Mexico City dwellers know the pueblo mágico of Valle de Bravo as one of the most classic escapes from the big city. Only a two-hour drive from the capital, this community lies on the shores of Lake Avándaro and is surrounded by rolling hills decorated in a sea of forest green pines. Visitors come to immerse themselves in nature’s serene setting and relax in the casual pace of life. Cobblestone streets and colonial buildings make up the town center of this 16th-century village. Since September, travelers can relish in Valle de Bravo’s charm while staying at the small city’s most anticipated hotel of the year, Cinco Rodavento.
Located at the entrance of the center to town, Cinco Rodavento is the newest addition to Mosaic Group, a collection of highly curated boutique hotels primarily based in the San Francisco area. The property is considered Valle de Bravo’s first lifestyle hotel and has crafted a unique, contemporary ambiance that hopes to inspire one-on-one connections between guests and locals.
Upon arrival, you will step foot into a cozy lobby where rustic and chic are perfectly balanced to create a welcoming and relaxing vibe. With ear-to-ear smiles, the friendly staff greets you with herb-infused water and a penchant for excellent service. Every corner of the hotel caters to the five senses, and the different spaces echo its mission to make you the ultimate centerpiece.
Accommodations
Cinco Rodavento’s 28 rooms are engaged with the hotel’s urban-meets-nature approach. Designed by Mariana Valero, the décor exudes the essence of Valle de Bravo — warm minimalism combines with wood and marble to create a soft and natural feeling of comfort. While minimalism presides, an added splash of adventure and urban elements harmoniously blends in to create a fun and original atmosphere.
Also, it is good to know that with advance notice small pets are welcome and (to their great joy) offered a small toy as well as provisional dog bowls.
Tip: Apart from the Master Suite, the most scenic views are from the rooms on the second floor facing the garden.
5 Restaurant
In the downstairs space overlooking the garden, chef Diego Isunza Kahlo serves an upper-scale version of typical Mexican cantina food in the hotel’s signature restaurant, 5. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this dining space transforms throughout the day.
In the morning, with a brisk chill in the air and soft music in the background, you can enjoy your choice of coffee along with breakfast. For lunch and dinner, the space becomes livelier, serving creative dishes such as New York steak with esquites or the Cinco meatballs.
Tip: Try the sugarcoated French toast or the chilaquiles, accompanied by mandarin orange juice for breakfast.
Rüf
The top floor of Cinco Rodavento is a place to sit for hours. With impressive views of Lake Avándaro and the town’s cathedral, Rüf is a convivial space created for lounging, sipping cocktails, and bringing together locals and tourists in conversation.
From 9 am to 6 pm, Rüf is exclusively open to hotel guests. When the sun is shining, you can take a dip in the pool while sipping on a spicy clamato and munching on snacks from the bar. After 6 pm, the music becomes more upbeat as the rooftop bar opens its door to visitors coming to test the mixologists’ skills and watch the sunset over the calm waters.
Tip: While Rüf has an excellent cocktail menu, the draft Mexican artisanal beer, Tres Eles, is worth adding to your repertoire of beer tasting.
Retail
Don’t forget to splurge at Cinco Retail — a small concept store located behind the front desk area. Anuar Layton, the renowned designer behind Prima Volta, Mexico is the Shit, Mercadorama Custom, and White Tag curates the store’s items. In addition to Layton, you can also find Miguel Lerdo de Tejada’s trendy clothing line, Concept Racer, inspired by motorcycles and the outdoors.
Tip: Get in on the trend and buy a Mexico is the Shit jacket.
Activities
Valle de Bravo is considered the adventure capital of Mexico. Located in the heart of the town, Cinco Rodavento is minutes away from a wide range of water and outdoor activities, from sailing on Lake Avándaro to certified archery classes.
To get the most out of your stay, make your way to the hotel’s Experience Guide who will assist in choosing and organizing activities tailored to your wishes. Guests at Cinco Rodavento also have access to activities and amenities at the hotel’s sister property, Hotel Rodavento, via a complimentary shuttle service.
Tip: Paragliding is the extreme sport to try in Valle de Bravo.
Click here to visit their website for more information.
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Other articles that may interest you:
Valle de Bravo: a Weekend Retreat from the City
Finding the Monarch Butterflies of Central Mexico
Acre: where nature meets luxury in Los Cabos
