Hotel Review: Our Habitas San Miguel de Allende
We recently spent an amazing weekend at Our Habitas San Miguel de Allende and discovered a whole different world from the bustling historic center. Here’s our experience.
When we first moved to San Miguel de Allende, we were immediately swept up in its magic — the vibrant colonial heart, the cobblestone streets echoing with history, and the riot of color on every corner. But after living here for a year, we craved some quiet time in nature, a place to truly unplug away from the city. We finally found the perfect place, at Our Habitas San Miguel de Allende.
Just a ten-minute drive from the baroque splendor of the historic center, the landscape transforms from cobblestones and colonial facades to a semi-arid landscape of rust-colored earth, towering cardon cacti, and wild, resilient flora. It is here that Our Habitas San Miguel de Allende makes its home, integrating with the natural surroundings and providing the all-rounded experience of well-being, gastronomy, art and adventure.
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Where Design Meets Nature
The arrival experience is intentionally understated, a gentle transition from the outside world. There is no grand lobby or formal reception desk. Instead, you step into a simple, open-air space where the air is thick with the sacred, earthy scent of burning copal. This is the first sensory cue that you are in a place designed for grounding and reconnection, a deliberate cleansing of the palate before the experience begins.
The property itself is laid out like a modern desert village. Winding pathways of packed, ochre-colored earth curve through the landscape, connecting the communal spaces with the private casitas. Native plants, succulents, and trees are left to grow freely, creating a sense of being truly immersed in the Guanajuato highlands.
Walking these paths, you notice how the architecture respects the natural topography. Structures are nestled into hillsides and positioned to maximize both privacy and the breathtaking valley views, so that from any given point, you feel as though you have the desert almost to yourself.
The Casitas: A Private Sanctuary
The 60 guest rooms, or casitas, are where Our Habitas design philosophy is most intimately felt. From the outside, they look like modern, ochre-colored bungalows with wooden decks, that mirror the natural surroundings.
The interior is a study in wabi-sabi elegance. The walls are crafted from a pale, textured limestone that feels cool to the touch and provides a beautiful, organic backdrop. Underfoot wood floors add warmth and a grounding contrast. The floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors open up to a view of an open field, inviting the entire desert landscape inside. Lying in bed, the view is uninterrupted — a living mural of cacti, swaying grasses, and the distant mountains.
The furniture is minimal and bespoke, crafted by local artisans from natural woods and fibers. I particularly love the magenta woven rug, clearly a work of art and display of Mexican culture. The giant pouf beanbag that sits on our deck is my favorite spot to lie and relax in the evenings. They even provided a big bed for our dog, such a thoughtful gesture.
The Communal Heart
All paths lead to the central hub, a flowing, open space that serves as the property’s soul. This is where you can find the farm-to-table restaurant, Comunidad. 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.
We had several decadent meals here, from fresh tangy ceviche so fresh it tasted of the sea, to crispy pork belly tacos and fall-off-the-bones braised short ribs. The most memorable of it all was the 4-course dinner we had on our arrival day – 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.
Just beyond the restaurant sits the firepit, a large, circular stone hearth that becomes the natural gathering point after sunset. The entire communal area is a triumph of design, creating a seamless transition from a sun-drenched swim to a relaxed, farm-to-table meal, and finally to a cozy, fire-lit conversation under a canopy of stars.
A Space for Families
The design of Our Habitas, while sophisticated, lends itself surprisingly well to families. The layout of individual casitas provides a natural sense of privacy and space that a traditional hotel cannot. Kids have the freedom to roam around the open field and the walkways without worrying about safety. The entire property feels like a safe and expansive natural playground.
The winding paths are an invitation for adventure and exploration for little ones. The nearby natural pools, La Playita Beach Club, is a clear draw for families, with heated kids pools and lots of lounging space for grownups. Our kid delighted in the creative workshops offered, from the cooking class to the paint and sip sessions. The open, communal design encourages a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where kids are a welcome part of the vibrant energy.
Travel Insurance for Frequent Travelers
We’ve been using Safety Wing for years now, and it’s one of the best decisions we’ve made as digital nomads. Their Nomad Insurance plan is affordable and provides solid coverage for medical emergencies regardless of where we’re traveling.
Rituals of Wellness and Stillness
The rhythm of the day at Our Habitas is often guided by a program of wellness rituals that are offered free for all guests. Mornings begin at the yoga shala, a raised wooden platform in the elevated part of the hotel grounds where a gorgeous view awaits. Moving through a sun salutation as the actual sun rises over the valley is a powerful experience.
Beyond the quiet introspection of the wellness offerings, the activity program fosters a spirit of creativity and community. In the afternoons, communal tables are often set up for workshops that engage the hands and spark conversation. A “Paint and Sip” class, for example, is less about artistic mastery and more about playful expression, fueled by good Mexican wine and the inspiring landscape.
As evening descends, the focus shifts to social rituals. A guided mezcal tasting takes place by the warmth of the firepit, where the history and flavor profiles of this sacred spirit are shared among new friends. These activities are designed not just as pastimes, but as gentle facilitators of connection, embodying the ethos of “Comunidad.”
An Aesthetic of Intentional Simplicity
Our Habitas San Miguel de Allende is, ultimately, a triumph of aesthetic vision. It is a space that proves contemporary design can be warm, minimalism can be soulful, and true luxury lies in the thoughtful, harmonious connection between a space and its environment. Every detail at Our Habitas feels intentional.
For us, our weekend at Our Habitas was exactly what we needed. It was a chance to hit the reset button, to slow down, to breathe deeply, and to simply be present. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve checked out. It was a secret we were initially tempted to keep to ourselves, but some places are just too special not to share.
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:
- Best Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende
- How to Visit La Gruta Hot Springs San Miguel de Allende
- Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende
- 30 Fun Things to Do in Guanajuato
- 10-Day Guanajuato Itinerary
Disclaimer: Our stay and experience was hosted by Our Habitas, but all opinions expressed are my own.
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