is a true gem, decorated with traditional Mexican art both inside and out!
"History is woven into every stucco wall, tiled bath, and curved ceiling, all balanced with modern luxuries."
— Casa de Sierra Nevada
Outdoors is no less breathtaking. Stepping into the hotel's courtyard transports you into a relaxed state of being, inside an enchanting oasis surrounded by stone, water fountains, and lush greenery.
The Best Rooftop Bar in San Miguel de Allende
The hotel's new rooftop cocktail bar, Tunki Rooftop, offers one of the best views of the city and its distinctive landmark, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel.
The staff members were incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and friendly!
New Hotel Alert: SLS Playa Mujeres
Located just northeast of Cancún, SLS Playa Mujeres opened in November 2024. This beachfront, all-inclusive resort features 500 rooms, each outfitted with luxury amenities.
Resort guests staying in the Elite suites enjoy privileged access to special amenities such as an exclusive beachfront, a private suite rooftop terrace, a jacuzzi, private check-in, and a lounge.
Limited-Time Promotion: Book between now and September 30th, and all kids under age 12 stay free.
The Ciel Spa offers an array of 20 different treatments, ranging from relaxation and therapeutic pain relief to skin rejuvenation and body-and-mind wellness. Guests can also enjoy a unique skin exfoliation experience using butters and oils infused with aromas ranging from light citrus to smoky bourbon.
Fun for the whole family: enjoy a family movie night at the indoor theater or outdoors under the stars, or take a dip in the resort's Splash Zone.
There are dedicated spaces for every age group. Teenagers can meet friends at the Teen Lounge, while the Coati Kids Club offers activities ranging from playing in the sand to spinning beats on the DJ turntable. Adult-only experiences include a dedicated day club and pool lounge, and childcare is available for parents traveling with young children.
Guests can stay cool at one of the resort's 4 pools or its secluded beachfront, and stay hydrated at one of its 18 restaurants and bars.
Wedding Services: Several venue options are available to accommodate weddings of any size, from beautiful private beaches to trendy on-site cocktail bars.
SLS Playa Mujeres At a Glance
FeatureDetailsOpenedNovember 2024Rooms500 rooms, all-inclusivePools4 pools + secluded beachfrontDining18 restaurants and barsSpaCiel Spa — 20 treatmentsFamily SpacesTeen Lounge, Coati Kids Club, Splash ZonePromotionKids under 12 stay free (book by Sept 30)
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Thank you so much for reading this month's edition of our newsletter! We'd love to hear feedback from you. Don't miss the opportunity to connect with us on social media.
Tune in next month!
– Stan
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