Paradero Hotel
There is something to be said about being off the grid. Cell service is shaky, forcing you to disconnect. Staying in a remote location making you appreciate the amenities that surround you. And with no vehicle to get around, you really have to appreciate everything! Such was the case on my recent visit to Baja California by ways of both Todos Santos and San Jose Del Cabo. My first two nights in beautiful Baja California; where the desert meets the ocean, was at Paradero Hotel. A luxurious hotel that boosts itself on its experiences it offers for its guest. I honestly wish the experiences they offered were on a daily basis and not sporadic but, there in lies the joy of disconnecting. The hotel did a great job of offering a brutalist design in the desert oasis. The curvature of the buildings seemed harmonious with the mountains in the backdrop. Upon entering, I was surprised at how quiet the hotel was! Definitely not something you would experience if you were staying in Los Cabos. I checked in and quickly settled in after having a delicious mezcalita upon arrival. I indulged my palate with soft shell crab tacos, the freshest daily fish one could ever experience and even fresher juices in the morning. And of course, I had to enjoy the wine from Valle De Guadalupe . My experiences included a morning hike that lead to ocean views on one day and outdoor yoga. I remained lazy at the hotel, enjoying a book at the pool that overlooked the desert, here and hanging out on rooftop deck of my room that offered a sneak peak of the Pacific Ocean, there. It was nice to be able to seize the opportunity and stay at Paradero. The perfect reset when one is necessary.
OAXACA
When one thinks of Oaxaca; food, festivals, mezcal…mezcal and food, all come to mind!
I visited Oaxaca for the second time, the first being January 2022 when the streets were relatively quiet due to COVID. This time around, the city was alive and thriving! Weddings were being had and celebrations took over Zocalo square. The cobblestone streets were filled with both locals and tourists alike. You felt the exuberance of this magical place, which is the many reasons why I’ve come to love Oaxaca!
I checked in once again to the beautiful Casa Antonieta, where a temporary stay feels more like home. The hospitatlity warm and welcoming. The service above and beyond. Muss cafe is a great way to start your day in Oaxaca while Ama is the perfect wind down before heading out to the many delicious restaurants Oaxaca has to offer. From rooftop restaurants such as Casa Oaxaca to local eats found throughout Mercado de 20 Noviembre or dining in beautiful outdoor gardens like Criollo or my personal favorite Alfonsina…the options are limitless.
If venturing out of Oaxaca Centro, there are options. From visiting Hierve De Agua (which I was told it is truly beautiful during the rainy season) or visiting the local artisans in Teotitlan de Valle, it makes for a wonderful day trip. I took the time to visit a local mezcal distillery that I learned about from research. Woman owned. Family owned and most importantly, supported by the local community as well! Mezcal Desde la Eternidad is a great place to visit if you want to learn about the orgins of mezcal as well as taste and support the local distilleries.
Being one of the smaller cities in Mexico, I find that I discover something new during my visits to Oaxaca by just walking around. Beautiful clothing boutiques, amazing cafes…Oaxaca is truly a gem!
Mexico City
I feel like nowadays, there isn’t a soul who hasn’t visited Mexico City; like Paris and London, it is a city to be discovered. But when I first visited CDMX in 2017, that was not the case. It was a city still filled with mystery and discovery. It hadn’t been over exposed to the way it is now. But exposure aside, Mexico City has become one of my favorite cities to visit! I love getting lost and becoming found when I stumble across a place I have never visited before during previous visits. I love revisiting the places that I have become accustomed to. And if the opportunity presented itself, I would move to Mexico City with no hesitations.
Flying into Mexico City, where the sky is wrapped in smog and you can see peaks of famous museums such as Museo Soumaya peaking through the skyline. There is so much to take in when visiting Mexico City…its glorious culinary scene which ranges from upscale dining to street food. There’s art to immerse yourself in. There is the richness of culture and the history that is easily told through the facades of old buildings in the neighborhoods to the rich pyramids a drive outside of the city. Each neighborhood is connected in some way, making it easy to navigate and see all or, most of all that the city has to offer.
