Hacienda de San Antonio
"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe?Getting to this pink palace hidden deep in Colima's verdant tropical cloud forest was a feat. And part of the adventure. The colonial coffee plantation offers a slice of Mexican luxury you don't find elsewhere, with Jaguar basalt stone carved canals, pools with volcano views, and breezy loggias and courtyards offering space for all. What's the backstory?This is an independently owned property and has a sister property on the coast, Cuixmala. Opulent and muy romantico. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?Volcanic stone and ceramic floor terrace with big poster beds and fireplaces. French doors open to a terrace, and bright colored textiles remind you you're in Mexico. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?Don't come here for tacos. Colima is known for its abundance of vegetables and fruits, like citrus and avocados—many of which are grown on the property's Rancho Jabalí. The more subtle Mexico mountain cuisine steers away form typical Mexican food, and offered less spicy plates of meat. Juices were aplenty. And the service?Service was spartan, and not necessary to enjoy the stay. It's a pretty straightforward property in terms of what it offers, so it was better to explore and discover the estate than be hand held by staff. What type of travelers will you find here?I was the only guest while there! It felt like my own dreamy private villa. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?It's very isolated with not much around, except chacalacas and jaguars prowling the cloud forest, so you do want to stay on property and experience what the hotel can do—and watch the volcano puff away from a poolside chair. Is there anything you'd change?No, it was magical because it of its individuality and unwillingness to conform to what many travelers want or need. This place has charm and integrity, and making too many changes would disrupt that. Any other hotel features worth noting?Don't rush off property, enjoy the pool! Hard to take your eyes off that volcano. The birds in the surrounding forest are incredible and worth getting a pair of binocs to do some birdwatching. Colors like you've never seen before. Ditto for some of the flora. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?Yes, unlike any other place on planet earth. Euro colonial meets Mexican mountain jungle. Worth every penny and every bump on the long drive up to it." - Adam H. Graham
