Last Updated on August 7, 2025
The scent hit us the moment we stepped out of the car — the earthy, sacred aroma of burning copal. It was a fragrance that instantly cleansed the mind, signaling a departure from the everyday. This was the entrance to Our Habitas San Miguel de Allende, and our check-in wasn’t a transaction, but a ritual.
Led to a carpeted seating area with a low table and aromatic incense, our concierge invited us to close our eyes for a short, centering meditation. As he gently explained the Habitas philosophy — a focus on wellness, community, and forging a genuine connection with nature — I felt the frantic energy of the outside world dissolved, replaced by a profound and immediate sense of peace.
This was the beginning of our Countryside Culinary Journey, a weekend experience that promised to be more than just a simple getaway. For my husband, our 10-year-old daughter, and I, it was a chance to rediscover a corner of our adopted home, San Miguel de Allende, and to immerse ourselves in an experience designed to nourish the soul. And from these first few moments, we knew it would be something truly special.
A Sanctuary on the Hillside
The unique ethos of Our Habitas is perfectly mirrored in its architecture and layout. The property consists of 60 individual casitas dotted across the undulating hills of Valle de los Senderos. Each freestanding room is a private sanctuary, surrounded by towering cacti, native trees, and seasonal wildflowers. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the minimalistic, earth-inspired design that allows the majestic landscape to take center stage.
Our room featured natural textiles, earthy tones, and floor-to-ceiling windows that perfectly framed the view, erasing the boundary between inside and out. Awaiting us was a thoughtful welcome: a bottle of local red wine and a charcuterie board laden with artisanal cheeses and meats. The resort had even graciously prepared an extra bed for our daughter and a large, comfortable dog bed for our beloved dog, Brownie.
The true magic of our casita, however, lay just beyond the glass doors. They opened onto our private deck and a sprawling, open field. For our daughter and Brownie, this was pure bliss. They spent hours running free, their joyful laughter and happy barks echoing in the crisp air. My husband and I watched them from our deck, drinks in hand, feeling more relaxed than ever.
A Cooking Class for the Family
Our Countryside Culinary Journey began on Friday afternoon with a private cooking class in the hotel’s garden. With their sous chef as our guide, we learned the secrets to crafting the perfect guacamole from scratch, a hands-on experience that was both fun and delicious.
My daughter absolutely loved getting her hands dirty and learning to make something so simple yet deeply comforting. After the experience, we gathered by a crackling fire pit, sipping on exquisitely refreshing grapefruit cocktails specially created by the talented in-house mixologist.
Embarking on a Culinary Journey
That night, we were treated to a phenomenal four-course private dinner at Comunidad, the hotel’s signature farm-to-table restaurant. True to its name, which means “community,” the restaurant is the social and culinary heart of the property, where their passion for authentic, fire-kissed cuisine is palpable. The menu is a masterclass in local, sustainable cooking, celebrating the bounty of the Bajío region.
Our culinary journey began with a ceviche so fresh it tasted of the sea, sharpened with the perfect balance of tangy citrus, onion, and cilantro. This was followed by a bowl of charred corn esquites, an elevated take on the beloved street food classic, where the smoky kernels were enriched with cotija cheese and a hint of spice.
For the main event, the braised short rib was so soft, tender and fall-off-the-bone, the result of slow-cooked perfection, served alongside a rich, complex mole that spoke of deep culinary tradition. Each course was a revelation, a spectacular showcase of Mexican flavors that, in its entirety, easily ranks among the best dining experiences I’ve had in San Miguel de Allende.
Floating on a Hot Air Balloon
On Saturday morning, we rose before dawn for a much-anticipated hot air balloon ride, a truly magical way to greet the day. Sadly, we weren’t quite lucky with the weather; it was too cloudy to see anything. We drifted mostly over the expansive fields surrounding the city, and the experience was definitely peaceful and relaxing. Floating silently above the awakening landscape offered a serene perspective of our own backyard; we even spotted our own home from the air!
The rest of the day was spent doing something we rarely find the time for… nothing! There was no rush to the next activity, no schedule to keep. The day unfolded at its own gentle rhythm, dictated by the sun and our own inclinations. While my husband and daughter relaxed with books, I succumbed to a blissful nap on our sun-drenched deck with Brownie, lulled to sleep by the rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.
Wine and Art
That evening, we embraced our creative sides in a pinto y tinto (paint and sip) class led by the hotel’s resident artist. It was a wonderfully relaxed and social event, where we learned blending techniques and shared stories with fellow guests visiting from Mexico City, strengthening that sense of community Habitas fosters so well.
Dinner was yet another culinary triumph — we feasted on succulent, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs and a steak seared to absolute perfection. In the dimly lit restaurant, we savored every bite of our decadent meal and chatted over candlelight. I was once again swept off my feet by their handcrafted cocktails, creatively concocted by their mixologist.
Kicking Back at the Natural Pool
Our Sunday morning was spent chilling at La Playita beach club, gorgeous natural pools just a short walk from our casita. The setting was idyllic, with a larger freshwater pool with clear, spearmint water and colorful water lilies for adults and a separate heated pool perfect for the little ones, complete with a fun play structure that our daughter made a beeline for. There was even a larger lagoon (not for swimming) where we could rent an SUP and glide on. After an hour of paddling, we kicked back on comfy sundecks and swayed in gently swinging hammocks.
Adding to the vibrant Sunday atmosphere was a bustling weekend market set up right beside the pools. We browsed through vendors offering everything from colorful organic produce and delicious local foods to artisanal cheeses and small-batch mezcal. It felt like a microcosm of San Miguel’s creative and culinary spirit, a place where the community gathers to share the best of the local landscape.
A Sunday Brunch to Remember
Our weekend culminated in the weekly Sunday brunch, a vibrant and festive affair that’s popular with locals. The spread was a feast for the senses, featuring traditionally prepared cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), a delicious variety of freshly made guisos (stews) served with warm tortillas, and sizzling, grilled Argentinean chorizo. We played scrabble (the restaurant has a series of boardgames) while we had a long, lazy brunch — exactly how we loved spending our Sundays.
Our Habitas San Miguel de Allende is far more than a luxury hotel — it is an experience that lingers long after you leave. It’s a place designed to quiet the mind and open the heart, where the focus on wellness, nature, and human connection creates a sanctuary for the soul. For anyone seeking a meaningful and rejuvenating escape in the heart of Mexico, this remarkable home is an experience I cannot recommend highly enough.
Further Reading on San Miguel de Allende
A trip to San Miguel de Allende is dreamy and magical, whether your interest lies in history, culture, or the great outdoors. For first-time visitors to Mexico, it’s definitely worthwhile adding San Miguel de Allende to your Mexico road trip itinerary.
For those who are planning to travel Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:
Disclaimer: Our stay and experience on the Country Culinary Journey was hosted by Our Habitas, but all opinions expressed are my own.
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