by Anne Dimon
San Miguel de Allende. A three-hour drive from Mexico City and known for its baroque Spanish architecture, cobbled-stone streets and much-photographed neo-Gothic church Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the Spanish-colonial city has, over the years, often been referred to as one of the “best small cities in the world.”
Major hotel brands are taking note of San Miguel de Allende.
In 2023 Hyatt opened NUMU – the first of its Unbound Collection brand in Mexico – in this bustling UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as a mecca for both American and Canadian “snowbirds.” Launched in 2016 and according to their web site, the Unbound Collection “offers shareable, story-worthy experiences for guests around the world.”
Located about a 15-minute walk from the bustling central garden area surrounding the Parroquia, the five-story NUMU houses 44 guest rooms (more than the average-size hotel in the city) including four suites, two on-site restaurants plus a lobby bar, a spa, a gym and a spacious outdoor garden area where breakfast is served. Beyond the garden, numerous live plants displayed throughout the hotel are part of the décor and bring nature indoors. The décor also includes many arts and handicrafts.
On the roof top terrace there’s a swimming pool and the Maura Mesa de Sal restaurant with views of the San Miguel’s famous skyline. One of the few female chefs in San Miguel de Allende, Griselda Rodriguez has created a menu that caters to food preference including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free.
The name Numu relates to the “intermingling of cultures” and the nod to local culture extends beyond the decor to the guest room amenities branded Soona. The products are made locally and in the language of the indigenous people – the Otomi – the word Soona translate to “Moon.” Something you’ll not typically find in most hotels around the world, there are water bottles in all guest rooms and water refilling stations on each of the floors.
The onsite NuBye spa offers three cabins. The gym, open 24 hours, where you can work out at your leisure any time of day or night, plus also book private sessions with a fitness instructor. Private yoga sessions can also be booked upon request. The Nubye Spa offers massages, facials and body scrubs and wraps, and tea service is available in a relaxation area. Prices are in keeping with the “affordability” factor that Mexico generally tends to be known for. For instance, the 50-minute signature massage (called Sensations) was, at the time of my visit, $2560 Mexican Pesos which rounds out to roughly $150 U.S. You can also book a Wellness Day which includes a yoga class with meditation, a 30-minute massage, a food credit and access to the peaceful pool area for roughly $175 U.S.
Numu is both pet and family friendly. Upon arrival, Don’t be surprised if you are greeted by Pancho, the Mountain Bernese who has lived at Numu since he was three months old.
General manager, Guillermo Valencia, points out that with 89 employees for a 44-guest hotel it’s not surprising that “most of the comments we receive concentrate on quality service.” What makes Numu most noteworthy? Valencia says it’s “the special location, the service, and the brand itself.” The average room rate is $450 U.S. per night. More on Numu
