Oaxaca’s biggest festival is almost here! Yes, we’re talking about the Guelaguetza, a celebration that brings together the diverse cultures of Oaxaca through dance, music, and (of course) mezcal. By the way, do you already know where you’re staying this year? Then let us suggest Hotel Los Amantes, which embodies everything that makes Oaxaca such a special place. See what awaits you at this boutique hotel.
We’re not exaggerating: Hotel Los Amantes is located on Ignacio Allende Street in the Historic Center of Oaxaca City, practically steps away from the Santo Domingo Temple, the crown jewel of the state’s Baroque architecture. This puts you within easy reach of some of Oaxaca’s most popular attractions (like the nearby Macedonio Alcalá Tourist Walkway, full of life and color), but with the added benefit of being on a quieter street.
The facilities of this property are distributed among the three houses that make up Hotel Los Amantes: Casa Zanate, Posada Dos Palmas, and Casa Índigo. All are adjacent and were restored by the renowned architect João Boto Caerio, who was responsible for giving each space a contemporary identity while respecting the essence and materials of Oaxaca.
Furthermore, its common areas and rooms boast works by local artists, a collection curated by the renowned Oaxacan graphic artist Guillermo Olguín, who oversees all the hotel’s visual and decorative details. In every corner, you’ll find bronze sculptures, pottery pieces, decorations made with natural fibers, and paintings and prints that encapsulate the city’s creative essence. Note that many of the wall coverings were created using a traditional technique developed by Olguín.
This not only allows you to easily navigate the city center but also provides unparalleled panoramic views. If you want to experience it for yourself, be sure to book a Deluxe Suite. In addition to unique and personalized decor, these rooms at Casa Índigo feature a retractable roof that grants access to your private rooftop. Once there, you’ll be greeted by a panoramic view of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, proudly towering above the Oaxaca skyline.
The best way to enjoy this view is by immersing yourself in your rooftop soaking tub or sipping coffee at the terrace’s breakfast table. Whether before sunrise or after the lights have come on, the image you’ll take away will be spectacular and can only be captured here.
Because the food at their restaurant is delicious.
Traveling to Oaxaca is synonymous with enjoying exquisite cuisine. And fortunately for those staying at Hotel Los Amantes, you won’t have to travel far to savor the best the state has to offer. Visit Vaca Marina and you’ll have no doubts. This restaurant is located on one of the hotel’s terraces, and its menu features both seafood specialties and delicacies prepared with prime, imported, and local meats… Now you know why it’s called that.
For breakfast, the eggs in homemade black mole are a must-try, while at lunchtime, you absolutely have to sample their seafood dishes or a premium cut of meat: they finish cooking them tableside.
Oaxaca’s most emblematic spirit is also part of the offerings of Grupo Los Amantes, to which Hotel Los Amantes belongs. Regardless of your room category, you’ll always have a small bottle on hand to tempt you with one of their mezcal varieties. With your throat warmed up, you can head to one of the two bars and restaurants outside the hotel that also pay tribute to this artisanal agave spirit.
Practically next door to Casa Zanate is Guajolote de Oro, a spectacular cocktail bar whose architecture and interior design are inspired by the Oaxaca Civil Cemetery. Upon entering, you’ll be enveloped by the warmth of hundreds of candles lit in small niches, evoking the Day of the Dead celebrations, which are especially poignant in Oaxaca. Head to the bar or settle into one of the lounge tables and enjoy the creations of their team of mixologists. If you’d like a recommendation, try Guajolote, made with Cebú Espadín Mezcal, citrus, smoked salt, and homemade chamoy. The best part? It will be served in a ceramic glass crafted by the master artisan Guillermo Olguín.
On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a straight mezcal, you have to visit Mezcalería Los Amantes (Ignacio Allende 107, Centro). Narrow and cozy, this bar is perfect for getting warmed up before dinner or for a digestif, as well as for filling your Instagram feed with eye-catching photos. The reason for this is the crafts, antique photos, pottery, gourds, demijohns, bottles, dolls, ex-voto masks, books, and antiques that completely cover the three walls of the place. Singing one or two (or more) corridos and traditional songs with Don Zenón Melchor, the resident musician at Mezcalería Los Amantes, should be part of any trip to Oaxaca.
It’s not enough to simply drink mezcal to honor its origins: sometimes it’s necessary to go directly to the place where it’s made. If you happen to be staying with us at Hotel Los Amantes, be sure to ask about Rancho Cebú, a 3,500-square-meter agricultural property that houses the Los Amantes Distillery. Located in the municipality of Tlacolula, just outside the city of Oaxaca, the distillery received an architectural award in 2017, confirming not only its high-quality construction but also the care taken with sustainability and the landscape.
Here, Grupo Los Amantes’ master mezcal maker, Amando Alvarado, puts his expertise to use to create the three house labels: Mezcal Los Amantes, Quebrantahuesos, and the recently launched Mezcal Cebú. All versions and presentations can be sampled in the ranch’s tasting room. Thus, after witnessing the artisanal process of crafting Los Amantes mezcals, from planting and baking to fermentation, distillation, and labeling, there will be no greater reward and privilege than tasting one or more mezcals while watching the clouds drift over and reveal the Tlacolula Valley at will.
Has your appetite been whetted for a trip to Oaxaca and to enjoy the best of its gastronomy and hospitality at Hotel Los Amantes? You can book your room on their website. Location: Ignacio Allende 108, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez.
Source: planoinfromativo
