BELMOND reveals the masterful redesign of its ‘best kept secret’ – Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, San Miguel del Allende in the heart of Mexico.
The property emerges from a phased redesign as one of the inner city’s most beautiful and timeless retreats – where around every corner of the property the rich local culture is reflected through its art, interiors and gastronomy.
Rural Mexico is channelled through the property’s lush landscaping – as guests wander through shady courtyards, past sparkling fountains and under stone archways adorned with orange trees, indigenous cycad and agave tequila plants.
Appointed by Belmond to oversee the interiors is famous US interior-architect Trisha Wilson who has lead an expert team on the redesign of 37 rooms and suites, traditional relaxed Mexican eatery Restaurante del Parque, elegant restaurant Andanza, tequila nightspot The Blue Bar, inner-city haven Laja Spa, plus all public spaces, courtyards and gardens within six historic mansion houses.
A MEXICAN MASTERPIECE
Uniquely formed of a cluster of individual casonas dating back from 16th – 18th century, the hotel contributes to the bohemian street life of San Miguel de Allende; providing travellers a calming sanctuary in a city bursting with contemporary galleries, quirky shops, vibrant food markets and characterful bars and eateries.
Constructed like a piece of art; every feature and design detail is a one-off and has been carefully restored or handcrafted locally to ensure the property’s 400-year history is respectfully celebrated.
The charming old-world swimming pool, nestled within historical walls and lush gardens, has been visually enhanced with the addition of fresh white tiling and the planting of new flora and fauna – creating a unique oasis for rest and reflection.
THE ART OF GOOD LIVING
A newly installed Artist’s Corner at Casa Parque is inspired by the city’s thriving arts and crafts scene and is where resident artist Jose Luis Arias, a graduate of the Instituto Allende, conducts regular guest art classes and city gallery tours. Housed in a magnificent 18th-century mansion house, Sazón, the hotel’s authentic cooking school offers an inspiring introduction to Mexican cuisine. Led by the charismatic Chef Ruben Yanez, a food market tour and tasting takes place before guests are invited to prepare a healthy feast. The reimagined Laja Spa includes a fitness studio, three treatment rooms, and rooftop relaxation area. Ensuring the very best service in town – a dedicated coffee and tea butler serves refreshments throughout the property’s courtyards and the ‘Casa’ gardener Benjamin can be spotted welcoming guests and is the unofficial holder of all the hotel’s secrets, past and present!
MASTERS OF GASTRONOMY
An authority on regional food and wine, Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada is central to the city’s exciting culinary scene. Beautifully landscaped for alfresco dining and decorated with locally-sourced artworks and a mural by resident artist Jose is locals’ favourite, Restaurante del Parque. Serving traditional Mexican dishes packed with flavour, this is the perfect garden setting to enjoy Sunday brunch or a spot of live music. Andanza, with hanging botanicals and striking ‘Otomi’ hand-painted animal mural, offers a more elegant setting for indoor and outdoor all day dining – with menus featuring refined Mexican cuisine combined with international flavours. Mariel Beiza, the newly appointed Executive Chef is already applying her experience of Thai cooking to reimagine classic Mexican dishes.
The beautiful and century-old blue hand-painted mural wall and oversized Mescal table made from a rescued reclaimed farmhouse door, make The Blue Bar a characterful quarter for a night cap and chance to sample the best local tequilas.
THE CULTURE OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
Distributed within the casonas are the newly appointed bedrooms and suites. Each is unique and filled with one-off artworks by local talent and Mexican antiques. Many suites feature bright pink, yellow and blue antique rugs, soft furnishings, tapestries and bed linens – complementing the authentic clay floors and darker-coloured walls. The high level of craftsmanship can be best appreciated in the detail of the bed head boards, mini-bar frontages and wooden furniture has been hand-forged and carved using local techniques and motifsMany of the rooms boast terraces, balconies or courtyards, which offer the best views of the city’s picturesque rooftops and a vantage point from which to watch the spectacular sunset. Most rooms now boast fireplaces, cosy hearth and lounge areas to relax on cooler evenings.
The exceedingly spacious bathrooms are impressive works of art in their own right – with many featuring brightly coloured traditional Talavera bathroom tiles from floor to ceiling and intricately carved wooden vanity units and mirrors.
DESTINATION DETAILS
Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada can be accessed via Mexico City or regional airports Querétaro or Guanajuato-León Airport. A private car transfer from Mexico City can be arranged through the hotel and takes just over 3 hours and from Guanajuato-León the hotel is a scenic one-and-a-half hour drive away.
Rates start from $360/£259 for a Deluxe Bedroom and $647/£466 for a Suite with a private terrace and plunge pool on B&B basis. For info please visit: HERE
