With its array of colonial architecture, sumptuous hotels and big-city sophistication, Mexico’s interior is a natural fit for planners looking to provide luxurious experiences for groups.
“The colonial cities in Mexico offer numerous advantages,” said Jaime Nelo, a spokesperson for IVI DMC2, a DMC that operates in multiple Mexican destinations.
He noted that easy access, diversity of offerings and stunning landscapes provide ideal conditions for groups seeking a unique upscale touch for their gathering.
Mexico City
As the largest city in Mexico—and one of the biggest in the world—it’s no surprise that Mexico City excels at providing luxury experiences for groups.
“Mexico City is turning into one of the hottest spots in Latin America for business and leisure travel, and offers all that is needed for any type of program: history, culture and art, extraordinary gastronomical options and nightlife,” Nelo said. “There are state-of-the-art congress centers and event spaces as well as breathtaking historical venues.”
DMC Condor Verde organizes VIP experiences in Mexico City, including helicopter rides over the city and a hot-air balloon ride over the pyramids of Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With its extensive number of options, the nation’s capital does seem to have something for just about everyone, according to Bernard de Villele, general manager of the St. Regis Mexico City, one of the destination’s top luxury hotels.
“Contemporary dining, renowned shopping and an eclectic arts scene combined with the unbelievable historical legacy of Mexico’s rich past makes the destination an ideal choice for upscale meetings; group participants will go back home with unique memories and emotions,” he said.
The St. Regis Mexico City offers a variety of customized upscale experiences for groups, both at the hotel and off-site. This year, the property introduced Sky Yoga classes on the hotel’s helipad and personalized shopping and museum tours through the hotel’s Cultural Curator program. Also its 12-seat La Table Krug is open for private functions, with an elegant 11-course menu created by Executive Chef Sylvain Desbois.
The recently renovated Presidente InterContinental Mexico City is another good option for upscale groups.
“Mexico City has become an icon for group events, due to the diversity of services that clients will find here,” said Ilse Gonzalez Gamez, director of conference services at the Presidente InterContinental Mexico City, which has added new dining venues with private dining options.
Also noteworthy is the AAA Four Diamond Krystal Grand Reforma Uno Mexico City, with its two club floors.
Guadalajara
Mexico’s second-largest city is also a hub for business, meetings and upscale experiences, according to Fernanda Martinez, a spokesperson for the Guadalajara CVB.
"Meeting planners can provide a luxurious experience for attendees with an array of opportunities within Guadalajara, from our state-of-the-art Expo Gudalajara facility, one of the largest convention and meeting centers in Latin America, to the trendy, luxury boutique hotels such as Hotel Demetria, Casa Fayette and Square Hotel, while upscale restaurants serving traditional and modern cuisine include I Latina, Lula Bistro and Hueso."
Indeed, Guadalajara is renowned for its ever-growing number of stylish hotels and dining venues. Hotel Demetria exudes art gallery cool and features multiple meeting areas, and Casa Fayette, part of Design Hotels, offers groups a patio bar, conference room and pool bar.
Also popular with upscale groups is the Presidente InterContinental Guadalajara, with multiple suites as well as Club InterContinental rooms for more amenities. Martha Paredes, the property’s director of sales, noted that the city is popular with groups partially because it’s home to some of Mexico’s most legendary traditions.
“Guadalajara is renowned for its iconic elements, such as tequila, mariachi music and charrería [horse riding],” she said. “The city has the infrastructure and services for the luxury market.”
The city’s thriving culinary scene provides still more opportunities for groups to indulge. Among the hottest, group-friendly restaurants are Hueso, which serves contemporary Mexican cuisine in two private dining rooms, and Lula Bistro, which prepares multicourse tasting menus with entire venue buyouts for groups of about 25.
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The nearby town of Tequila, the birthplace of the eponymous spirit, is another great place for upscale group gatherings— especially now, since the recent introduction of the Tequilacopter, a helicopter service that shuttles small groups between Guadalajara and the Sauza Tequila distillery, and the opening of Solar de las Animas, a Relais & Chateaux property that belongs to Jose Cuervo and features elegant accommodations and a restaurant with a stately private dining room.
Haciendas provide yet another option for groups seeking a luxurious yet authentic getaway from the city. The 15-room Hacienda Lomajim, which is set on a scenic hilltop in the Zapopan municipality, has a 40-person chapel and indoor/outdoor space for groups of up to 1,000.
Monterrey
Monterrey is another economic powerhouse and important stop for many MICE groups. The city’s sophistication is apparent at venues like the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (Museum of Modern Art) and Museo de Historia Mexicana (Museum of Mexican History), both of which are available for gala upscale events.
IVI DMC2 also stages private group events at venues like the Museo del Acero Horno 3 in the Parque Fundidora. The Planetario Alfa, a large planetarium, is another popular place for upscale events, thanks to its interior with glass decor made by the famed artist Rufino Tamayo.
Monterrey’s hotel scene continues to up the ante. The 117-room Sheraton Monterrey Ambassador recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation of its public areas and guest rooms, as well as the debut of a new Sheraton Club Lounge. And Hotel Habita Monterrey, a member of Design Hotels, provides a boutique-chic ambience for groups.
Puebla
This important business center also happens to be a historic hot spot, where centuries-old buildings have been recast as lovely boutique hotels, restaurants and shops.
“Puebla is a destination that has recently ventured into the luxury travel segment. However, we’ve noticed that the destination is well prepared to host this type of events,” said Matthijs de Kool, executive director for conventions and parks at the Puebla CVB.
“Puebla has very suitable spaces for hosting the most upscale and exclusive groups, such as the Barroque International Museum, which showcases the era of this style in Latin American culture, art and daily life, including music, theater, fashion, literature and architecture,” de Kool said.
For upscale groups, IVI DMC2 also recommends venues like the Museo Amparo, which has a rooftop terrace with postcard-perfect views of the cupolas of colonial churches. Other options that de Kool praises for VIP experiences include a helicopter tour that takes participants over majestic volcanoes before landing at the Amozoc raceway, where they are met by a NASCAR Mexico driver for a test drive in a luxury sports car for a series of “hot laps” around the track, followed by a private banquet served in the middle of the racetrack.
Guanajuato
Guanajuato is the name of both a city and a state in central Mexico, and both offer some interesting choices for groups.
The highest profile destination in the state among upscale groups is San Miguel de Allende, named among the world’s best destinations by Travel + Leisure this year. It’s tops for many reasons, according to Raquel Vargas, senior project manager at Condor Verde.
“San Miguel de Allende is a very important tourism destination, because of its cultural diversity, status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and luxury hotels like the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, Dos Casas, Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada and Hotel Matilda.”
Hotel Matilda recently hosted an array of upscale events such as a “supper club” for Audi.
The city of Guanajuato, which is the state capital, features its own array of historic sites and luxurious options.
“Guanajuato is one of the best places for people who come from other countries,” said Javier Perez Esqueda, a spokesperson for Quinta Las Acacias, a member of Mexico Boutique Hotels that’s set in a beautifully restored 19th century residence. “Almost all the hotels are near the downtown, where you can find museums and the beginning of the story of the independence of Mexico.”
