Nestled just below the Tropic of Cancer, where the desert meets the ocean, lies Todos Santos, a town so charming it feels like it stepped right out of one of my daydreams. Known for its vibrant art scene and effortlessly cool surfing vibe, it had been sitting pretty on our must-visit list for far too long. Then, during one of those "Where should we go next?" conversations, it hit me like a warm desert breeze: Todos Santos, one of my ultimate "why not?" destinations.
Lost in a whirlwind of decisions about where to head in Mexico, we realized that Baja had been untouched by us for far too long—years, in fact. Cabo San Lucas, once a taboo destination for me, was now back on the map.
A New Side of Cabo: Family-Friendly Charm
Navigating Cabo as a parent brought a completely different perspective. What once was a playground for sun-soaked leisure and vibrant nights transformed into a family-friendly haven. Sunny days were spent at the beach, where ocean dips brought smiles and long naps. Evenings became a mix of toddler chaos and quiet moments, paired with the indulgence in local flavors and music.
Making Unforgettable Memories in Cabo
Despite my initial reservations, this trip redefined Cabo for us. It became a destination of shared laughs, cherished moments, and new discoveries. Now, talks of returning are already on the horizon.
The journey through Mexico continues as we head from San Miguel de Allende to the neighboring town of Queretaro. Searching for flights bound for Oaxaca, Queretaro was the nearest airport. With flights not available until the following day, we posted up for a night at Hotel Criol.
Welcome to San Miguel de Allende, a colonial cosmopolitan town in the central highlands of Mexico. The town's story starts with the name. In 1542 the town was founded by a monk named Juan de San Miguel, and took on the name San Miguel. In 1826 the towns name was updated with the addition de Allende, in honor of Ignacio Allende. Allende was a town native and royal army officer famed for being a leader in the Mexican War that liberated Mexico from Spanish rule.
Having separately rendezvoused with Mexico City, we thought it seductive to experience this ciudad together. Our shared infatuation with this metropolis solidified it as our next stop. The city’s major must-sees and to-dos were checked off our lists from previous jaunts, leaving us to our own devices. This freedom presented the perfect opportunity to sink in and get to know this city we’re crushing on more intimately. The only planning that took place was where to lay our pretty little heads.
From large luxury hotels to small artsy boutique stays, Mexico City offers up a multitude of options. Choosing where to stay is quite complicated, in a too many superb choices kind of way. We were craving something unique and historic, confident that Mexico City would serve up both on a silver platter.
Stumbling upon a manor built in the 1500s we knew we struck gold. Casa de la Luz, meaning house of the light, has an intense history along with impressive original architecture. Looking at photos online and reading about the exceptional service forced the booking, however, did no justice nor prepared us for what we were about to walk into.
We learned:
Casa de la Luz sits in one of the most historical areas of Mexico City, El Centro. A neighborhood composed of 700 blocks of history, making it a UNESCO Heritage Site. Seven centuries of Mexican history hold a place within this historic center built over the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. Casa de la Luz itself is deemed a historical monument and protected by the nation, so here we are.
This manor represents 16th-century architecture built while Mexico was under Spanish rule. Paying attention to every nook and cranny of this magnificent space, our eyes spied exposed stone and brick walls, arched doorways, and intricately tiled floors and windowsills. Indoor courtyards, wrought iron lined stairways, and minimal mid-century furniture filled the space.
Our stay was made complete by the attentive and welcoming staff that went above and beyond, defining excellent service. Mornings greeted us with a menu the chef created for our vegan taste buds. Fresh green juices, fruit plates sprinkled with granola, mushroom nopales quesadillas, and almond milk lattes got us fueled to head out and get lost in the city streets. Nights began in the foyer along with a private bartender and his table of tools resembling a science experiment. He gracefully whipped together an oxblood hued, mezcal infused cocktail. He topped it off with fresh rosemary, dried hibiscus, and a lime-y mixture of crickets and spices that lined the rim of the glass. An experiment that tasted like a dream and resulted in a mezcal induced daze that sent us floating off to our dinner reservation.
Not sure if it was the magic of all the mezcal, our stay at Casa de la Luz, this phenomenal city, or all of the above, but we got love drunk. This experience left us hungover in love, anticipating our return affair with this magical and historical place.
Con Amor,
H + C 💋
Navigating through a pandemic has made traveling complex. Researching foreign topics like ways to stay safe while away, travel restrictions, and protocols can leave a looming uncertainty. Having the flexibility to work remotely and with California on fire, we opted to fly south to Mexico, where we could be in paradise while maintaining and following guidelines responsibly.
Located in Banderas Bay in the Nayarit State, Sayulita is an eclectic beachside utopia. A small town with around 2500 inhabitants, Sayulita carries a huge spirit and charming charisma. It’s hard not to adore this vibrant hippy vibed beach town. With a reputation for surfing, Sayulita draws visitors from all over the world making it a tropical melting pot.
With a surplus of accommodations it's easy to find a place to match your travel needs. We desperately needed rest and relaxation and sure enough, we found it! Thanks to gracious friends for this romantic getaway. (Y & S ❤️)
Siete Lunas, meaning seven moons, is an enchanting hideaway toting seven thatched-roof villas making it the perfect locale to disconnect and recharge. Perched hillside amid the jungle, Siete Lunas overlooks the picturesque Bahia de Banderas Bay. The lush property gives way to spectacular views where the jungle meets the ocean. Tropical melodies of birds paired with the crashing waves below act as a tranquilizer, similar to the pineapple ginger margaritas served poolside.
Although short, our visit was oh so sweet. Sayulita, one of those magical places that leave you mesmerized and wanting more. Our stay at Siete Lunas was the cherry on top and provided the recharge we needed in a lush, tropical, relaxing environment. We love this place to the moon, or seven, and back.
Con amor,
H+C 💋
