Marvelous Mexico: Flowers, Art & Architecture

Your Mexican adventure begins at Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX). A timely arrival (no later than 1:00 or 2:00 pm) ensures a smooth transition into the day's captivating activities. If your travel plans require an earlier arrival, we can arrange your accommodation for an additional day. 

Taxis wait to whisk you to the Alest Hotel, your haven in Polanco, Mexico City's Beverly Hills.  After settling in, prepare to be dazzled by artistic treasures!  The renowned Soumaya Museum boasts a vast collection of sculptures, paintings, and works of art spanning eras from Mesoamerica to the modern day.  The museum's architecture is equally impressive.

As dusk falls, prepare for an unforgettable culinary experience. We'll be whisked away to Pujol, a world-renowned contemporary Mexican restaurant.  Helmed by the visionary Chef Enrique Olvera, Pujol is a symphony of innovative flavors and artistic presentation.  Savor a curated tasting menu showcasing the finest, locally sourced ingredients transformed into masterpieces on your plate. This exclusive dining experience promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you with lasting memories.

The coming week of exceptional beauty, cultural discoveries, and unforgettable experiences awaits.  

We'll devote today to art, architecture, and sampling Mexico City's extraordinary food scene.

Our first point of call is Casa Luis Barragan, one of the most iconic pieces of mid-century Mexican architecture – a building ahead of its time. Built in 1948, it is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our lunch is a walking and tasting tour at Mercado La Merced with a local foodie guide. 

We'll close our day at the Frida Kahlo Casa Azul House and Museum, a pilgrimage every woman must make while in CDMX.

Dinner is at a mansion in the Roma neighborhood, a restaurant on everyone’s "best" list. The female chef here recently won the best female chef in the world! 

After an early breakfast, we will drive to the Valle de Bravo (although you might think you've arrived in the Garden of Eden). We’ll drop our bags at the hotel, the lovely La Casa Rodavento. Then, we'll head to La Musa de las Flores, a flower lover's paradise.

Owner and founder Gabriela Salazar is from Mexico but lived in England for five years. Flower lovers and florists from across the world follow her Instagram account. 

At La Musa de las Flores, she teaches an intentional, sustainable floral design style. We’ll meet Gabriela as she leads us through her flower garden. Then, we'll relax in this serene environment with a glass of wine and settle in for a delectable catered lunch.

September is dahlia season and a prolific blooming season for many other flowers. You're about to see an explosion of color and unique blooms. We'll use her flowers and others to create our own masterpiece using Gabriela's techniques to guide us. Nothing Gabriela plants or creates is in the least bit ordinary. 

Back at the hotel, after a rest, we'll enjoy some mezcal on the rooftop lounge to enlighten our taste buds before a fabulous dinner at the Nuestro Restaurante at the hotel.

Wake up in your gorgeous hotel room and pop down to breakfast. 

Then, we’ll meet Gabriela again and wander around her garden and the surrounding countryside to collect items for our bouquets. We have a bouquet class in the late morning, where Gabriela will show us how to mindfully mix her unique, organic flowers with our foraged items, followed by a healthy lunch in the garden. 

Take your flower arrangements to the hotel and admire your creations for the next few days. 

Tonight, we’ll celebrate our new-found artistry and respect for nature with a jubilant meal at a sister resort. Enjoy the amazing five-course floating dinner on a private lake. 

Today, we'll drive to Tepoztlán, a pueblo mágico (magic village), about three hours away. This small but alluring village outside Cuernavaca is known for the small pyramid at the top of a nearby hill dedicated to Ometochtli–Tepoztēcatl, the guru of pulque, a beer-like drink made from the maguey plant. The pyramid, called El Tepozteco, dates from 1452. The region is known for its handicrafts, including artisanal weaving, pottery, and baskets. 

We'll explore the market in Tepoztlán and feast on street food from the market.  We’ll try red mole, pumpkin flower quesadillas, thin tamales, and itacates. These local favorites consist of buttered corn cakes with salsa, sour cream, and cheese. We’ll wash it all down with a sample of pulque, naturally! 

Our home for the next two nights is the Hotel Amomoxtli. After unpacking, you’ll have free time to unwind. Why not book an optional spa treatment and pamper yourself at the hotel's amazing spa?   

Tonight’s meal is at Mesa de Origen. The food is scrumptious, and you’ll enjoy the cocktail menu and the excellent selection of local Mexican wines (don’t knock them until you’ve tried them. Mexico produces some delicious wines). 

After breakfast, we'll head over to Cuernavaca, the city of Eternal Spring, an hour-long drive west.  

Our first stop is the Robert Brady House Museum, dedicated to the owner, poet, writer, and collector. He was born in Iowa, lived in Venice, and then traveled the world collecting art and artifacts before settling in the 16th-century monastery in the 1960s. 

We’ll pop into the pink Chapel of the Third Order of San Francisco. Life may not always be a walk in the park, but after going to church, we’ll walk in the Jardín Juárez park, complete with a gazebo designed by Gustav Eiffel.  

We'll have lunch at Casa Hidalgo. Then, you have time to shop at the nearby craft markets or discover, on your own, the Palacio de Cortes from 1521 with its Diego Rivera murals.  

Why not relax and enjoy the resort later this afternoon? Consider booking into the spa for a well-deserved wellness treatment. 

We're in for a delightful dinner treat at Parcela this evening. We'll learn how the facility grows organic food and its regenerative agriculture practices. We'll explore the five fruit tree, vegetable, flower, and aromatic herb production methods and appreciate the biodiversity of insects, birds, and other animals, sharing our space. After the tour, we'll enjoy the garden delights with seasonal dishes and celebrate our last night together. 

After breakfast, we will head back to Mexico City Airport. Make sure your departure flight is in the late afternoon or early evening. We'll cherish the memories and friendships created this week as we say goodbye.