Casa de Sierra Nevada

The grand dame of San Miguel's ever-expanding collection of luxury hotels, Casa de Sierra Nevada (made up of six Spanish-colonial mansions) exudes colonial charm and laid-back stylishness. All 37 unique, colorfully painted rooms blend historic and modern furnishings, with tables, rugs, and headboards from the 18th and 19th centuries alongside hand-stenciled walls, talavera-tiled bathrooms, and copper bathtubs all made by local artisans. Guests can join chef Felipe Ramirez (who joined the hotel in 2010) on a San Miguel Market tour to select fresh produce, then go back to the on-site cooking school Sazon to make lunch. For dinner, Ramirez turns out upscale Mexican fare; try the barbecue-style short rib with warm avocado ragout and petal salad. To experience the ancient purification ritual of temazcal, visit the newly constructed “sweat lodge” space in Laja Spa.