Mexico’s New Hotel Obsession Gives One of the World’s Most Beautiful Cities New Life

In 1987, Puebla, Mexico, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its history protected for generations to come. Thirty years later, the storied destination makes new headlines — this time with the opening of the Rosewood Puebla hotel in late June.

The city dates to the mid 16th century, making it layered in architectural styles: There are hints of the Renaissance, Baroque, colonial, and the distinctly Pueblan, with more than 365 churches known as some of the most beautiful in the world.

Located 75 miles southeast of Mexico City, the hotel is an amalgamation of old and new. Its 78 rooms and suites, three restaurants, spa, and rooftop bar are housed in colorful historic buildings — a nod to downtown Puebla’s kaleidoscopic, balconied edifices.

All are masterfully preserved, restored, and re-imagined by Mexican architect Eric Meza Leines and New York-based Wimberly Interiors. Preservation and conservation drove the conceptualization of Rosewood Puebla, which is located near the zócalo — the city’s cultural hub.

To stay here is to time-travel in a most authentic, glamorous way. Talavera pottery (the region’s most famous craft), furnishings, and art come by way of contemporary and traditional Mexican artisans; and centuries-old, exposed-stone walls anchor many spaces within.

At the hotel’s three on-site restaurants, executive chef Jorge Gonzalez updates indigenous Pueblan fare — mole poblano, chalupas, chiles in walnut sauce — with French, Spanish, and Lebanese flavors and techniques. Cocktails are prepared and served with traditional bar ware at Bar Los Lavaderos, which is housed in a historic 19th-century washroom.

Two of Mexico’s most important archaeological sites are nearby: Cantona and Cholula, the latter home to the world’s largest pyramid. In the city, here are thousands of historic sites, including the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, built in 1646 and widely considered the first public library in the Americas.

The International Museum of the Baroque, designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito, with its surreal facade, is within walking distance. Indeed, for a jet set that worships charming San Miguel de Allende and its namesake Rosewood hotel there, historic Puebla is poised to be the next South of the Border obsession.

Booking it: Rosewood Puebla, 10 Norte #1402, Col. Barrio del Alto, Puebla, Puebla CP 72000 Mexico, 011.52.222.122.2300. Rooms from $275 per night.

Getting there: The closest airport is Hermano Serdan International Airport, a 40-minute drive to Puebla; Mexico City’s Benity Juarez International Airport is approximately a two-and-a-half hour drive to Puebla. Rosewood Puebla’s concierge provides private airport transfers by luxury sedan.