It’s not easy to improve on the accolade of “World’s No. 1 City,” but San Miguel de Allende is doing just that. The colonial gem and UNESCO World Heritage site earned the top ranking in Travel + Leisure’s 2017 World’s Best Awards. The same survey named San Miguel’s boutique Hotel Matilda the top city hotel in Mexico.
The restaurant at Hotel Matilda, Moxi, is helmed by superstar Mexican chef, Enrique Olvera. Launched in 2012, it’s credited with raising the city’s profile as a foodie destination. Particularly well-received are its Supper Clubs, which feature renowned guest chefs collaborating on food, wine and tequila pairings.
Now comes a new concept, the Krug Table Dinner at Moxi.
Served at the Owner’s Table in a private dining room, guests are treated to a special menu paired with Krug Grand Curveé champagne.
Avocado with Toasted Almond Extract and Caviar; Enchilpayada Emulsion with Marinated Onion and Lemon; Mini Sacher Cake with Passion Fruit, Chocolate and Candied Peanuts and Aged Manchego Sheep Cheese served with Caramel-Coated Grapefruit await.
The price for the Krug Table (available now and throughout 2018) is 11,200 pesos (about $585) for two persons plus service. For six, the price is 25,000 pesos (about $1,300), plus service. Guests must reserve and prepay at least four days in advance.
Hotel Matilda isn’t the only venue in the culinary spotlight in San Miguel de Allende. Bovine, the brasserie that opened in September, has introduced Mesa Dragones, a “Casa Dragones Table.” It has a six-course private dining experience for up to ten. The special menu by Chef Paul Bentley is paired with premium artisanal tequila by Casa Dragones.
The Australian chef Paul Bentley is already a presence in Mexico with his Magno Brasserie in Guadalajara and Mi Amor in Tulum. Bovine is making a mark with its reinterpreted steakhouse concept.
The price for the Mesa Dragones menu is 1,800 pesos per person (about $96) plus service.
El Dorado Maroma
In addition to colonial cities, Mexico’s Caribbean destinations continue to enhance their appeal. That’s especially true for Karisma Hotels & Resorts. In the past year, the brand has introduced Villa Casa del Mar by Karisma; renovated two-bedroom Presidential Suites and an expanded grand ballroom that now accommodates up to 1,200 guests at El Dorado Royale; a new Sky Wedding location and bar with outdoor terrace featuring ocean views at El Dorado Maroma; a new ballroom at Generations Riviera Maya; and Natura Day Club, plus new suites and an expanded beachfront infinity pool at Azul Beach Resort The Fives Playa del Carmen.
Three months ago, they debuted Xolumado, An Inspiration Village. It’s located between Generations Riviera Maya and El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort, by Karisma.
Daniel Scheiman, Karisma’s senior business development manager for North America explains the Xolumado (pronounced sho-lu-MA-do) story.
“The property used to be the house and studios of (Mexican singing idol) Juan Gabriel. He died last year and we’re taking it over, but keeping his legacy. We’re not touching anything. It’s a total of 15 cottages, every one of them is different. They’re great for spiritual events, such as yoga retreats and Hindu weddings,” said Scheiman.
In addition to high-profile collaborations with the Nickelodeon and Margaritaville brands, Karisma is rolling out more of their vineyard villas in Baja. And, plans exist to expand the wildly popular over-water bungalow concept that it introduced in 2016.
“We’ve been quite busy this year, with much more to come in the near future.
We were the first to have over water-bungalows in Mexico and the Caribbean. There are plans to expand, but we still don’t have date. We have a project to have phase two at El Dorado Maroma, and one for kids in front of Generations Riviera Maya. The idea is to have these available for families, since Maroma is for adults only,” said Scheiman.
Families continue to be the main focus for Seadust Cancun Family Resort. The newly remodeled all-inclusive has renovated its Kid’s Club and Baby Club, and appointed a new Executive Chef, Vladimir Cid.
The Kid’s Club improvements include new cartoon murals, educational toys, equipment and costumes. That’s in addition to an already impressive roster of amenities for young guests.
“The biggest kid attractions include the Treasure Island Water Park, which features a pirate ship with slides for small children and a large castle with slides for bigger kids,” Pedro Pinhal, director and CEO of Seadust Cancun Family Resort, tells Travel Agent. "All of this is in a large pool area great for splashing around. Other attractions for kids include the zip line and rock climbing wall, mini golf course and of course, the beach. Seadust Cancun Family Resort sits on one of the most beautiful beach areas in all of Cancun. Kids can also enjoy the spa’s extensive kid’s menu featuring manicure and pedicures, facials and additional options. The cinema-style theater also puts on nightly entertainment shows that kids love."
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