There’s a French estate in the heart of Veracruz: it’s called Maison Couturier, and you can stay among banana plantations and lemon groves.
When we think of tropical destinations in Mexico, images of the Riviera Maya, the coasts of Guerrero and Oaxaca, or even the Lacandon Jungle in Chiapas or the Bay of Banderas in Jalisco come to mind. However, Veracruz holds treasures that are no less dazzling for being more discreet. Nestled among banana plantations and lemon groves is an old 19th-century estate built by French immigrants that is now a picturesque hotel where luxury doesn’t conflict with a more rustic lifestyle. It’s called Maison Couturier, a Grupo Habita property that has even been recognized by the Michelin Guide.
A French Estate in Veracruz
Four and a half hours from Mexico City, or two and a half from the Port of Veracruz, Maison Couturier weaves its way through tropical vegetation with a rustic charm that doesn’t skimp on luxuries and amenities. What is now a Michelin-recommended “farm guesthouse” was built in the first half of the 19th century with the arrival of the French community to the town of San Rafael on the Veracruz coast. Today, the hotel maintains its homey atmosphere, with antique furnishings and intimate, private spaces.
In the surrounding area, it’s easy to find artisanal cheeses and water bread baked in wood-fired ovens. Although Maison Couturier is a small paradise with all the amenities, there are also several nearby places that no adventurous spirit will want to miss. For example, the Costa Esmeralda is just 15 minutes away, Jicaltepec and its suspension bridge are 10 minutes away, and in just five minutes you can reach the San Rafael Museum, which chronicles the arrival of the French to the town. If you don’t mind going a little further, the Tajín pyramids and the Filobobos rapids are less than an hour away.
Bungalows that merge the past and the present
As for the rooms, Maison Couturier is comprised of private bungalows whose interior design merges the past and the present, utilizing antique furniture reworked with a more modern aesthetic. All have Wi-Fi and air conditioning. They are designed to accommodate up to two people, and for an additional fee, you can also bring your pet.
A hotel with a taste of home
Today, Maison Couturier is a hotel with only 18 rooms that offers a peaceful stay amidst the tropical landscape. At the center of the garden, spotlights fall on a pool surrounded by the bungalows and the bar terrace. The main house houses the restaurant, which is more than just a large room, but is divided into different areas, ranging from private rooms to terraces both at the front and at the back. However, the kitchen is open and guests can access it as if it were a private home. Meals are served daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Source: foodandpleasure
