Experiences that Elevate a San Miguel de Allende Visit

San Miguel de Allende is no stranger to charm, but a stay at Pueblo Bonito Vantage takes the experience from historic and lovely to an eye-opening opportunity to grow. This is the kind of town where slow travel is more than a mindset; it’s a way of life, woven into every detail. From curated hotel moments to off-the-radar local adventures, these insider tips from Lucy Ruiz, our upcoming San Miguel property’s GM, will help you feel like you're seeing San Miguel for the first time—even if it’s your fifth.

At the hotel, the experience is always immersive, with thoughtfully designed moments that celebrate nature, culture, and wellness in ways both grounding and inspiring. Here are five on-property activities that should be on your itinerary.

1. A Terrace for Birdsong & Soundscapes
Start your morning with birdsong on one of our lush terraces. With the help of a specially designed app, you can identify the many species you hear and build a personal library of natural sounds. It’s a peacefully easy way to connect with nature.

2. Stargazing & Warm Sips
When night falls, the same terrace transforms into a dreamy observatory. Look up through high-powered telescopes at San Miguel de Allende’s famously bright skies while sipping hot chocolate made with Oaxacan cacao or herb-infused teas made with locally grown plants.

3. Garden Art Classes
San Miguel de Allende has long been a haven for artists, and our private painting and sculpture classes—held right in the hotel’s lush gardens—are a tribute to that legacy. Guided by a local artist, you’ll get to tap into your own creative flow while surrounded by color, light, and natural inspirations.

4. Otomi Healing Ritual
At our on-site Aromatika Spa & Wellness center, you can indulge in a deeply restorative experience rooted in the traditions of the Otomi people. This ceremonial massage begins with an herbal cleansing ritual, followed by therapeutic techniques enhanced with gems and essential oils—all designed to restore energetic balance.

5. Sip Smart at Sana Bar
Feel the properties delivered by the adaptogenic ingredients and locally sourced botanicals that make up our delicious beverages—the perfect pick-me-up between adventures or spa appointments that supports your mind-body balance.

Once you’ve experienced what the hotel has to offer, it’s time to explore San Miguel de Allende itself. Step beyond the elegant walls of a Vantage stay, and you’ll find even more ways to connect with this magical town’s timeless spirit through the local flavors, creative energy, and unforgettable outdoor adventures. Here are four off-site activities that should be on every traveler’s radar.

1. Secret Market Food Tour
Let a local guide lead you through a tasting tour of hidden gems, from street stands to market stalls run by generations of home cooks. Sample tamales wrapped in hoja santa at Mercado Ignacio Ramírez. Delight in the enchiladas mineras made at the hidden fonda inside Mercado San Juan de Dios. Discover the nameless corner stand where the locals rave about the barbacoa tacos made with fiery chile de árbol salsa. Finish the day off with café de olla or chocolate de metate and fire-baked country bread at a tucked-away café.

2. Chocolate & Spirits Pairing
Embark on a flavor journey within a secret downtown chocolatería, pairing artisanal Mexican chocolate with carefully selected local spirits—think sotol, mezcal, and extra-añejo tequila. You’ll even see how cacao is traditionally ground on a metate and sip a frothy pre-Hispanic cacao drink.

3. Underground Art Tour
Explore San Miguel de Allende’s thriving arts scene at La Aurora. This vibrant arts and design center is home to antique shops, art galleries, artist studios, and restaurants. Spend the day visiting various local contemporary artists, including a sculptor’s atelier and a textile artist’s studio tucked inside an old convent. Then, end the day with a live art session.

4. Horseback Picnic in the Hills
Saddle up and ride through the scenic countryside to a little-known lookout point. There, a luxe alfresco picnic spread awaits, complete with local cheeses, fresh bread, sweeping views, and absolute tranquility.

Start planning your visit to Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende, opening July 1, and get ready for a one of kind cultural vacation.