Discovering a Secret Garden in Morelia, Mexico

Perched atop a mountain overlooking the city of Morelia sits the Villa Montaña Hotel. Greenery cascades over the walls of the hotel, down into the city. Inside, purple flower petals are sprinkled over the grounds, and green vines reach for the sky. Statues of fish, angels, saints, and lions rest on every corner keeping you company on your walk through the garden, while monarch butterflies the size of your hand brush your face. A piano player on the restaurant balcony above keys his way through familiar Mexican melodies, keeping your walking tempo at an energetic pace. Finally, at the end of the path, the trees part and a brightly colored refreshing blue pool awaits you. Welcome to Morelia's secret garden.


Via my article on Trazzler.

Travel Inspiration #15

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." - Henry Miller. 
A beautiful tree in the courtyard of Morelia's Cathedral

Wedding In Morelia

Visited the city of Morelia for a wedding and weddings in Mexico are always a party. It started with a beautiful church with a pink interior, gifts for everyone, lighting of paper lanterns (thank goodness none of the trees caught on fire with the sudden wind), a large band, a mariachi band, dancing, dinner, a candy bar and oh don't let me forget - a stilt dancer. We left the party at 3 a.m and the party continued without us. Catholic weddings in Mexico I think are always so beautiful. ¡Felicidades!

Hotel Review - Villa Montaña, Morelia

On my trip to Mexico last week, my husband and I stayed at this beautiful hotel called Villa Montaña in Morelia. Morelia is the capital of Michoacán and located between Mexico City and Guadalajara and I think this hotel was definitely a small gem in the mist of a seemingly day to day city. As we arrived and passed through the entrance and beyond it's walls, you see nothing but blooming trees and floral of all colors. Compared to the outside, it was like entering a secret garden. It was quiet except for the singing of birds, the purr of a cat and the sweet smells of greenery wafted past your nose. Our bags were taken care of as we promptly were set up with a room in a massive colonial styled lobby with all of my favorite type of decor. The designer in me wanted to ask to take the rustic wood reception desk home.

I had been in airports for 8 hours and a bus for 3 and needed some food. We quickly found the hotel restaurant with the help of piano music echoing through the garden. We oooo'd and aaaa'd then ordered some food and sat out on a large deck overlooking the city. Oh did I mention the hotel is on top of a mountain with a great view? Sure is! But back to dinner - my fetachini alfredo and Jav's steak was delic!

The hotel staff was always very courteous and helpful. Not once did they seem to not have us totally in mind. They were there to serve. The room was delightful and cottage like. Many rooms included a fireplace, flat screen tv, robes and slippers! Oh and even a bath tub! A bath tub in Mexico!? Get out!

Each room was it's own building, away from distracting noises. The pebbled walkways were sprinkled with flower pedals - almost like they were put there daily for guests. At the bottom of the hill was the pool. It was a bright blue in contrast with the grey of the city in the distance. The temperature was perfect for soaking in. No need to creep into this basin of water. But wait, once you were tired of swimming those laps, there was a spa right next door to cure the days achy muscles. It was like a tunnel to serenity. You enter worn out but come out like you had slept for 8 hours (so they say). Adios Villa Montaña, you were a breath of fresh air, an oasis in the middle of a concrete city.

Photos by me.

Back To Mexico!

Onto México I go tomorrow morning and I can't be any more excited. I get to see Javier for the first time since Christmas and I can't wait to be in his arms. I'm heading down there this weekend to attend the wedding of his cousin and because of that, I get to visit a new town - Morelia! From the pictures I've seen, its going to be nice. Plus, I just learned we get to stay in this fancy colonial style hotel named Villa Montana. Its placed on top of a hill with gorgeous views of the city. Hope there is time for a little splash in the pool!

Photo via Drake and Cavendish