At 3,000 feet above sea level, Hacienda de San Antonio is a refreshing taste of life in the
picturesque and serene Mexican highlands. The grand home at the center of this 5,000-
acre ecological reserve and historic estate is the epitome of old-world grace - an unhurried,
civilized way of life rare in today's clamorous travel climate. Surrounded by formal
gardens, lulled by the ever-present sound of cascading water and fountains, and with a
backdrop of the dramatic Colima volcano, the Hacienda's guest enjoys a fully sensory
experience. The Hacienda's original coffee plantation and production have been restored
and provide a fascinating point of interest for guests, and its corals are the center of horseback
riding through the Jabali Ranch and stunning forested wilderness. And even though
the guests experience is distinctly old-world, guest conveniences are thoroughly modern,
including wireless internet service.
Hacienda de San Antonio is less than an hour's drive from Colima, into which
there are scheduled flights from Mexico City and Guadalajara; transfers from
Colima to the Hacienda are complimentary. Alternatively, guests can fly into
Manzanillo, two hours away, from a number of major U.S. cities. Guests also have
the option of flying from the aforementioned Mexico airports to the Hacienda's own
airstrip via chartered prop plane; the Hacienda will be happy to make those
arrangements.
Guest suites surround intimate, flower-bedecked two-story courtyards. Views
through French doors, onto private balconies or terraces, are of the Hacienda's
gardens, lawns and surrounding hills and, in the distance, the still-active Colima
volcano. Ceilings are extraordinarily high, vaulted and fashioned in local brick,
floors are terra-cotta tiles with bright, locally made rugs. All suites are especially
large, almost 600 square feet, with large, luxurious bathrooms, and the grand
suites are double in size; all of the guest accommodations are individually furnished.
There are working fireplaces in all suites, for the cool evenings or during
an afternoon nap. After all, you are a guest, here, in a home, albeit a large and
very privileged one.
The Hacienda's guests might do nothing more strenuous than stroll in the gardens
- admiring the brilliant colors of the bouganvilleas or the reassuring symmetry
of the boxwood hedges, or simply relax on their private balcony with a
book or the awe-inspiring views of the volcano. The almost-forty-yard swimming
pool is a significant "event", with an intimate shaded terrace for daytime meals
and snacks. From the ranch, there are horseback rides into the shaded forest,
views periodically opening up onto stunning lagoons or onto broad meadows for
private picnics. Or, there is a variety of walks, from a 45-minute nature walk right
at the Hacienda, to a more strenuous 4-hour climb up the Colima volcano!
Tours of the Hacienda's coffee plantation and coffee-making facility, as well as
its cheese-making, are guest favorites. There is a floodlit tennis court and bird
watching with a wide variety of tropical species. Or excursions into the nearby
village of Comala or its busier sister city Colima or, 2 hours away, the charming
colonial city of Guadalarjara. The team of neatly attired, English-speaking
Guest Assistants is there to help guests plan their days and activities. Mostly,
though, life at the Hacienda is one of luxurious relaxation.
Ah the luxury of almost a dozen venues, all quite romantic, for dining. From the
grand, high-ceilinged Club Room to the more intimate, muraled Dining Room, to
the rooftop terrace with fireplace, to the fountain-lullabied formal garden where a
table and candles can be set up for just two. Management makes every effort to
have just a few couples at each venue, further adding to the feeling of being in a
private home. Most of the food comes right from the Hacienda's gardens and
orchards, and what is not grown there is grown at the Hacienda's sister property
on the coast, Cuixmala - lemons, oranges, grapefruit, blackberries, strawberries,
artichokes, cucumbers, celery, asparagus, tomatoes and lettuces of dozens of
varieties, and more. As well as meats from the property's cows, pigs, sheep,
and poultry and eggs from its free-range chicken - and eleven types of cheeses,
and milk. The experience of Hacienda de San Antonio is an organic food devotee's
delight!
In the highly regarded "Hideaway Report" from Andrew Harper (October, 2007 issue)
Hacienda de San Antonio is called "a luxury retreat like no other...one of Latin
America's most gracious and lavishly appointed country house hideaway." As well,
Conde Nast Johansens has named the Hacienda "The Most Excellent Romantic
Hideaway" for 2008.
Suites are priced, depending on season, from $400 to $700 per daily, and Grand
Suites from $700 to $1300. Guests can choose to add all meals for an additional
$125 daily, per person.
|
