San Miguel de Allende
Culinary Experience Spring 2026
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
5 Nights – March 22-27, 2026
Limited Small Group Experience
From $1999 early registration • Limited to 10 guests.
Discover a town of vibrant culture, rich culinary traditions, and welcoming locals. Stroll cobblestone streets, admire colorful murals, and savor dishes that celebrate Mexico’s diverse flavors—a trip for your senses and a journey for your soul.
*Mobility and accessibility details below.
Why San Miguel?
San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico’s most colorful and vibrant cities — and its food scene is just as rich as its history. From bustling markets to rooftop restaurants, every meal feels like a celebration of flavor and culture.
This experience is designed for food lovers who want more than just a vacation. You’ll cook alongside local chefs, taste regional specialties, explore artisanal markets, and share meals that tell the story of Mexico’s culinary traditions.
And when the day’s activities are done? You’ll have time to wander San Miguel’s cobblestone streets, browse artisan shops, or relax with a glass of wine as the sun sets over the iconic pink cathedral.
Why Now?
Because there’s a moment when you realize it’s time to pause — to listen, to taste, to really be where you are.
This experience is about coming back to yourself through food, culture, and connection. In San Miguel, the rhythm slows, conversations deepen, and every shared meal feels like a reminder of what matters most.
If you’ve been craving something that fills you up in more ways than one — maybe this is it.
What’s Included
Your trip experience has been carefully curated to blend culture, cuisine, and connection — all in a relaxed, small-group setting.
Included:
5 nights at a boutique hotel in the heart of San Miguel de Allende (double-occupancy)
Rooftop welcome dinner with curated local menu
Two gourmet dinners at top San Miguel restaurants
Guided market tour and hands-on high-end cooking class
Mezcalero tasting experience with a local expert
Interactive cacao workshop and tasting
Daily breakfast (except arrival day)
All scheduled tours, tastings, and cultural experiences
Local guides and on-site retreat host (me!)
Transportation for included activities
Not Included:
Airfare
Airport transfers (can be arranged)
Meals and activities not listed above
Travel insurance (recommended)
Upgrades or add-ons (single occupancy lodging, extra night stay)
Pricing and Registration
Early Registration: $1,999
Spots are intentionally limited to maintain a personalized, boutique experience.
Pricing will increase as the itinerary is finalized.
Join the waitlist now and be notified before spots become available to the public.
Limited to 10 guests. (Minimum 6)
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 – Arrival & Rooftop Welcome Dinner
Settle into your boutique hotel, then gather for a rooftop dinner with local flavors, sunset views, and new friends.
Day 2 – Markets, Mezcal & Modern Mexican Cuisine
Explore San Miguel’s colorful market, learn from a local mezcalero, and end the day with dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants.
Day 3 – Cooking with Local Chefs
Shop for ingredients at the market, then roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class featuring regional dishes.
Day 4 – Chocolate, Culture & Connection
Dive into a cacao tasting and workshop, then enjoy free time to explore, shop, or relax in a sunny courtyard café.
Day 5 – Reflection & Farewell Dinner
Spend your final full day at leisure before gathering for a special farewell dinner celebrating the week’s shared experiences.
Day 6 – Departure
Breakfast and goodbyes before heading home — with new friends, recipes, and memories of San Miguel.
About Your Host
My life's journey has been deeply intertwined with food. For over a decade, I immersed myself in the restaurant industry, gaining firsthand knowledge of kitchen operations and the powerful way meals bring people together. Following that, my parents and I dedicated 20 years to an online specialty food business, where we connected home cooks with exquisite gourmet ingredients from across the globe.
This extensive experience provided me with a profound understanding of food, not merely its taste, but also its ability to narrate the story of a place. Now, as a seasoned travel advisor and food expert, I curate unique retreats that allow travelers to discover destinations through the lens of their local kitchens, bustling markets, and cherished dining tables.
In San Miguel, I'll guide you beyond the obvious, delving into the city's rich culinary heart. We'll explore not just where to savor incredible food, but how food intricately shapes the local culture. Together, we will uncover, taste, and share meals that will resonate with you long after your journey concludes.
Come explore the world with me, one bite and one sip at a time.
Testimonials
Joy made sure to plan with specifics while giving us ample leeway for last-minute ideas. That's what I liked best. We weren't boxed in, yet our "musts" were taken care of, from transfers to excursions. Joy is GREAT! - J. S.
Joy planned the most seamless, food-filled trip we've ever taken. Michelin meals, perfect flights, and hotel upgrades. Book with her! - R. D.
Everything was handled - even the coffee spots. It was like having a concierge in my pocket. - T. M.
Joy had great communication throughout the whole process. Everything went smoothly and painlessly. Thanks for booking our girls’ trip! - L. H.
FAQ
Do I need to be a “foodie” to come?
Not at all! If you enjoy food, culture, and travel, you’ll fit right in.
Is airfare included?
No, flights are not included, but I can assist you with booking travel.
What if I’m a solo traveler?
Perfect! Many of my guests are solo travelers. You can choose single occupancy or be matched with a roommate.
Is there free time?
Yes. The schedule balances guided activities with downtime so you can explore at your own pace.
What meals are included?
Included in the trip price are three dinners with beverages and daily breakfasts. The cooking class allows you to enjoy what we create that day.
Can you accommodate food preferences or sensitivities?
To some extent, yes. Restaurants and the cooking class can accommodate certain dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free, vegetarian). However, this may be less likely at food stands or with street vendors. Please reach out if you have specific concerns.
Accessibility
San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its cobblestone streets, hilly terrain, and historic architecture — all part of its charm, but they can also pose challenges for guests with mobility limitations.
Here’s what to expect:
Terrain: Many streets are uneven and steep, with narrow sidewalks. Wheelchair users and travelers with balance or stamina concerns may find some areas difficult to navigate without assistance.
Accommodations: Boutique hotels vary widely. Some offer accessible rooms or ground-floor options, but older colonial buildings often have stairs and limited elevator access.
Transportation: Private vans with space for folding wheelchairs can be arranged, though fully lift-equipped vehicles are limited and must be booked in advance.
Activities:
Cooking class, mezcal tasting, and cacao workshop can be made accessible depending on the venue choice — this will be a priority when finalizing partners.
Rooftop welcome dinner venues often require stairs; we can confirm step-free access or arrange alternate seating options.
Support: I am happy to coordinate local assistance, mobility rentals, or accessible transportation with advance notice.
My goal: to make this retreat as inclusive and comfortable as possible. If you have specific accessibility needs, please reach out before booking so we can confirm the necessary accommodations and adjustments.
You deserve an experience that feeds your curiosity and your soul.
Come savor the colors, culture, and cuisine of San Miguel with a small group of food lovers who appreciate travel that means something.
Spaces are limited to just 10 food lovers to keep the group intimate and personal.
Click below to join the waitlist and be the first to know when registration opens.