When I visited San Miguel de Allende several years ago, I immediately knew I wanted to return with my mom. The colorful streets, lined with galleries and shops, plus incredible food… I just knew it was right up her alley, and I hoped to bring her some day! So it was a dream to not only celebrate her 70th birthday together, but share the beauty and charm of this incredible town with her.

There’s something about the cobblestone streets, the vibrant culture, and the warm, welcoming spirit of the people that makes it the perfect place for a mother-daughter getaway.

Where We Stayed: Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada //

From the moment we stepped into Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, we were transported into another world. This hotel, a collection of beautifully restored colonial mansions (some dating back to the 16th century!), offers a blend of old-world charm and modern luxury. Located in the heart of the historic city center, it was the perfect home base for our three-day escape.

Every corner of this hotel seemed designed for quiet reflection or peaceful conversation—something that made our trip feel that much more intimate. We spent hours chatting by the serene pool, sipping cocktails in the courtyard bar, and simply appreciating the quiet moments that come with being somewhere as special as this. And with only 36 rooms, it always feels as though you have the place to yourself!

Poplin Blouse (XS) | Tropical Shorts (Small) | Slide Sandals | Bucket Bag (Similar Bag HERE) | Dome Hoop Earrings | Full Outfit HERE

Exploring San Miguel: A Town That Stays With You //

Beyond the hotel’s luxurious setting, we ventured out into the heart of San Miguel de Allende itself. The town is a perfect mix of history, culture, and modernity. The Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel is a stunning landmark, and its intricate architecture never fails to take your breath away. We spent time strolling through the town’s picturesque streets, popping into local shops, and simply soaking in the vibrant energy of the place.

One of the things that made our trip so meaningful was the unhurried pace. We didn’t rush to see everything; instead, we let the town unfold at its own pace, savoring every moment and every experience. Whether it was wandering through a gallery or finding a hidden café to enjoy a coffee, every corner of San Miguel de Allende felt like a little adventure.

A Cooking Class at Sazon: Favorite Experience //

One of our favorite experiences was the hotel’s famous cooking class at Sazon. If you’ve ever wanted to dive into Mexican culture through its food, this is the experience for you. My mom and I had a blast exploring the local farmer’s market and learning how to prepare traditional dishes using fresh, local ingredients.

The chef and class were so fun, and of course, the meal was delicious!

on me: Chambray Dress | Cashmere Sweater | Bucket Bag (Similar Bag HERE) | Rx Sunglasses | Full Outfit HERE
Mama SP’s Top | Her jeans are sold out

Peplum Tunic

We wandered upon an artist exhibit in the park, and I couldn’t resist these colorful prints! So fun to buy them directly from the artists, and have a little piece of San Miguel and memories of our trip hanging in our home!

Our hotel has stunning rooftop views, so it was a favorite spot to wind down from the day and enjoy sunset cocktails. Everything is within walking distance, but taxis or the hotel’s car is readily available.

Watercolor Dress (45% off!) | T-Strap Sandals | Beaded Bag | Statement Necklace | Full Outfit HERE

Chambray Dress | Cashmere Sweater | Bucket Bag (Similar Bag HERE) | Rx Sunglasses | Full Outfit HERE

The Food of San Miguel //

Of course, no trip would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine, and San Miguel de Allende is overflowing with incredible food. One of the highlights of our trip was dining at Tunki, the rooftop restaurant at the Belmond. With panoramic views of the city, we enjoyed exquisite Mexican-Peruvian dishes in a setting that felt truly magical. It was the perfect place to celebrate my mom’s milestone birthday.

We also raved over every bite at Tosteverdes, a cozy gem known for its locally inspired, fresh flavors. Whether it was a light lunch or a leisurely dinner, this place captured the essence of the town—relaxed, friendly, and full of heart.

We opted for room service in our robes one night, but Quince is another fun spot we had planned. It has incredible rooftop views, and a fun tightrope walker several times a night.

Sugarplum Tip: Tosteverdes has fewer than 10 tables and reservations are hard to come by, but the Belmond concierge easily secured us a prime spot by the window!

A-Line Dress (XS) | Beaded Necklace | Full Outfit HERE

Relaxation at the Belmond Spa //

No birthday celebration would be complete without a little pampering, and we treated ourselves to some relaxation at the Belmond’s intimate spa. The massages were heavenly, and the serene environment made it the perfect place to unwind.

It’s a small space with no facilities, but the therapists are incredible, and there’s a peaceful relaxation room. We opted to sit under the umbrellas in the courtyard pool, where they spoiled us with little treats.

Bandeau Swimsuit | Sarong | Rope Tote Bag | Rx Sunglasses | Full Outfit HERE

One of my favorite parts of San Miguel are the doors. They are truly works of art, and I love imagining the magic gardens and courtyards that lie behind each one.

Halter Maxi Dress (XS) | Clear Toe Strap Sandals | Beaded Bag | Statement Earrings (25% off!) | Full Outfit HERE

Oversized Maxi Dress | Rx Sunglasses

Mama SP’s Top

Tips for Your Own Trip to San Miguel de Allende //

I highly recommend San Miguel de Allende for a couples, girls, or mother-daughter trip (the younger kids likely won’t love it, and the cobbled streets can be a challenge for accessibility). If you’re planning your own visit, here are a few tips to help make your trip even more special:

Best Time to Visit: We visited in early summer, and the weather was lovely—warm afternoons with occasional light rains, and cool evenings. It sits at a higher elevation, with moderate temperatures, making it a year-round destination. For the most pleasant weather, dry season is November-April, but holidays can be quite busy.

What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes are a must! The cobblestone streets and steps can be tricky, so make sure you’re prepared. Also, pack layers—mornings and evenings can be chilly, but the sun warms up nicely during the day.

Must-Do Activity: The cooking class at Sazon was an absolute highlight. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Plus, I’ve always found that people who love food are fun, which makes for a lively afternoon!

Embroidered Maxi Dress (XS) | Clear Toe Strap Sandals | Statement Earrings (25% off!)

Tips for Traveling with a Parent

Seeing the joy on my mom’s face every moment of the trip was truly priceless! It wasn’t so much where we were, but the uninterrupted time together that she was cherishing. So I highly encourage you to get away with your parents, it will be memories you both cherish!

But traveling with a parent isn’t the same as traveling with a spouse or girlfriends, here are a few tips to help make it a smooth experience for you both…

It’s their trip first, not yours: You aren’t planning the trip of your dreams and bringing them along. You’re planning a trip that caters to what they enjoy, and matches the pace they’re comfortable with. As we age, energy levels can vary and long days of sightseeing can be overwhelming. Traveling with a parent means considering their preferences and interests, which might be different from yours.

Pace the Trip: It was fun to have one thing on the agenda each day, that helped give our days a little structure. But it’s important to have downtime built in to the itinerary. Schedule time to simply relax, whether that’s spending an afternoon by the pool, lounging at the hotel, or watching a sunset together You might also want to avoid back-to-back busy days. It’s all about quality time, not squeezing everything in! Plus, I found that it was during these downtimes that the best conversations opened up!

Prioritize Comfort: Choose comfortable accommodations (avoid too many stairs, if possible) and transport options (opt for taxis or more convenient modes of transportation over walking long distances). Also, be mindful of the weather—too hot or too cold can be uncomfortable, so try to avoid extreme conditions.

Be Patient & Flexible: There will inevitably be moments where things don’t go according to plan, whether it’s a slow start to the day or needing to make unexpected stops. Flexibility is key, as your parent may need additional time for rest or to deal with minor issues (like adjusting to a new time zone or feeling a bit under the weather).

All too soon it was time to head home, this chunky cardigan has become a travel staple for me. So cozy and soft, it’s the perfect layer for chilly cars and planes.

Cashmere Cardigan (XS) | Tank (Small) | Jeans (size 26) | Slide Sandals | Sling Bag | Beaded Necklace | Full Outfit HERE

The vibe of San Miguel is chic, but not fussy. I packed light fabrics, layers, and of course, lots of color!

All Items HERE

on Mama SP: Jeans | Sandals
on me: Cashmere Cardigan (XS) | Linen Pants | Slide Sandals | Full Outfit HERE

This trip with my mom was more than just a birthday celebration—it was a chance to slow down, reconnect, and create memories we’ll cherish forever.

And if San Miguel de Allende has been on your list, you might want to visit sooner than later… it was just named the ‘Best Small City in the World’! Have you been? Do you travel with your parents? Where are some of your favorite spots? I think Mom and I need to make this an annual event!