As the Festival Internacional Cervantino 2012 approaches, one of the largest celebrations of the arts worldwide, travelers from across the globe will be arriving in the cultural mecca of Guanajuato, Mexico. With 19 days of festivities running from October 3 to October 21, we wanted to share Journey Mexico’s picks for the top hotels and restaurants in Guanajuato.

Hotels:
1) The restored ruins of a 17th-century hacienda is the home of Camino Real Guanajuato Hotel, a breathtaking historic building recognized as an INAH World Heritage Site. Exquisite details of the original hacienda have been preserved, creating the perfect blend of carved stonework, vaulted architecture and chic modern décor. With rooms overlooking beautiful gardens and onsite pool, gym and business center facilities, guests have plenty of modern comforts for an enjoyable stay.

2) The Quintas Las Acacias was converted from its late 19th-century origins to an elegant boutique hotel, offering 17 rooms and pampered suites that merge classic European style with distinctly Mexican motifs and artisan decor. The hotel’s AAA Four Diamond rating is well-earned with first-rate amenities, unparalleled hospitality and tranquil settings that combine history with luxury. Charming touches like the beautiful cactus garden, soothing outdoor jacuzzi and intimate restaurant offers guests a truly unique experience.

3) The European-inspired boutique hotel Villa Maria Cristina offers the atmosphere of a regal estate. Lofty ceilings, charming courtyards and mosaic tile floors welcome travelers into this aristocratic home, where 13 airy suites are outfitted with elegant French furnishings. Guests can relax in the spa and pool styled after a Roman bathhouse or dine on sophisticated international cuisine. Luxury amenities like car and concierge services, designer toiletries and massage therapy guarantee an unforgettable visit.

Restaurants

1) México Lindo y Sabroso
Location: Paseo de la Presa 154, San Jose

For a taste of the country’s signature cuisine, visit Mexico Lindo y Sabroso, a quiet eatery with a cozy veranda for outdoor dining. In a menu with tasty regional cuisine and Yucatecan specialties, each dish is imbued with rich agricultural flavors paired with tender meats, beans and delectable sauces. Dine on the restaurant’s famed Enchilada trio, crispy flautas, green pozole or delicious pork-topped panuchos. With just a short drive from downtown, the restaurant is the perfect stop between festival events.

3) El Jardin de los Milagros
Location: Calle Alhondiga 80, San Javier

Cultural and contemporary merge expertly at the Garden of Miracles, where Chef Bricio Dominguez crafts flavorful Mexican, Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine designed to offer an incredible sensory experience. The indulgent flavors of fresh seafood ceviche, hearty stew and sopecitos topped with succulent meat and sauces dominant the menu, which re-envisions traditional dishes dating back to pre-Hispanic royalty with innovative modern touches. Nestled beneath a great white sapote tree in a former hacienda, the restaurant’s large windows offer a beautiful garden view while you dine.

4) El Abue
Location: Calle San José 14 at Plaza Baratillo

Don’t overlook El Abue, a hidden treasure at the heart of Guanajuato. The charmingly intimate dining room is perfect for couples and seasoned travelers who enjoy a quiet atmosphere and authentic regional Mexican cuisine. Chiles en nogada, a pork-filled poblano chile topped with toasted walnut cream sauce, is the star of the menu. Delicious tortilla soup and enchiladas in exquisite red Oaxacan mole are local favorites, but you’ll also find fresh salads, Italian pastas and juicy flank steak on this diverse menu.

The “term” boutique hotel hardly seems like an appropriate description for a hotel. It’s a concept reserved for trendy specialty stores, and yet, it so accurately conveys the level of glamour and accommodation offered by some of Mexico’s most unique hotels. There’s no single identifying characteristic of a boutique hotel, except that these fashionable vacation spots enchant patrons with a multi-faceted experience that includes small intimate settings, dynamic design aesthetic and luxury amenities.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Mexico range from stylish city oases featuring playful avant-garde décor and impeccable technology to remote sanctuaries with sumptuous antique furnishings and distinct onsite leisure activities. Unlike the impersonal atmosphere of large hotel chains, every element of these boutique hotels in Mexico are designed to fascinate and entice the guest. If you’re looking for the perfect spot for your next Mexican vacation, here’s our list of the top boutique hotels in the country.

1) Casa Lecanda

An elegant Yucatecan home is the backdrop for this seven-room hotel, restored to perfection and infused with exquisite European architecture. Surrounded by swaying palms, magnificent arches, luxurious Spanish tile and the vivid beauty of local Merida, Casa Lecanda is a stunning sanctuary at the heart of Yucatan culture. Guests of this satisfyingly cozy boutique hotel enjoy the best of both worlds: a tranquil refuge with historical appeal that also happens to be conveniently outfitted with flat screen cable TVs, Wi-Fi, walk-in rain showers and organic bath products for a lavish getaway.

2) Casa Grande

The Casa Grande originated as the 18th century mansion of Don Juan Antonio Cacho de Herrera. Today, this restored property in Morelia is the site of twelve meticulously designed rooms, a balance of modern and colonial-style furnishings, and expertly crafted custom pieces by Michoacan artisans. Known for its spacious bathrooms, high vaulted ceilings, polished wood accents and grand views of the plaza, the Casa Grande offers the sophisticated traveler refinement and culture with a hint of excitement in the form of its onsite restaurant, café and bar.

3) Palacio Borghese

True to its name, the Palacio Borghese is a hotel fit for Italian royalty. Each of its six rooms are inspired by an Italian city and embellished with stunning Neoclassical décor. A romantic air pervades this Oaxacan hotel, decorated with delicate upholstery, rich drapery and graceful details ranging from crystal to chandeliers and marble pillars to sophisticated sculptures and paintings. Intimate serenity is the focus here, where guests are treated to private hydro-massage showers, daily fruit baskets and luxurious 500-thread count Egyptian cotton bedding. And of course, its location near the historic center of Oaxaca means that there’s no shortage of exhilarating activities to enjoy while staying at this charming boutique hotel.

4) Cabo Surf Hotel

The Cabo Surf Hotel is a 22-room boutique resort located right on the beach. Golden sand, towering palms and rolling waves set the scene for an upscale vacation at this popular surf spot, fully equipped with its own day spa and seafood restaurant. A lively shopping district awaits visitors to Los Cabos, but guests can easily retreat to the breezy California-style suites and villas to relax in a private sanctuary of shining marble floors, cedar woodwork and palm thatched balconies. Sparkling ocean views are a given for this Mexican oasis, and guests are pampered with convenient kitchenettes, excessively comfortable linens and L’Occitane bath products.

5) Hotelito Desconocido

Hotelito Desconocido (newly and completely renovated) in Costa Alegre is like a private tropical paradise for travelers who enjoy the soothing call of nature. Situated in a breathtaking lagoon, this boutique getaway houses its own nature reserve for exotic birds and sea turtles, and lush organic gardens that provide delectable fare for the onsite eateries. Twenty-seven palm-thatched bungalows line the shores of sandy beaches, each designed by talented local artisans and featuring rustic distressed furnishings, airy linens, carved bathtubs and other natural elements that mimic the tropical landscape.

Beyond the basics of luxury accommodations, Hotelito Desconocido offers recreational pursuits like horseback riding, windsurfing, wildlife exploration and spa therapy. Here, guests are meant to escape from the burdens of city life, enjoying the cool ocean water from submerged hammocks and basking in the refined simplicity of solar-powered showers and handcrafted toiletries.

6) Casa Sandra

Inspired by the local culture of Holbox island in Cancun, Casa Sandra’s owner set out to create a remote retreat defined by the striking landscape, exotic wildlife, brilliant colors and the charming minimalism of its inhabitants. The result is a romantic luxury hotel with 20 airy suites and villas surrounded by graceful tropical birds, rustic Mexican décor and the sparkling blue ocean. It’s a place of art and passion, where the natural world is complemented by serene human touches, such as inviting white rooms, gentle hammocks and vibrant distinctly Mexican art and accent pieces. Casa Sandra is well equipped with spa rooms, Wi-Fi and an onsite restaurant considered one of the most enticing places to dine in the area.

7) Hotel Matilda

Hotel Matilda is the height of sophisticated luxury, immersed in the artistic culture of famed San Miguel de Allende. The international traveler will find comfort here amongst gourmet dining facilities, a captivating blend of modern and antiquated architecture, and provocative commissioned pieces from some of Mexico’s most adored contemporary artists. This economically conscious hotel offers 32 rooms styled with beautiful balconies, lush indigenous plants, atmospheric lighting and chic furnishings made for comfort. With a full-service cutting-edge spa, state-of-the-art fitness equipment and an infinity pool, guests may find it hard to leave this thrilling hotel and explore the city beyond.

Other great, new boutique hotels include:
Akalki Holistic Center in Bacalar Lagoon, Quintana Roo
Hotel Bo in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
Casa Azul in Merida, Yucatan

Before you plan your next luxury vacation to Mexico, browse our entire portfolio of alluring boutique hotels for an unforgettable experience tailored to your travel needs.

Can’t decide between the seductive privacy of a luxury villa and the opulence of a full-service resort? If you stay at the secluded Viceroy Riviera Maya (formerly The Tides Riviera Maya) just outside the tiny town of Playa del Carmen in Quintana Roo, Mexico, you can have the best of both worlds. This resort refuge awaits with a luxurious spa, seven miles of white-sand beaches and award-winning cuisine.

Your Own Spacious Villa
This luxurious retreat is made up of 41 individual villas. Each space features over 1,000 square feet of privacy in addition to your own plunge pool and private patio. With a contemporary-classic décor that is the epitome of simple elegance, you’ll never want to leave the comfort of the Viceroy. Each villa is positioned to take full advantage of the beautiful surroundings with views of the ocean or the tropical gardens.

The Luxurious Maya Spa
For a little well-deserved pampering, visit the Maya Spa at the Viceroy Riviera Maya. This full-service wellness center offers a complete menu of holistic treatments based on natural marine ingredients and aromatic herbs from the local countryside. Whether you indulge in a traditional spa treatment like a massage or facial, partake in an exercise session at the waterfront yoga studio or spend time in the Maya Temazcal steam cave, you’ll emerge looking and feeling better than you ever imagined.

Award-Winning Cuisine
If you’re dining on-site, you won’t be disappointed by the award-winning fare served at La Marea. The chef specializes in Mexican, Mayan and Mediterranean dishes, but the kitchen is prepared to create special dishes upon request. Enjoy the “Mayaterrean Cuisine” in the island-inspired ambiance of the La Marea dining room or have your meals delivered to your villa, the beach or poolside. For more casual fare or a little variety, try the Library Lounge or the Coral Grill and Bar.

Never a Dull Moment
A week of pure indulgence is the definition of a perfect vacation for many, but others prefer a more active experience. The Viceroy Riviera Maya satisfies these needs, as well. Whether you’ve always dreamed of exploring the ancient Mayan ruins, diving a local cenote or spending a day on the water angling for a trophy sailfish, the concierge can make all the arrangements. On-site activities include SCUBA diving, horseback riding, swimming and more.

Considering a trip to the Riviera Maya? At Journey Mexico, we can make the arrangements for stays in the Riviera Maya at the Viceroy or at any other luxury location in this exciting region. Give us a call today to get started!

CNN Travel recently asked the top travel experts from Orbitz, Lonely Planet, Smarter Travel and Altour for their picks for 2012. With all the recent publicity about the impending end of the Mayan calendar, it should come as no surprise that this part of Mexico, including Tulum, Chichen Itza, and Chiapas, tops the Top Travel Destinations in the World for 2012!

If you’d like to soak up the sun on an unforgettable trip to the Maya World, here are a few examples of what you might experience during your stay:

Chichen Itza – One of the New Seven Wonders of the World!
No trip to the Maya would be complete without touring the most famous ruins in Mexico. Let Journey Mexico show you the way to a private entrance where our expert guide can lead you directly to the most interesting features of this ancient city. After a leisurely lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the ancient temples of Coba, a relatively new discovery with more than 6,500 unexplored structures.

Edzna and Uxmal – Plus a Tequila Tasting!
On a different day, experience the magic of the ceremonial sites and religious temples of Edzna. Nestled within the jungle, this set of ruins houses the Platform of the Knives, the Big House and the Gran Acropolis. Once you’re done, enjoy a traditional Mexican meal before reaching Uxmal, one of the best examples of Puuc architecture in the world. As you roam through the temples, your guide will explain the intricacies of the ancient society that once called this city home. Finish off your day with some of the best Tequila in the world as you learn more about one of Mexico’s most important products.

The Biosphere Reserve of Celestun
Leave the ruins behind and discover a part of Mexico that’s full of life! This protected area contains one of the nation’s largest wetland areas. Among other wildlife, you’ll get a chance to see one of the largest colonies of charming Pink Flamingos. Afterwards, enjoy your midday meal in the shade at one of the local beachfront restaurants.

Enjoy the Riviera Maya!
Spend a day or two in luxury before or after your tour of the ruins! Relax by the pool, snorkel in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters, shop for souvenirs and sample the local cuisine. No matter how you decide to spend your time in the Riviera Maya, this will give you a complete picture of the pleasures this part of Mexico has to offer!

Of course, these are just a few examples of how Mexico earned a top spot on CNN Travel’s list of top destinations for 2012. If you’d like to learn more about what you can see and do in Mexico in the coming year, contact Journey Mexico for more information.

OCTOBER 2011 NEWSLETTER
(View full newsletter >>)

After months of anticipation, we are proud to announce the launch of Journey Yucatan, a branch of Journey Mexico specializing in the Yucatan Peninsula. In response to an increasing number of travelers looking for unique travel experiences in Mexico’s Southeast including the Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Campeche, and Chiapas, Journey Yucatan focuses on custom private tours, destination management services, and luxury transportation designed to get beyond the hustle and bustle of the typical tourist destinations. The Cancun-based Journey Yucatan team are available to create the most spectacular, creative, and memorable ways to spend your holidays. Their local knowledge is extensive and they take great pleasure in sharing exclusive insights with our important guests.

We are proud to announce that for the second consecutive year, Travel + Leisure magazine has chosen Journey Mexico Founder and President, Zachary Rabinor, as a member of their coveted A-List: World’s Top Tour Operators.

Best of the Blog This Month

New Archaeological Discoveries Mexico has been uncovering new discoveries that trace back thousands of years ago: ancient tombs, Mayan palaces, pre-Hispanic carvings, early human footprints and Aztec temples.

Share YOUR Mexico Experience Mexico Today launched its Social Magazine on Facebook and brings you the opportunity to share your Mexico stories for the chance to win $500.

Mexico at the Forefront of Sustainable Tourism Mexico has piled up their “green” awards to make it a recognized world leader in sustainable tourism development. The most fascinating story yet comes from the rehabilitation of Cabo Pulmo, a marine preserve.

Journey Mexico: On The Road and In The News

October 31 – November 4: Journey Mexico will participate in PURE Life Experiences Trade Event in Morocco. Find us at #A18

November 7-10: Journey Mexico will participate in World Travel Market in London, at #LA100

November 14-16: Visiting clients in Chicago

November 17-19: Signature Travel Network Sales Meeting and Trade Show #240

Cuixmala, a Journey Mexico Partner Location, was recently featured in Vogue Mexico and Latin America Magazine. The article raves about the unparalleled beauty of the estate as well as about its romantic allure.

Cuixmala was built by the legendary Sir James Goldsmith as his private home in which he retired. Today, the 25,000 acre estate offers guests a very unique experience described to be “like staying at a friends grand private estate.” Set on the Pacific Coast of mainland Mexico, this estate preserves and protects its local environment through a variety of eco-reserve programs. Much of the food served at Cuixmala is grown on the estate’s private organic farms.

Whether it be a family vacation, an adventure trip amongst friends, or a romantic getaway, Cuixmala is sure to deliver an experience you’ll never forget.

You can download the pfd of the Vogue article here.

Luxury travel enthusiasts looking to travel to the Riviera Maya can keep it green while on vacation with Karisma’s hotels and resorts.

The adult friendly El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, by Karisma, have a “Passion for the Environment” program that is dedicated to keeping their luxury properties eco-friendly. In addition to a serious recycling program and an impressive solar power system, Karisma has a 70,000 square foot greenhouse facility that provides produce to its hotels and resorts throughout the Riviera Maya.

The greenhouses in the facility grow over 30 different types of produce including: cilantro, thyme, onions, tomatoes, honeydew melons, lettuce, cucumbers, bell peppers, chilies, basil, mint, and squash. By being able to produce in house, the Karina properties are able to enhance customers’ culinary experience with fresh, organic meals as well as to reduce negative emissions from the trucks that would normally have to bring in the produce.

The resorts also feature a fish market where guests can select fish from local fishermen’s daily catch to be prepared for lunch, dinner, or snacks by the pool.

If you are a luxury travel enthusiast who loves all things food and drink, be sure to check out these events this summer in Mexico.

Alimentaria Mexico 2010

This is Mexico’s most important international food, beverage, and equipment exhibition, which will be held June 1^st through the 3^rd at Centro Banamex in Mexico City. This Summer’s event will be the eighth Alimentaria Mexico, and more than 12,000 participants are expected from around the world.

In addition to the 475 exhibits, this year’s Alimentaria will include a Mexican gastronomy conference, nutrition seminars, wine & spirits tasting, and more. For more about this event, visit the Alimentaria’s website.

MEXIPAN 2010

This is the number one expo for the Bakery, Confectionery, Chocolate, and Ice Cream industries of Mexico. This event brings customers and suppliers together to showcase new products and discuss trends within the industry. More can be found at MEXIPAN’s webiste (in Spanish only).

Luxury travel enthusiasts traveling to Mexico City should enjoy this year’s production of Zoot Suit, which premiered this week and will run through July 4^th. This production of Luis Valdez’s classic musical marks the first time Zoot Suit has ever been put on, in full scale, in Spanish.

Zoot Suit originally premiered in Los Angeles in 1978 and, due to its smashing success, went on to play on Broadway in 1981. This year, the The National Theater Company and the Theater at The National University of Mexico are putting the musical on in the university’s cultural center, the Teatro Juan Ruiz de Alarcon.

This important piece of Chicano theater should be very well received as Luis Valdez moved to Mexico months ago to cast and direct the play himself.