The Wellness Advantage in San Miguel de Allende
Once again named “Best City in The World” by Travel & Leisure Magazine for 2021, fans of San Miguel de Allende cite its charming colonial architecture, cobbled streets, world-class restaurants and vibrant art scene. But seldom do you hear about what we consider to be one of its top assets - the low cost of living a luxuriously healthy life.
In the States and Canada it can be expensive to join a top gym, take Yoga and Pilates classes, hire a personal chef or trained nutritionist, buy local fresh organic food and work out every day with a personal trainer. In San Miguel all those options are available and affordable.
The year-round mild weather and beautiful landscapes are a joy to experience. And our casual indoor-outdoor lifestyle is so thoroughly ingrained, that nearly every residence has a lush garden or terrace, overflowing with flowering plants and hummingbirds. Often described as idyllic, our town is the perfect place to relax and truly feel a sense of well-being.
This mild climate also makes possible bountiful local, year-round organic farms, local grass-fed cattle ranches and numerous award-winning vineyards. These local products are on full display at San Miguel’s many gourmet restaurants and organic food stores.
Our Expat Experts enjoy a combination of practices to stay in the peak of health and agree that San Miguel offers residents and visitors every opportunity to experience our unique abundance of accessible and affordable health options.
Here are just a few of their tried-and-true suggestions:
Healthy Eating
City Market
Ann is a big fan of the luxurious new City Market grocery store, which showcases the very best brands of “superfoods” and healthy products, along with high-quality fresh produce, fish, meats and general groceries. City Market is Ann’s go-to to shop for her family’s Comida – the equivalent to our lunch but it is in the late afternoon around 3 pm. It brings the entire family together on a daily basis for an hour of conversation and connection. While her children were growing up, they would come in from school at 2:30 pm, sit down by 2:45 pm and then head out the door around 4 pm for their after-school activities of golf, swimming and tennis. "Over the years, our family has really become accustomed to the late lunch because you have time carved out for family conversation and it is the large meal of the day. For dinner time, you eat a lighter meal because you aren’t very hungry and you sleep so much better."
Luna de Queso
Luna de Questo is a particular favorite of Amber and her kids. It offers inexpensive fresh organic food and is particularly kid friendly. Owner Mariana Peraza is also a mom and always offers a warm welcome.
Deli Q.
Nancy is a fan of Chef/Owner Alicia Wilson Rodriguez, who trained Nancy’s cook to make healthy and delicious meals at home. Alicia makes wonderful organic daily specials to carry out from her shop in Colonia Guadalupe and offers cooking classes as well. Alicia also has a brand new “Mini Q” inside Meson Hildago in Centro where you can pick up healthy salads and drinks on the run. Nancy can vouch for Alicia’s ability to train your cook (or you!) to make healthy, nutritious meals at home.
Canada de la Virgen
A local ranch that offers 100% grass fed, antibiotic and hormone- free local beef. The owners sell directly from their family headquarters on Calle Orizaba.
Via Organica
Amber’s family loves to head out to this abundant organic farm about 20 minutes outside of San Miguel. Via Organica is the place to buy just-picked produce and have a wonderful farm-to-table breakfast or lunch.
Mercado Sano
Don’t miss the Saturday morning local farmer’s market. The best in organic seasonal fruits and vegetables comes in from the campo. There are also individual vendors inside Mercado Sano who deserve a shout out:
La Isla, is the place to find the freshest fish from both the East and West Coasts. Proprietor Miguel Angel Muñoz has suppliers on the coast of Nayarit, Jalisco and Michoacán who bring grouper, red snapper, sea bass and flounder to SMA twice a week (Wednesdays and Fridays). Miguel also gets flash-frozen seafood from Cape Cod and Canada. His prepared food includes home smoked salmon, crab cakes and tuna poke.
Blend Boutique – Another Amber favorite, located near the front door of Mercado Sano. Blend is the spot to get quick superfood smoothies, cold-pressed juices, acai bowls and an assortment of raw and vegan snacks to go.
La Sabina – The team at La Sabina never disappoints – they are a great source of local, artisan, gourmet and organic products, as well as imported cheese and meats, olive oils and breads. Their organic granola is not to be missed.
Shop
Ablu Botánica
Local Ablu Botanica is a family manufacturer of artisan beauty and personal care products and a particular favorite of Nancy’s. Their sustainable handmade formulas use natural, locally sourced ingredient and smell divine.
La Victoriana
This charming boutique in San Miguel Centro sells organic herbal and aromatherapy products and has a wide range of non-toxic baby products which Amber highly recommends. All products are manufactured in San Miguel.
Mercado Sano
In additional to their weekly farmer’s market, the Mercado sells a variety of organic beauty and health products.
Sweat
Nancy is clearly the physical fitness expert on the team. She works out 6 hours a week with her personal trainer and lives by the mantra of use it or lose it. She is also well aware of the best places to take a class or simply do your own work out. Here are the favorites:
SMA Pilates+Barrre
This offer Pilates Mat, Barre, Stretch and Reformer classes as well as private Pilates at a fraction of the US prices. Sign up early – the small classes get booked quickly!
Rosewood Gym
This super clean, luxurious gym is thoughtfully outfitted with the latest in fitness machines and equipment. Members say it never gets crowded! Matteo is a very knowledgeable private trainer who can be booked for $500 pesos per hour.
Esencia Yoga
This spa/studio has Hatha and Vinyasa classes, and offers private classes in your home. On the spa side – we’ve had an excellent pedicure!
Relax
All of our Expat Experts have their favorite places to chill. Everyone loves the Rosewood and Ann is particularly fond of the spa program at Hotel Matilda.
The Sense Spa, at the Rosewood Hotel
This tranquil spot is influenced by Mexican healing traditions and uses indigenous ingredients in their massage and skin treatments.
Hotel Matilda
The spa at Hotel Matilda has a variety of uniquely effective body and skin treatments inspired by the five points of wellness – Energy, Focus, Recovery, Radiance and Decompressions. They even have a cosmetic surgeon available by appointment.
Dos Casas
The Iris Spa takes holistic approach to balance the body with treatments that include vibrational healing, CBD oil massage and healing biomagnetism.
The Pool at the Rosewood
You can lounge in your private cabana beside the pool at the Rosewood with a daily pass or a monthly membership. It’s a great way to decompress and is an affordable luxury. A nanny is on hand should you wish to take advantage of the Rose Buds for Children program – a separate spot where kids can play or watch movies while under the supervision of a child care professional.
Activities for Kids
Amber is our resident expert on activities for kids. Please check out her instagram San Miguel Kids, for the latest update on kid friendly activities! She also particularly recommends the following:
Academia de Fútbol
Soccer is a strongly supported community-wide activity in San Miguel. The program at Club Malanquin is highly recommended by Amber. It’s for boys and girls ages 4 to 13.
The Ranch
Horse back riding. Amber recommends The Ranch for trail rides as well as lessons. Owner and professional trainer Katja Smith also offers a very popular week-long summer Horse Camp.
El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden
This is a nature preserve of over 170 acres. El Charco holds environmental education programs for kids, along with a wide range of activities throughout the year.
Valle de los Sendero
This a 300-acre development, 2 miles outside of San Miguel Centro. Its Manaia Urban Oasis is a club like no other, with a lagoon, thermal jacuzzi, restaurant, water garden and kid’s area. It’s a great way to relax and let the kids run around and play.
BiciBurro
BiciBurro is San Miguel’s premier bike shop and bike tour operator. Owner and San Miguel native, Beto Martinez will take you on the bike tour of your life!