SAN MIGUEL will forever be my happy place.
Evan and I headed to San Miguel for a wedding planning trip in mid-August. August is typically the rainy season and a bit slower for US tourists. So when we were approaching the week of the trip- the weather forecast looked frightening. Lucky for us, it only rained twice (both times at night after dinner). However, be warned, the rain happens fast, and there is a lot of it! Airports that fly into San Miguel de Allende are QRO and BJX. Both are excellent options and about an hour to ninety minutes by car. Evan and I hired SMA transportation to pick us up from the airport. They met us outside customs with a sign with our name on it, were on time, and were the most gracious. The cost is 1800 MX or 90 USD (cash only). We stayed at the Rosewood Hotel, and I cannot say enough great things about this hotel. The service is out of this world. First, upon check-in, they offer you a welcome drink and snack. Then the rooms have welcome treats upon arrival, and each night there is a treat by the bed. If sunglasses are left out, they will leave a sunglass wipe; if hair dryers are left raveled in a knot, they will tie up all the cords. It truly is a magical experience. Rosewood upgraded our room to a suite with a large balcony and a view of the main church. The closet area was massive, and the bathroom had movable windows that could open to a view of the bedroom and out to the church. The Rosewood has two main restaurants (not including pool service or the tequila bar serving sushi), 1826 and Lunas Tapas. Lunas Tapas is on the rooftop. Make a reservation on OpenTable and order the pineapple pepina drink with mezcal and the short rib tacos. So delicious. Every day I found an excuse to have a happy hour taco (either grilled fish tacos or short rib) with one or two mezcal drinks. Although Evan and I never went to 1826 for dinner, we frequented for breakfast. I convinced Evan to order the Apporeadillo, and I was so envious after his dish came out. It was scrambled eggs with the most incredible salsa verde/tomatillo salsa served with corn tortillas to make individual tacos. Next, I ordered the Enfrijoladas, which were delicious but not as tasty as the Apporeadillo. On Sundays, 1826 serves a Mexican brunch, the 'brunch of my dreams. They have a quesadilla station, guacamole station, tamale cart, ceviche cart, grill with various vegetables and meats, tacos al pastor station, churros, and hot chocolate cart, and make your eggs/omelet station- and that's the stations that are only outside. There is more food inside. It was amazing. I could go on and on about the Rosewood, but I will stop there. Just know that at the spa, the massage is one of the best massages I have had, and the pool has the most delightful chaise lounges with the best scenery. Evan and I went on a food tour through San Miguel. I will switch this to a list of recommendations. Dinner Restaurants: Aperi: tasting menu with wine pairings, seasonal ingredients and menu changes daily. Great price for a 5 course tasting menu restaurant (~$100 USD a person). Evan and I were served a ceviche, spaghetti squash dish, fish course, duck, and dessert. Of the five courses, my favorite were the first two. Aperi came reccomended by Rosewood. Bovine: french restaurant with super cool decor from the entrance off the street to the main floor with the dining room. The chef here worked at Daniel in NY- a french tasting menu spot. Marsala: mediterranean restuarant. Evan and I did not try this place yet but it is on our list for next time. Zibu: located at the live aqua hotel. A modern trendy restaurant serving mexican fare. i had cauliflower tacos that were delicious. Live Aqua prides itself on great service, which we could see we were very well taken care of. We also had ceviche, spring rolls and steak tacos- everything was really fresh & well done. The Restaurant: the most reccomended resturant in SMA and I see why. Very fresh ingredients. Evan and I had two salads; the beet & goat cheese salad and the brussels sprout salad. For mains, we surprisngly ordered two meat dishes: the chicken & the pork chop (see picture on right). i will definitly be going back and ordering them again. Tostevere: this will go down as Evans favorite spot in San Miguel. The tostadas were out of this world. There was a tostada with cheese and beef that is pictures on the right, super tasty! Same with the ceviche tostada. Do not leave without trying these two! Rooftop Recommendations: La Unica: incredible cocktails, very thoughtful decor. I thought la Unica was cooler than Quince honestly. I had been to the one in Mexico City previously which is equally stunning. Quince: very popular restaurant, lively environment- need a reservation. There are multiple levels of Quince the best part is closest to the church- right when you come up the stairs from the reception its the right side. Sometimes they have tight rope performers so this are also has the best view of "the show". Cielo: closest rooftop to the Parroquia (or main church in the square) Bekeb Artisinal Mixology Breakfast Reccomendations: Lavanda Cafe: a line begins to form the later in the morning it gets so if you want to eat here, show up early! Inside Cafe: recommended by frequent visitors of SMA. Evan went without me one morning when i was taking care of weddings stuff. He ordered two dishes. Thinking he would only eat one but said the first bite of the second was so good he couldnt stop. 1826: inside the rosewood hotel, see description above. Raices Restaurante: located south of the SMA. Very popular breakfast spot. Evan and I did not have the chance to eat there- just yet! Night Life: Sammys Mama Mia Republica Duke The room: not technically night life, but a fun bar to do a mezcal tasting or have some mezcal cocktails. The owner is super knowledgable. Hotel Recommendations: Rosewood Live Aqua Hotel Matilda Hotel Amparo To Do: Main Square with Parroquia Casa Dragones Tasting Room Shopping around the square, lots of neat concept shops with fun clothing and decor La Fabrica: huge outdoor/indoor area with various art galleries Horseback riding- there are day adventures on viator Winery day trips - ^^ Cooking classes- ^^ Hot Springs |
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