When you think of planning your honeymoon in Mexico, you probably picture relaxing on the beach with a fruity drink in hand in Cabo San Lucas or the Riviera Maya. Sure, sun tanning on a beach is nice, but we can guarantee you will find romance and relaxation while taking temporary residence at the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende in the central Mexico town. And we promise, there is still the opportunity to bask in the sun.

   A short 10-minute walk from the historic town center sits the sizable 67-room Rosewood property. But you’d never guess the hotel was only five years old—the exterior blends nicely with the surrounding cobblestone streets and 17th- and 18th-century architecture. The property was carefully constructed in the town’s charming colonial style, complete with brightly painted stucco walls.

   Inside, the modern amenities await. We were greeted with a freshly squeezed margarita as we were escorted to check in. The staff was eager to make sure we had all of the comforts required for our three-nights’ stay: They promptly booked us dinner reservations and set up a historical walking tour through Transportations and Tours de Allende so we were acclimated with the town’s hard-to-navigate, winding streets. (We will admit we did veer off the beaten path a time or two, but we always felt safe—another selling point for the quaint town.)

We started our first day with a relaxing spa treatment at Sense, A Rosewood Spa. (You’ll want to decompress from the wedding, natch.) Choose from a wide array of massage therapies, facials, and body treatments. Try the Lavender De Allende, a 90-minute session that includes a sugar and lavender exfoliation rub followed by a full-body massage utilizing hot quartz stones. The spa also boasts a steam and sauna room, along with luxurious relaxation rooms outfitted with hot teas and fresh fruit.

If relaxation is still on the agenda, the hotel’s pool area does the trick. Three pools overlook the hotel’s Lavender Garden and offers guests multiple areas to lounge, including a series of covered cabanas. A lunch menu from poolside restaurant Agua is available to order from the comfort of your chair, as well as a full bar menu. We were even treated to complimentary frozen treats as we floated in the pool.

After you’re rested and rejuvenated, head to the El Centro. It’s always hustling and bustling with a mix of locals, tourists, street performers, and vendors. We set our sights on the impressive Mercado de Artesanias, which is open seven days a week, to peruse the stalls of locally made wares such as silver, pottery, jewelry, clothing, toys, and linens. You could easily spend a full day visiting the Mercado’s booths, but don’t forget to make time for a leisurely stroll through the town’s curving streets as you pop in and out of local shops and art galleries while munching on street corn and churros. 

Take pause to tour the neo-Gothic La Parroquia, the main attraction of El Centro. Inside, the impressive murals and artwork tell the story of San Miguel’s lively history. If you crave more adventure, the hotel’s concierge can assist in booking horseback rides, ATV tours, and mountain biking.

When it’s time to dine, the Rosewood offers four areas and a tequila tasting room that serves paired snacks while you sip. However, you can’t miss the Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar. My guest and I dined at other rooftop spots during our stay—including local favorite La Posadita—but nothing compares to Luna’s view. It is a breathtaking site of rooftop gardens, courtyards, and colorful homes and the best vantage point of the La Parroquia. The scene served as the perfect backdrop for the vibrant sunset and a late-night fireworks show thanks to a wedding celebration in El Centro.

By the end of the trip we agreed: Who needs the beach?

 Wedding

The Rosewood San Miguel de Allende is also a popular spot for destination weddings. With eight event spaces to choose from, the hotel can accommodate from 10 to 1,000 guests. Get married in the idyllic Lavender Garden or the Rooftop Terrace and follow with a reception on the Rosewood Lawn, complete with a view of the famous La Parroquia. The on-site wedding planner helps make the planning process smooth and effortless.

Your guests will also be offered discounted rates for the festive wedding weekend.

On Friday night, it is customary for the bride, groom, and wedding party to march in a callejoneada, a walking serenade led by local musicians. The wedding party dances with life-size papier-mache puppets while strolling through town singing and sipping on tequila.

How to Get There

American Airlines offers a 2½-hour direct flight from DFW. The Rosewood property will schedule transportation to and from the airport for the 90-minute drive.

What to Know

• Most restaurants and shops take credit cards, but to shop the Mercado and street vendors, bring pesos. You’ll also need them to tip.
• The cobblestone streets are sometimes difficult to walk on: Pack flat shoes if you want to explore. Taxis are readily available as well.
• Remember your passport, floppy hat, sunscreen, and wrap (evenings can be cool).
• Rooms start at $400 for a Colonial Room. Suites are also available. For more information or to book online, visit rosewoodhotels.com/en/san-miguel-de-allende.