San Miguel de Allende, inside a mansion

The historic center of San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Casa de Sierra Nevada, by Belmond, is spread across six historic mansions, a short walk from that center.

The Casa Principal dates from the 16th century and was an archbishop's residence; the Casa Parque, from the 17th century, was once a fort. The hotel keeps the local tradition of housing artists in private homes, and its 37 rooms and suites blend old stone walls, Aztec-inspired motifs and Baroque details.

There is a rooftop cocktail bar, Tunki Rooftop; an international restaurant, Andanza, which hosts monthly tastings from guest wineries; and a classic Mexican restaurant. For those who want to cook, Sazón Cooking School offers classes in regional techniques and specialties.

You arrive in about three and a half hours by car from Mexico City, or an hour and a half from Querétaro airport.