Latest news with #HotelMatilda

Travel Weekly
09-07-2025
- Travel Weekly
Enjoying the art of fine dining at San Miguel de Allende's Hotel Matilda
San Miguel de Allende has never been one to rest on its laurels. For all its historic splendor and status as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the city continues to reinvent itself, especially when it comes to its food scene. Innovative restaurants, daring chefs and a high concentration of culinary talent have made this cobblestoned haven in the highlands one of Mexico's most exciting destinations for food lovers. It's fitting, then, that one of the most touted hotels in the country sits right in the heart of it all. At Moxi, the heirloom tomato salad with stracciatella is a standout dish. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger The menu at Moxi Hotel Matilda has long been the darling of San Miguel's luxury set. It's a contemporary, art-splashed counterpoint to the traditional aesthetic of the city. But more than a place to sleep, it's a place to feel immersed, inspired and well-fed. On a recent visit, I was reminded once again why this hotel continues to be one of the most innovative stays in Mexico. At the heart of the experience is Moxi, the hotel's signature restaurant, where a tasting menu experience is always in rotation. The culinary team keeps things playful and seasonal, drawing on local ingredients and international techniques to build something entirely unique. The menu changes regularly, but my own dinner there was a standout highlight of the trip. I started with a colorful medley of organic tomatoes served with basil and creamy stracciatella. That was followed by a tangy crab aguachile. A perfectly cooked red snapper arrived next, dressed in a bright citrus vinaigrette and resting atop a bed of fresh fennel salad. Earthy and rich, the pappardelle with lamb ragu and a touch of eggplant ash brought the whole meal home. The presentation was beautiful, and the dishes were paired with thoughtful selections of Mexican wine. Crab aguachile is another popular menu item at Moxi restaurant. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger Wine and ambiance Speaking of wine, the list at Moxi is refreshing and bold. You'll find a well-curated selection of international options, but what truly excites is the depth of Mexican labels, showcasing how much the country's wine scene has evolved. What makes dining at Moxi particularly special is the setting itself. The restaurant's dining room is a chic blend of contemporary and classic, with a long blue-and-white banquette that faces the window, the flicker of candles and a soft glow that casts an inviting ambiance over the space. Even before the first course arrives, the stage is set. And then there is the bread. I'd be remiss not to mention the buttery brioche that appears at the beginning of the meal — glazed with butter, slightly sweet and fluffy. It's a dangerous prelude. Every meal at Moxi begins with a hot skillet of warm brioche buns. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger Love and death and dinner But Hotel Matilda's culinary offerings don't stop at Moxi. The hotel is known for its special dining events, like the newly launched "La Mesa Taittinger," an ultraexclusive Champagne-paired dinner that leans into the hotel's love of collaboration between food and art. The menu for this dinner features elevated creations like oysters with double cream, peach gazpacho with scallops and roasted suckling pig with orange glaze, all paired with different expressions of Taittinger Champagne. Another standout is the annual Cena Erotica, a sultry, candlelit affair that takes place around Valentine's Day and draws a creative crowd for an evening of mystery. Come fall, the Dia de los Muertos dinner, Cena Negra, celebrates seasonal ingredients as well as Mexican culture, heritage, art and music. All of these dinners share a common thread: storytelling. Each course is a chapter. You don't just eat at Hotel Matilda. You participate.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Yahoo
The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Mexico: 8 Destinations for Adventurous Wanderers
So, you're ready to pack your bags and jet off to Mexico solo? Smart move. Whether you're in the mood for sipping mezcal in Oaxaca, surfing in Puerto Escondido, or soaking up some colonial charm in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is the perfect playground for the independent traveler. It's vibrant, diverse, (mostly) affordable, and, if you know where to go, totally solo-friendly. Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Let's dive into the eight best destinations in Mexico for solo travelers—and, because I love a good recommendation, I've also handpicked the perfect hotel for each. If you love cities with character, culture, and a never-ending supply of street tacos, Mexico City (CDMX, if you're feeling cool) is your place. Wander the leafy streets of Condesa and Roma, spend an entire day getting lost in the murals of Palacio de Bellas Artes, and, for the love of all things historical, don't skip the pyramids of Teotihuacán. A boutique gem in Condesa, this intimate hotel is built into the bones of a former historic townhouse. The warm lobby serves breakfast (included in your rate), and each floor has a designated common area kitchenette where you'll find other travelers posted up on laptops or brewing a cup of tea. Oaxaca is a city packed with colorful markets, centuries-old churches, and a culinary scene that will ruin you for all other food. (Tlayudas! Mole! Memelas!) Take a cooking class, sip your way through a mezcalería, and make a day trip to Hierve el Agua for one of the most impressive natural rock formations in the entire country. This minimalist, design-forward hotel is an oasis of calm just steps from the Zócalo. Think candlelit courtyards, neutral tones, and an air of mystery. San Miguel is drop-dead gorgeous, packed with cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and rooftop bars that serve the best sunset views. The expat and artist communities make it a super welcoming spot for solo travelers. Art workshops? Check. Vineyard tours? Yes, please. Sunday brunch at Lavanda Café? Absolutely. An intimate boutique stay with only a handful of rooms, Hotel Matilda feels like an art gallery mixed with your own private residence. If your idea of solo travel includes beach days and barefoot dinners, Puerto Escondido will steal your heart. Playa Carrizalillo is the go-to spot for beginner surfers, while La Punta serves up golden sunsets and chilled-out beach bars. Don't miss the bioluminescent lagoon tour—it's pure magic. A chic, adults-only retreat right on the beach, Casa Joseph is where you go when you want a slice of paradise with a side of serenity in the form of chic, palapa-topped bungalows. Yucatán's capital, Mérida, is one of Mexico's safest cities and oozes colonial charm. But beyond the grand plazas and colorful buildings, there's a deep Mayan history and easy access to cenotes (those dreamy turquoise sinkholes) that will have you questioning why you don't live here already. This adults-only boutique hotel is a restored mansion with lush courtyards, handcrafted furniture, and a pool that's practically begging for a lazy afternoon. Tequila? Check. Mariachi? Check. A thriving arts scene that gives CDMX a run for its money? Oh, absolutely. Guadalajara is Mexico's best-kept secret, with a perfect mix of history, nightlife, and trendy neighborhoods like Tlaquepaque and Chapultepec. Bonus: It's a gateway to Tequila, the actual town, where you can sip the good stuff straight from the source. This trendy boutique hotel in the Americana district is part of the ultra-cool Habita group. Think mid-century modern decor, a rooftop pool, and the kind of bar where you'll want to linger. Imagine a lagoon so blue it looks Photoshopped. That's Bacalar, a small town near the Belize border that's perfect for slowing down and soaking up some serious tranquility. Kayak through the Seven Colors Lagoon, visit the eerie Cenote Negro, and spend your nights swinging in a hammock with a good book. An eco-luxe paradise, Hotel Makaaba blends sustainability with comfort, offering pocket-sized rooms, a gorgeous pool/communal hangout area, and a breakfast that is simply to die for. Sayulita is where free spirits, surfers, and digital nomads converge. It's colorful, lively, and packed with cute cafés, taco stands, and enough boutique shops to make you reconsider your carry-on-only policy. Surf in the morning, sip a margarita at El Tiburón in the afternoon, and dance barefoot under the stars at Yambak by night. This stylish, minimalist boutique hotel sits right on the beach, offering a peaceful retreat just steps from the action. (And their coffee is chef's kiss.)