Experience Authentic Mexico with The Belmond: From San Miguel to the Riviera Maya

Mexico is home to a spectacular diversity of experiences; from snow-capped volcanoes and rugged desertscape, to charming pueblos mágicos, ancient Mayan cities, and pulsing metropolises. The Belmond´s two unique properties, Casa de Sierra Nevada and Maroma, take guests on a journey from the highlands of San Miguel to the iconic Riviera Maya coastline. 

The Settings 

In central Mexico, Casa de Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel can be found in the gorgeous city of San Miguel de Allende, set across a collection of heritage mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries. This is boutique luxury in a magical, old-world setting where outdoor spaces burst with leafy plants and natural stone foundations among inner courtyards, terraces and gardens. The interiors are styled with elegance and sophistication, featuring plush textiles, antique furnishings and wrought-iron light fixtures. 

Backed by thick jungle flora facing an endless panorama of glittering sea, Maroma, a Belmond Hotel Riviera Maya is a slice of paradise just 30 minutes from Cancun international airport. Enveloped by the Mexican Caribbean´s beautiful natural landscape, the hotel feels secluded while showcasing Mexican artisanal traditions and authentic craftsmanship. The property´s architecture has roots in Sacred Geometry, with interiors re-imagined by acclaimed designer Tara Bernerd for the hotel´s 2023 re-opening. 

Casa Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel – San Miguel Allende
Maroma, a Belmond Hotel – Riviera Maya

Accommodations 

Casa de Sierra Nevada´s 37 enchanting suites and rooms come with a personal butler and continue the air of sophistication, each one unique and rich with history. Think quarry stone fireplaces, original artwork, dark wooden beams, and sumptuous fabrics paired with views over San Miguel, the courtyards, or gardens. Some feature extensive balconies, private plunge pools, separate lounge areas, and bronze freestanding bathtubs, while all ensuite bathrooms uphold the colonial aesthetic through Talavera tiles.  

Located just steps from the sandy beach, Maroma features 70 luxurious rooms and suites, most with sea vistas, and two opulent oceanfront villas. Light and airy spaces are decorated with a celebration of Mexican craftsmanship like beaded alebrije figurines, beautiful textiles, wooden or woven furniture, and classic ´pasta´ floor tiles. Different accommodations come with a range of features including separate sitting areas, relaxing outdoor terraces, and private plunge pools. Check out the hotel´s pillow and sleeping ritual menus for the perfect rest. 

Casa Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel in San Miguel Allende - Journey Mexico
Presidential Suite at Casa Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel – San Miguel Allende

Wining & Dining  

Casa de Sierra Nevada offers guests an array of settings for wining and dining in three bars and restaurants. Views to the agave plants and cacti of the hotel garden sets an indoor/outdoor feel at Restaurante del Parque, paired with traditional Mexican dishes. Unwind sipping an impressive selection of wines and spirits at the inviting Blue Bar, gathered around a cozy log fireplace or out on the al fresco patio with a mezcal. Andanza prepares international, award-winning creations with beautiful presentations, teamed with a colonial-era aesthetic for a unique dining experience. 

At Maroma, A Belmond Hotel Riviera Maya, five restaurants and bars showcase Mexican and international woodfired cuisines. Enjoy sparkling sea views from Casa Mayor´s outdoor terrace at any time of day, serving the flavors of regional Mexico. Dinner is a culinary treat at Signature Woodfire Restaurant; watch the chefs in an open grill kitchen as they sizzle seafoods, meats, and locally grown, seasonal vegetables. Freddy’s bar is a classic for oceanfront mixology and a relaxed ambience, while Bambuco´s cocktail menu is ideal for relaxing pre- or post-dinner drinks. Wine connoisseurs should head to La Cantina, where a sommelier can pick out a surprising vintage from a selection of international and rare Mexican wines.  

Casa Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel - San Miguel Allende - Journey Mexico
Bar del Parque at Casa Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel – San Miguel Allende

Wellbeing 

Inside the oasis of Casa Sierra de Nevada, a sense of wellbeing goes hand in hand with the guest experience. The hotel´s outdoor heated swimming pool boasts an eye-catching original stone wall feature and is surrounded by peaceful tree lined gardens. Laja Spa, named after the river that flows through Guanajuato state, will have you pampered and glowing in three colonial-style treatments rooms, offering massages, facials, and body rituals using natural, organic products. Treat yourself to a makeover at the beauty salon or release some endorphins at the hotel´s small fitness room. 

Maroma´s fully renovated Guerlain Spa invites guests to feel rejuvenated with therapies in nine cabins, including treatments with honey from the sacred Melipona bee. Nurture yourself with in and outdoor wellness activities, an apothecary, and a relaxation area. The resort features a fitness center to raise your energy levels and a choice of three outdoor swimming pools for fun in the water.  

Maroma Belmond Spa - Journey Mexico
Guerlain Spa at Maroma, a Belmond Hotel – Riviera Maya

Explore Mexican Culture and Nature  

Go deeper into culinary and artistic culture with expert-led art workshops and classes at Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel. Head to the property´s Artists Corner to join a ´Mojigangas´ workshop – iconic papier-mâché characters with Spanish roots, adopted into local folk-art culture. On-site cooking school, Sazón, claims it’s place in one of the hotel´s historic mansions, where guests can learn about flavors, techniques, and history of regional Mexican dishes. Spirits-lovers can taste local mezcal, tequila, and wine at the Wine Cellar, served with a selection of tapas dishes. 

At Maroma, A Belmond Hotel Riviera Maya, imaginative activities give guests a chance to uncover Mayan cosmology and the cornerstones of Mexican culture, plus a kid´s club to keep the whole family entertained. Look up to the night sky and discover the importance of stargazing to the Mayans while enjoying vintage Mexican wines or participate in a shaman-led ceremony that pays respect to mythological Mayan spirits known as ´Aluxes´. Explore the generational tradition of Mexican agave, whose distillation dates back to the Aztecs. On the Agave Journey, you´ll discover the origins, methods, and chemistry profiles that differentiate tequila, mezcal and sotol. Sample spirits, listen to stories, and create your own pairing with local fruit, spices, botanical elixirs, and Mexican chocolate. 
 

Sazón Cooking School at Casa Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel – San Miguel Allende

Get Inspired: Your Trip to San Miguel Allende and Riviera Maya

Ready to get to know Mexico´s cultures with stays based around Casa de Sierra Nevada in San Miguel de Allende and Maroma in Riviera Maya? Check out our 9-night sample itinerary that will serve as a starting, inspirational point and then fully customized to your preferences by one of our travel planners.

What is included? Journey Mexico will take you to admire San Miguel Allende from above with a sunrise hot air balloon flight. Also included on this trip is a visit a local market and Mexican cooking class, and a peek into the city´s artistic scene to meet artists and artisans at their studios. In Riviera Maya, we will take you to visit the ancient Mayan cities of Tulum and Chichen Itza, traverse the subterranean river of Rio Secreto, cruise on a private yacht to snorkel, and bring you to a private cenote

View the itinerary here!

Live the legendary world of Belmond in your Custom Mexico Itinerary

To include  Casa de Sierra Nevada and Maroma in your next trip to Mexico, contact Journey Mexico´s team and speak to a travel planner. Get some ideas flowing with our exclusive itinerary:  Discover San Miguel Allende & Riviera Maya with Belmond, which includes a stay at both hotels and can be customized to your preferences.  Trips start at $1,000 USD per day for two travelers.