Pressed Juicery founder Carly Brien retreats to Mexico’s tranquil San Miguel de Allende when she needs an escape from the hustle and bustle of L.A. life. 

A charming colonial town in Central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende has a lot of meaning for my fiancé, so he took me on an eight-day adventure to experience some of its magic. From art classes to spiritual retreats and incredible local food, there is so much culture to explore. The first art school in Latin America was founded in San Miguel and with artists and eclectic expatriates making up a good portion of its population, it is evident that art is at the root of its rich history.

The lively heart of the town is the Jardin Principal, the local town square where the community gathers. La Parroquia, the magnificent squired cathedral that can be spotted from all over the city, is the main attraction on the square. Filled throughout the day with expats and locals alike, the Jardin evokes feelings of a slower pace of life—with ice cream carts and balloons for the kids, and wonderful charming cafes lining the square. At night, musicians entertain while passersby make their way home or out to dinner and drinks. There always seems to be cause for celebration in this lively town, and this Jardin is the center for these celebrations.

SLEEP

We stayed in my fiancé’s great aunt’s home. It’s this little lush oasis nestled behind an antique wooden door in the middle of one of San Miguel’s bustling neighborhoods. You can find similar hidden gems on sites like Airbnb and VRBO.

DINE

LUNA ROOFTOP TAPAS BAR For the best view in town, sit atop the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende’s rooftop bar and take in the natural beauty.

CUMPANIO A great restaurant just off the Jardin, they have fresh baked bread and artisanal specialties for breakfast in addition to chic kitchen accessories. Dinner is fabulous too, everything tastes fresh and it’s very hip.

OLÉ-OLÉ– This charming family-owned restaurant is in the heart of San Miguel. The walls are lined with bullfighting memorabilia giving this place a ton of character. If you go, you must order the fajitas.

PLAY

LIFEPATH RETREAT HOUSE This wellness center offers amazing workshops and treatments. I especially loved their thai yoga massage. Their juice bar is called PuraVida and specializes in green juices, smoothies and unique food products like kombucha and fermented foods. You can also stay there for an extended period and do a real retreat.

FABRICA LA AURORA There are over forty galleries, art studios, and shops with world-renowned artists inside this center. They offer art classes and they have an incredible cafe.

LAJA SPA I was able to completely relax with their incredible hot stone massage.

SAZÓN They offer cooking classes that focus on seasonal and regional Mexican specialties and they also have market tours and a class devoted to healthy Mexican cooking.

 

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