Mr & Mrs Smith L'Otel @ Dôce 18 Concept House

With a pool on the roof and all the diversions of the Concept House beneath your feet, you can entertain yourself for hours without even leaving the building. Browse boutiques selling ceramics, tequila and bespoke leather jackets or sample coffee, cocktails and Mexican snacks. Leaning towards lounging? Kick back with a book in the library or on the sun-trapping roof terrace. In the Thirties, an influx of artists and artisans transformed San Miguel from a quiet colonial town into a cosmopolitan and creative haven. This legacy is still clearly visible in its thriving markets, where traders peddle everything from hand-painted porcelain to jade-studded bracelets. One of the best places to pick up authentic Mexican crafts is the Mercado de Artesanias, a covered market that’s open daily and chock-full of handmade goods. On Saturdays, don’t miss the Tianguis Orgánico in the Instituto Allende art school, selling organic cakes, chocolate, cheeses and more. If you want an experience similar to the Concept House, pay a visit to Fábrica la Aurora, a refurbished textile mill filled with cafés, art studios and antique shops. For a slug of national history and fine drinking rolled into one, book a tour and tasting at La Casa Dragones, a famous cavalry stables turned small-batch tequila producer. Dating from 1671, the stables were once home to the horses of the Dragones of San Miguel, an elite cavalry regiment enshrined in history thanks to their decisive role in Mexico’s independence campaign. Today, the place is entirely given over to the production of their crystal-clear tequila, a spirit as smooth and sippable as an aged Scotch. On your first visit, it’s worth braving the crowds to peek inside the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the parish church that soars over the skyline like a giant pink wedding cake.