TOP LEFT : COURTESY OF @ PUJOLRESTAURANT ; TOP RIGHT TWO PHOTOS AND BOTTOM LEFT : COURTESY OF LAS ALCOBAS MEXICO CITY ; BOTTOM RIGHT : LEONARDO EM / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM |
The massive metropolis , covering nearly 600 square miles — bigger than New York City — is divided into 16 boroughs . Interestingly , the central and eastern sections were built on dried lake beds situated at more than 7,300 feet above sea level , which is a higher elevation than the city of Denver .
And while Mexico City , the capital of Mexico , is a densely populated area , it ’ s also filled with green spaces : One of these lush oases is Chapultepec Park , the largest and oldest urban park in Latin America and one of the oldest in the world . From history and art museums to an internationally renowned zoo , a lake and gardens , there ’ s plenty to explore in this park alone .
Mexico City is also a global hot spot when it comes to the culinary world . In May , the Michelin Guide debuted its first list of recommended restaurants in Mexico , including two in Mexico City that received two stars — Quintonil and Pujol — and five others that each garnered one star ; establishments in other regions of the country also were recognized . And , back in April , Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City was named at the top of North
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America ’ s 50 Best Bars list as voted by industry experts in this third annual contest .
Indeed , there is something for all the senses to savor in Mexico City .
A PLACE IN POLANCO When considering a home base for your travels , Las Alcobas Mexico City offers a central location , luxurious accommodations and friendly service . The five-star hotel ’ s concierge team members speak both Spanish and English , helping American visitors easily navigate their new surroundings . They are also part of the worldrenowned Clef d ’ Or organization .
The intimate , 35-room boutique hotel in the Polanco neighborhood was formerly a palatial private residence . Designed by Yabu Pushelberg , a Toronto and New York-based firm , the hotel offers a serene retreat with its own restaurant and spa , all located steps from local boutiques and eateries along main thoroughfare Avenida Presidente Masaryk and the surrounding area .
Rooms feature rich wood , modern design ,
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Top , from left : dishes at Pujol , a Michelin Guide two-star restaurant in Mexico City ; Anatol restaurant at five-star hotel Las Alcobas Mexico City ; the hotel ’ s Masaryk Suite ; bottom left : the suite ’ s sweeping view ; bottom right : Chapultepec Castle
cultural touches like an alebrije — bright-colored folk art sculptures of mythical creatures believed to offer protection — in the closet , and views of the bustling cityscape . While fall is a great time to visit , when several festivals take place , so is early spring ( before the rainy season begins ), which allows you to enjoy the jacaranda trees in full bloom ; the windows of some rooms look right into these trees with their purple blossoms and birds flitting about in the branches . Upper floor suites and a penthouse offer outdoor terraces with garden areas and sweeping views .
Spalike marble bathrooms feature a rain shower , separate soaking tub , plush terry robes and handmade soaps . Make sure to indulge in the bath service : A butler will arrive to set up a bath using an herb and salt blend of your choice such as lemongrass , arnica and camphor to ease jet lag ; rose , orange and cocoa nibs for a sensual scent ; or lavender , mint and chamomile to induce relaxation .
Meanwhile , a cabinet holding the mini bar and coffee maker is filled with traditional Mexican candy and snacks . Continue the culinary journey
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LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 51 |