A cluster of historic buildings at the centre of the city, this charming Orient-Express hotel offers the ultimate Mexican experience. Cool, leafy gardens, stone arches and traditional wooden doors surround pretty courtyards lit by lanterns as night falls.

Peaceful though this is—especially when within the tranquil Laja Spa—just step outside and you are surrounded by San Miguel de Allende’s many colors, scents and sounds.

The hotel has its own cooking school, Sazon, where you can learn to create traditional Mexican treats. To savor the local cooking at leisure there is a choice of two exceptional restaurants.