Unique Luxury Awaits: Rediscovering Authentic Mexico
Mexico's authentic travel transformation unfolds: an authentic travel experience now accessible
Time and again, hotels worldwide are starting to blend together in our minds, looking eerily similar from one corner of the globe to the next. The same Instagram-friendly design touches keep popping up: Edison bulbs that dangle from the ceiling, flower-topped cocktails crafted from a QR menu served by a denim-clad bartender. But what about a genuine travel experience that goes beyond mere aesthetics? Mexico has got it covered.
While several vacation rental platforms and international hotel chains are standardizing travel experiences globally, Mexico has been building a network of truly one-of-a-kind hotels that big name companies can't easily copy.
Rooted in History
In 2000, a group of visionary hoteliers presented a bold idea to Leobardo Espinosa, owner of Puebla's Mesónes Sacristía. They wanted to rescue historic buildings by transforming them into hotels and restaurants, forming an alliance that showcased Mexican identity and supported local culture. With little to offer tourists in the way of accommodations and dining, the group headed south to Michoacán. Their ambitious endeavor proved a success. Within eight years, a premium certification program was introduced, and properties that met specific quality standards and embodied Mexico's cultural, architectural, and gastronomic heritage were inducted.
Today, this consortium is known as Tesoros de México, with 130 properties scattered across 48 cities in 13 states.
A distinct advantage
"The secret ingredient? None of the Tesoros hotels and restaurants can be replicated," asserts Leobardo Espinosa, former Tesoros consortium president and current owner of two colonial-era mansions-turned-boutique-hotels in Puebla city - Mesón Sacristía de la Compañía, noted by Journey Mexico as "a beautiful expression of Mexico, old and new," and the nearby Sacristía de la Soledad, perfect for private gatherings.
While branded hotels roll out uniform designs across continents, Tesoros properties begin with a unique advantage: history. Many Tesoros hotels occupy buildings protected by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), requiring at least 60% of the original structure to remain untouched. Balancing modern amenities with centuries-old architecture is far from easy, but it guarantees that the rich tapestry of Mexico's history is preserved rather than bulldozed for the sake of a luxury brand name.
The program's rigorous standards extend beyond facades. Everything inside matters, from thread counts and room sizes to the specific quality of bedding and Mexican-made amenities. Lighting and ventilation must be up-to-date, while artwork and furniture should reflect Mexico or be crafted by local artists. Restaurants must source local ingredients and stick to traditional recipes. Over 500 requirements must be met, ensuring an exclusive and often lengthy process for becoming a Tesoros property.
A strategic boost for local communities
This preservation effort isn't just for preservation's sake. By keeping almost everything made in Mexico, Tesoros hotels create local supply chains that keep tourism dollars flowing through the community. Instead of sourcing furnishings from global suppliers, Tesoros hotels source from local artisans, promoting authentic, traditional craftsmanship.
In Morelos State, for example, Tesoros member hotels and restaurants support local chefs and exhibit art created by Mexican artists. In Puebla, local textile producers contribute to interior design efforts while nearby suppliers provide cheese, honey, and other ingredients for regional traditional dishes, like mole or chile en nogada.
Confronting the Perception Crisis
But there's a deep-rooted challenge that Tesoros and many other Mexican tourism businesses face: the perception of insecurity. "The main threat is security and the perception of insecurity," Leobardo Espinosa notes. "The perception is often more influential than reality." A 2023 report by the Center for Tourism Research and Competitiveness (Cicotur) at Anáhuac University found that nearly 94% of tourism service providers in Mexico warn of insecurity's negative effects. States like Michoacán and Guanajuato have been particularly impacted by increased organized crime activity, infrastructure issues, and insecurity.
This distorted perception of safety can have dire consequences for both individual hotels and the surrounding communities, who rely on tourism income for their livelihoods. When visitors shy away from a region, local farmers, artisans, and workers suffer immediate hardship. Addressing this perception gap is crucial for ensuring the continued success of individual hotels and the thriving of entire regions.
Forging a New Path in Travel
As travelers seek unique, genuine experiences, initiatives like Tesoros de México offer something increasingly rare: authenticity. Since Mexico's Tourism Ministry officially managed and regulated Tesoros de México in 2008, new properties have joined the fold annually. With plans to expand membership even further, the future of genuine travel looks thrilling.
Newest addition Hacienda Santo Cristo, located in Atlixco, Puebla, traces its roots back to 1540. After years of decline, the INAH oversaw a careful three-year restoration that preserved 80% of the hacienda's original colonial architecture, including original walls made of volcanic stone and brick. Today, it serves as a luxurious hotel and event space with two restaurants, a spa, a pool, and breathtaking views of the Popocatépetl volcano.
For those craving more than the typical hotel experience, initiatives like Tesoros de México offer a real connection to history, culture, and place – all wrapped up in a luxurious package that will leave you wanting to return for another adventure. So, pack your bags and prepare for a one-of-a-kind journey to Mexico's hidden gems.
Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She thrives on the excitement that follows a ticket booking spree, delights in exploring local markets, practices yoga with a view, and can never resist fresh tortillas. Subscribe to receive her Sunday Love Letters in your inbox, peruse her blog, or follow her on Instagram.
- Authenticity and history are at the heart of the Tesoros de Mexico consortium, a network of unique hotels and restaurants that showcase Mexican identity and support local culture.
- Many Tesoros hotels occupy buildings protected by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), ensuring that the rich tapestry of Mexico's history is preserved.
- With over 500 requirements, becoming a Tesoros property is an exclusive and often lengthy process that guarantees a high standard of cultural, architectural, and gastronomic authenticity.
- By keeping almost everything made in Mexico, Tesoros hotels create local supply chains that keep tourism dollars flowing through the community, supporting authentic, traditional craftsmanship.
- Initiatives like Tesoros de México offer travelers a connection to history, culture, and place, providing a real and unique travel experience that goes beyond mere aesthetics.
