A Mexican hacienda hideaway
Tucked away in Mexico’s picturesque highlands, Hacienda de San Antonio is a luxurious home from home, with just 25 exclusive suites. Unwind in the library, enjoy a spa treatment or two, then take afternoon tea in the Yellow Room, or get out and about, hot air ballooning, quad biking and more.
A stone’s throw from the city of Colima, a little way from Mexico’s Pacific coast, the Hacienda has its own private airstrip for quick connections to several international airports, including Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. Originally the home of Vogel family, the Hacienda was built in the late 19th century in the centre of what would later become a coffee plantation. Bought by Sir James Goldsmith in the 1980s, the Hacienda then underwent 10 years of restoration, with his daughter, Alix Marcaccini, and interior designer Armand Aubery blending the spirit and tradition of a grand Mexican hacienda manor house with the soul of a family home.
The property’s 25 suites occupy three bougainvillea-covered sides of the house and offer garden, river or volcano views. All overlook a shady, plant-filled courtyard in the center and ground floor suites open onto a shared volcanic stone terrace, while upstairs suites have a step-out balcony. Each has been carefully designed to highlight the property’s original high ceilings and fireplaces, combining bright Mexican hues with European textiles and pieces from the Goldsmith family’s own art collection.
The Hacienda’s chefs are all skilled at blending local recipes with the international influences, using seasonal and organic ingredients grown on-site. While afternoon tea in the Yellow Room has become something of a tradition (along with a cocktail or two), guests can swap the main restaurant for a cozy corner if they’d rather have a more intimate dinner. Throughout their stay, everyone’s encouraged to make themselves at home. Relax in the tranquility of the wood-paneled library, bask with a book in the sunny Mirador room or gather for aperitifs in the striking Club Room – there’s a place and a space for every mood.
While the Hacienda’s gardens, spa and swimming pool might be tricky to tear yourself away from, there’s so much more to do. Take to horseback for an exhilarating ride through the area’s varied landscapes or board a hot air balloon for a bird’s-eye view. For those in search of something more stimulating, there are quad bike tours and skydiving, while foodies can get stuck into baking as well as cheese and coffee-making tours. And when you’re ready slow the pace, pick up a paintbrush or cocktail shaker and get creative.
