New Hotel Enhances Travel To San Miguel de Allende, One of Mexico's Premier Destinations

San Miguel de Allende, the famed historic colonial town which has long bee a thriving haven for rising artists and will soon be enhanced as a tourist haven with the opening of Hotel Matilda(www.hotelmatilda.com)  in September 2010. In contrast to 468-year-old San Miguel de Allende’s traditional Old World accommodations, the one-of-a-kind iconoclastic hotel will celebrate the contemporary Latin art scene and the lifestyle of today’s international traveler.

Among the hotel's unique characteristics is that it will be a ‘living art gallery’ displaying the works of  acclaimed Mexican artists. including works by Aldo Chaparro, Nacho Rodriguez and Bosco Soti.
Underscoring the boutique hotel’s commitment to the arts is that it was eponymously named for the subject of a famous painting that will be part of the hotel’s collection Savvy and discriminating travelers will soon  be flocking to this upscale boutique property offering superb dining, innovative spa treatments  and a one-of-a-kind art scene..

Among the hotels' amenities and services are

• 32 rooms and suites, many with vistas over the dramatic steeple-studded skyline of San Miguel de Allende;
• a gourmet restaurant with garden seating serving contemporary cuisine with regional influences and Latin flair;
• a stylish lounge appealing to guests and local residents alike featuring light dining, a full bar and a patio overlooking San Miguel;
• a spa focusing on personalized beauty and wellness experiences;
• an infinity pool and deck with lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Guest Rooms and Suites:  Among the highlights of the accommodations are patios or terraces adorned with potted plants and contemporary décor accented with art works and rugs created by Mexican artisans; all of these artistic expressions are modern variations of traditional design.

Spa Matilda: An intimate haven of comfort and sophistication, Spa Matilda will offer a collection of globally and locally inspired treatments and integrated personal care experiences customized to individual needs and preferences. Set in an intimate and tranquil garden environment, the spa’s 4,700 square feet will have four treatment rooms including a couple’s room and a Spa Suite with a steam shower and soaking tub, two courtyards, a patio, a Relaxation Lounge for pre- and post-treatment quiet time and fitness and cardio/strength-training facilities. Well thought out, integrated components will set Spa Matilda apart from most other spas: a signature apothecary showcasing hand-blended products composed of locally-procured artisanal ingredients; a professional staff characterized by technical expertise, seamless execution and attention to detail; a facility design that is a modern and sensual reinterpretation of local design and traditional materials; and active ‘Spa en Vivo’ experiences bringing guests into direct contact with local nature and culture, such as the nearby hot springs.

Art Collection: A significant collection of contemporary Mexican art will echo and reinforce the artistic soul of a town long known for its art schools that attract budding artists from many countries. The collection will be anchored by permanent pieces and then be continuously refreshed with rotating works. Several acclaimed artists have been commissioned to create major pieces of art specifically for Hotel Matilda including: For a large interior wall, Bosco Sodi, who works with organic matter and color to create intangible energy and intense dialogue; for the boveda ceiling in the lounge, Aldo Chapparo, whose pieces focus on the visual relations between natural and artificial objects;  and for behind the Front Desk, Nacho Rodriguez, whose work is characterized by timelessness and the utilization of a diversity of media to explore the meaning of form and blur the lines between art and other disciplines. Photographer Spencer Tunick’s famous shot of thousands of nudes in Mexico City’s main square will be the wallpaper in the lounge bathroom.

Updated Traditional Design: Architecturally, Hotel Matilda will meld the past with the present, i.e. rather than try to recreate old colonial Mexico it will bring the traditional style into today. This will be accomplished by using typical materials and concepts in combination with fresh, clean lines and innovative adaptations, such as the ‘Rain Chain’ water feature at the entrance that will have water trickling down a chain into an old millstone.

Mexican Materials & Décor: Most of the materials and components being used in the construction and décor are Mexican including: marble from Hidalgo and Puebla states; quarried rock from the state of Queretaro;  all of the lighting, interior materials, furnishings and upholstery, which is being hand-crafted by Mexican artisans; and about 80% of the furniture, which will all be custom made. otel Matilda

Green Profile: Hotel Matilda will be the only hotel in San Miguel with a truly green profile. Photo-voltaic panels will produce 10-30% of the electricity needs, while solar panels will heat water for guest rooms, the pool, and other uses. Through a local company, organic waste will be composted, while glass, plastic, paper and other inorganic waste will be recycled. The lighting system features automatic controls that dim and shut off lights to reduce energy use.

 San Miguel de Allende: Located in Mexico’s central highlands and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico’s most engaging and beautiful destination. It made the elite Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best in the World” list for 2009 that named it the #5 city of the Americas.