Long a retreat for artists — and now for retirees and younger expats — Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende is home to the sophisticated and colorful Hotel Matilda, which debuted in September 2010. The small hotel in the heart of the 468-year-old colonial city is a boutique property with just 32 rooms. On-site amenities include a restaurant featuring a fusion of American, Continental and Latin cooking with indoor and outdoor patio seating, an infinity pool, free Wi-fi in common areas (yay!) and the recently opened Spa Matilda.
The 4,700-square-foot spa is located in a tranquil garden setting, with a dramatic water feature at its entrance. Four treatment rooms include a couple’s room, wellness studio (for yoga and Pilates) and a private luxury spa suite with meditation garden, steam shower and soaking tub. Sitting areas for pre- and post-treatment quiet time include two patios and an indoor/outdoor relaxation lounge with fireplace. A fitness center with cardio and strength-training equipment is also available to guests of the hotel and spa.
One interesting service guests can experience is the Hamman ritual, which is an aromatherapy steam with self-administered body scrub; this can be a stand-alone treatment or a service before a massage, wrap or facial. The treatments offered here are vast, and many can be customized to individual guests’ needs. You can also choose to receive some treatments in the privacy of your guest room — or on your guest-room terrace (pictured at left).
Another nifty offering: the Apothecary (pictured at right). Here you can peruse and purchase hand-blended products inspired by the regional culture and composed of locally procured artisanal ingredients.
San Miguel de Allende is located in the central highlands of Mexico about a 3.5-hour drive from Mexico City. American, Aeromexico and Continental airlines fly from the U.S. to Leon/Guanajuato Airport, which is a 1.5- hour drive from San Miguel de Allende. American Eagle flies from Dallas to Querétero, about an hour drive from San Miguel. Hotel Matilda can arrange airport transfers.
