culture
lovers
Local libations
in Riviera Maya
The sights and
souvenirs of San
Miguel de Allende
Channel your inner arTisT
Book
with CAA
thinking about a
sun-soaked family
vacation, reunion
or destination
wedding?
STAY: Hotel Monteverde
Best Inns, San Miguel de
Allende ($)
experienced caa travel
consultants can help
you tie the knot in style,
relax with family or
catch up with long-lost
relatives.
STAY: BlueBay Grand
Esmeralda, Riviera Maya ($$)
Guests can order their own tequila
sampler in the lounge bar at this
all-inclusive resort—or ask for a
few different varieties over dinner
at Mexican restaurant don isi.
be sure to always demonstrate
proper sipping technique—with
no salt or lime, which dull the
tequila’s flavour.
ask your consultant
about advance book-
ings, group activities,
wedding packages and
travel insurance.
46
Originally distilled in the town
of Santiago de Tequila in the
16th century, the spicy spirit
remains one of Mexico’s top
exports. But not all tequilas
are created equal. Hone your
tequila-tasting tongue by get-
ting to know the five official
categories: Blanco, clear, young
tequila with robust taste; Joven,
light gold with smooth flavour;
Reposado, golden and aged up
to a year; Añejo, amber hue and
goes down smooth; and Extra
Añejo, superior quality, aged for
a minimum of three years and
best served neat and chilled.
though it’s within walking distance
of the city centre, this hotel’s lush
garden and cobblestone courtyard
make it feel like a countryside
escape. an added attraction for
culture lovers: the centro cultural
ignacio ramírez el nigromante, a
museum and art gallery housed in
a former convent, is a short five-
minute stroll from the hotel.
With pristine beaches,
turquoise water and
hundreds of instagram-
worthy settings, Mexico
is the perfect place for a
group getaway.
caask.ca/travel
1-800-564-6222
TasTe-TesT Tequila
($)
Cost-saving stay |
($ $)
affordable luxury |
($ $ $)
no expense spared
Melanie
Located in the central high-
lands, San Miguel de Allende is
arguably Mexico’s prettiest
town. The UNESCO World
Heritage Site oozes colonial
charm, artistic flair and quaint
corners. The town has attracted
local and ex-pat architects,
sculptors, painters and writers
for centuries. Today, travellers
can take craft workshops to test
their art acumen. Mold local
red clay to craft sculptures or
mobiles. Or put brush to canvas
to capture the beauty of the pink
stone church, Parroquia de San
Miguel Arcángel. Most local
studios offer classes in English.