The 18-room luxury boutique hotel Antigua Alqueria de Carrión located in Atlixco, Mexico was once a 17th century mansion, and has an intimate bar, restaurant, an attractive swimming pool, and is conveniently located only 15 miles (24 km) from the city of Puebla.
The owners of the Antigua Alqueria de Carrión, Armando Saldaña Flores and his charming wife, Gabriela Cabrera Garces, purchased the property in 2001 and transformed a 17th century mansion into a lovely 18-room hotel, which opened in 2005, and maintained elements of the original property leaving partially exposed stone and brick walls as a reminder of its history.
Antiqua Alqueria de Carrión
I stayed at Antigua Alquería de Carrión in late October 2009, and on my drive to Atlixco from Puebla, I was rewarded with a spectacular view of the snow clad Popcatépetl volcano, the second largest peak in Mexico with a height of 17,800 feet (5,426 meters).
Popcatépetl volcano
During my stay I had a lovely dinner at the hotel’s restaurant where art snowflakes were suspended from the two-story ceiling and the tables were dressed with pretty linens. Highlights of my dinner included a refreshing Forever Spring Salad made with grapes, apples, nuts, spinach, cubed cheese from Atlixco, and caramelized pecans, followed by a large portion of fettuccini with shrimp in a garlic sauce with grated cheese.
Salad Fettuccini with Shrimp
My second-floor spacious guestroom featured a minimalist design, and had an enormous round whirlpool tub that was surrounded with smooth white stones on the raised wood platform and was the focal point of the room. There was a sink with mirror and enclosed toilet to the left of the whirlpool tub on the platform and a large walk-in shower on the right. The owners are dedicated to sustainable tourism and the amenities are made for the hotel by the indigenous Maya people of Cancun and are made using natural ingredients and are biodegradable.
Guestroom with Whirlpool Tub
The king bed featured a wood headboard and was dressed with a white duvet and three pillows, flanked by wrought iron nightstands graced with a coffee table book on Mexico, a radio alarm clock, a green glass bowl filled with pinecones and potpourri that gently perfumed the room, and there were black and cream leather ottomans placed at the foot of the bed.
Antigua Alquería de Carrión Guestroom
A mirror graced the wall over the desk and chair, a Samsung flat screen was wall-mounted, and there was a large contemporary painting on the opposite wall that had original exposed brick. There was a safe in the closet along with robes, an extra pillow, and a plush blanket.
Atlixco, founded in 1532, is the state of Puebla’s third largest city, and is a city that is waiting to be explored. The Antigua Alqueria de Carrión is conveniently located only a short stroll from the main plaza or zocalo that is rimmed with inviting talavera tile benches perfect for sitting and people watching, the yellow stucco 17th century Iglesia Santa Maria de la Navidad with its high wrought iron fence lined with angel statues, and the talavera tile façade of the 17th century Palacio Municipal. Located nearby on the hill is the impressive Ex-Convento de San Francisco.
Ex-Convento de San Francisco
Although not open to the public, guests staying at the Antigua Alquería de Carrión have the opportunity for some very special privileges and experiences, including visiting the privately owned San Mateo Hacienda. The owners of the San Mateo Hacienda are dedicated to preserving the heritage of the city, and the wife has been working diligently to raise funds to restore the 18th century paintings that were found in the Pinacoteca Hospital. There are 54 impressive paintings in the collection that tell the story of the life of Saint John, and as a guest of the Antigua Alquería de Carrión, I had the opportunity to visit the San Mateo Hacienda as well as see the remarkable collection of paintings.
San Mateo Hacienda
Antigua Alquería de Carrión is perfect for leisure travelers looking for personalized service and unique experiences.
Antigua Alquería de Carrión Pool
Antigua Alquería de Carrión
Nicolás Bravo 2
Col. Centro 74200
Atlixco, Puebla, México
Telephone: +52-244-761-8080
Email: reservaciones@antiguaalqueria.com
www.AntiguaAlqueria.com
Please read other articles on Puebla, Mexico in the Destinations, Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants, Chefs’ Recipes, Gastronomy – Cocina Poblana Cooking Class at Sacristia de la Compania, Puebla, Mexico, and Arts sections.
Read other articles on Mexico in the Destinations section: Riviera Maya, Mexico and Ixtapa-Zuahuatenjo, Mexico; in the Adventures section: Adventures: Maya Zip Lines – Flying High in Riviera Maya, Rio Secreto – Exploring the Riviera Maya Cenotes, Riding ATVs in Iztapa-Zuatenejo, Biking, Kayaking, and Snorkeling in Ixtapa-Zuatenejo, Swimming with Dolphins in Iztapa-Zuatenejo, in the Hotels and Resorts section, in the Spas section, in the Restaurants section, in the Chefs’ Recipes section, in the Liquor Cabinet – Scorpion Mezcal, and in the Music Scene section: Paco Renteria Interview and Paco Renteria – Gitanus and Oceano.
For information on Puebla, Mexico, please visit the website: www.VisitMexico.
For information on Mexicana Airlines, please visit the website: www.Mexicana.com or call them at 1-800-531-7921.
© November 2009. Luxury Experience. www.LuxuryExperience.com All rights reserved.
