For his second Designer Travels installation, designer Thomas Lavin chronicles his recent trip through Mexico, and the art, architecture and cuisine that inspired him.
Destination: Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Month traveled: April
Duration of Trip: 8 days
Temperature range: Both cities were a delightfully low 80s during the day and a cool low 50s at night.
Solo trip or vacation with family & friends? With my partner, Destin Bass
What drew you to this locale?
San Miguel de Allende has long been on our radar. A decade ago, I visited with my parents and fell in love with its rich history and creative spirit, where locals and expats thrive together. Mexico City, one of the world’s great metropolises, is only a 3-hour flight from LAX and offers a sensory feast — ancient and modern, culinary delights and artistic treasures abound. What captivates me most about Mexico City is the tree-lined streets that create an enchanting, shadowy experience as you explore. You can feel the history and possibility.
The lodgings…
San Miguel de Allende – Casa de Sierra, a Belmond Hotel
Nestled in the historic center, this collection of 17th and 18th-century villas allowed us to immerse ourselves in the town’s charm. After a day of sightseeing, the pool and a margarita were the perfect respite. Rustic rooms featured Saltillo tile floors, antiques, and hidden gardens with fountains. My personal haven was a tub that provided a nightly escape.
Mexico City – Casa Polanco
This early 20th-century mansion turned hotel combines modern sensibility with antique elegance. Overlooking Lincoln Park, it offers a tranquil break from the city’s hustle. The service was impeccable — one evening, I savored soup in the living room while Shakira played perfectly too loud in the background, making me feel like I was in a magical place. Plus, all tequila (and alcohol) is included in your stay!
Must-sees for design and architecture lovers…
San Miguel Highlights:
– Instituto Allende | This former 1543 monastery-turned-art-school showcases murals by renowned artists like David Alfaro Siqueiros. The courtyard is a meditation on Mexico’s history through art.
– Colonia Guadalupe Arts District | A vibrant neighborhood where walls are adorned with elaborate murals by street artists, featuring everything from Huichol mythology to abstract interpretations of local culture.
– “Vida y Obra del Generalísimo don Ignacio de Allende” | A significant, unfinished mural by Siqueiros that captures San Miguel’s historical narrative.
– Santuario de Atotonilco | One of our most important stops on the entire trip was the Santuario de Atotonilco, a world heritage site constructed in the 18th century. The main features of the complex are the extraordinary Baroque mural works (which, in a way, reminded me of Francisco Goya’s black paintings). The work was done by Antonio Martinez de Pocasangre over 30 years, thus giving it the moniker “Sistine Chapel of Mexico”. Religious statuary and crucifixion scenes are gothic and gloomy amid the glitter of the gold and sunlight.
Mexico City Must-Sees:
– Luis Barragán Site | A month could be spent exploring, but we focused on a couple of highlights.
– Casa Pedregal (circa 1947) | Barragán’s quintessential home features pink volcanic stone floors and stunning light play that evolves with the sun. It is fascinating to imagine that when this home was built, it was the first in the middle of nowhere, far from the city center — now it is as robust as the rest of Mexico City. Still privately owned, book in advance for an experience of this special place.
– Tetetlán | Once horse stables, now a hub with a cafe, art and design showcases — there is a library with Japanese-style listening stations, and a coffee shop — it is a sensory overload in the best way possible.
– Casa Gilardi (circa 1975) | Barragán’s final masterpiece, where light, color and volume converge. The highlight? An interior pool with striking blue and red walls, and stories from the owner’s son about life in this iconic space. We were treated on our tour by the owner’s son, who shared family photos of his time growing up (and using the pool).
– Palacio de Correos de Mexico (Postal Palace) | Hidden gems await within its walls, with murals by Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco exploring Mexico’s rich history.
Culinary Delights…
Mexico City’s restaurant scene is among the world’s finest. Standout spots include Maximo Bistro, Sud 777 and Rosett —each as visually stunning as they are delicious. Contra Mar and Nico are legendary and not to be missed.
Souvenirs…
Destin and I couldn’t resist picking up a pair of alpaca ponchos and hand-etched glasses from a local glass shop — perfect reminders of our artistic adventure (mine were etched with flowers and leaves; his were raised colorful polka dots).
Final Thoughts…
Travel more. This trip reaffirmed my belief that the world is full of creativity waiting to be explored. Whether you’re drawn to design, food or history, Mexico offers an unforgettable tapestry of experiences that will inspire and delight.
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