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Romantic Lodging in Moralia, Home of Mexico's
Saint for Lovers
by Eleanor S. Morris
Morelia, in the Mexican state of Michoacan, is the home of San
Antonio, the Mexican saint of lovers. So it's only fitting that
here is a perfectly lovely romantic place to stay, the Villa Montana,
with its facilities for weddings on the site. (Click
here for information on Mexico's wedding requirements.)
Located on a lovely hill above the city, overlooking the beautiful
historic Colonial Spanish city, the Villa Montana is a lovely
architectural complex, surrounded by wandering paths through beautiful
gardens, a perfect place for both your wedding and your honeymoon.
The hotel has thirty-six casita-style rooms spread throughout
the spacious grounds.
They include one presidential suite, ten master suites, eleven
junior suites and thirteen standard guest rooms. Each is decorated
differently, no two alike, each with its own individual character.
But all have fireplaces (so cozy on a cool mountain night), television
and direct-dial telephones. Spacious bathrooms have shower-tub,
hair dryer, extension telephone, bathrobe and complimentary slippers.
The restaurant, with a fireplace and artwork decor, offers regional,
and international cuisine with a French flair, all made with the
finest and freshest ingredients, and served with elegance and
flair. Dinner music is provided by both piano and violin.
On the terrace, the bar-restaurant serves lunch and cocktails
along with a panoramic view of Morelia below. A Sunday Brunch
features an array of Michoacan's regional delicacies. But both
special vegetarian and other dietary meals are also available.
 The
heated swimming pool with a lounge area also offers a panoramic
view. Other amenities include facilities for special events such
as meetings, banquets--and weddings. Three private rooms accommodate
from 10 to 250 people. The private business center has Internet
access; there is a tennis court and gymnasium with cardio equipment.
The Boutique offers an extensive collection of regional art and
crafts, as well as the usual sundries.
Airport transfers are available from the international airports
of Morelia, Guadalajara, Mexico City and Leon.
The Special for Romantics, valid until December 20, 2004, includes
one night double occupancy in a luxury junior suite with a cozy
fireplace and decorative touches especially for you. Also a full
breakfast for two served in the privacy of your suite, a bottle
of sparkling wine upon arrival, a welcome basket of fresh fruit,
and a bouquet of flowers. All this for $280, with an additional
night for $220.
 You'll
enjoy spending part of your honeymoon time seeing the lovely Spanish
Colonial city of Morelia. Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site
in 1991, the city is spectacular for its 17th and 18th-century
architecture. The city has many lovely green garden squares. On
the central one, the Cathedral on the Square of Arms--also known
as the Square of the Martyrs-- is an imposing Baroque building
of rosy stone, built between 1660 and 1744. The square itself
is surrounded by buildings faced with graceful arches. Underneath
the arches you can stop for a refreshing coffee, or a meal, indoors
or out.
Nearby, the Regional Museum of Michoacan contains murals by the
famous Mexican artist Diego Rivera. What is now the Municipal
Palace was built in the late 18th century to supervise the control
and sale of tobacco. Remodeled in 1859, it octagonal patio is
an architectural jewel.
The Museum House of Morelos built in 1758, was the home of the
revolutionary hero Jose Maris Morelos, and the story of his life
is related through paintings, photographs, furniture, etc.
The Benito Juarez Zoo is the most important one in the country
for the variety of species; the Planetarium is also among the
almost endless places of interest. All in all, Morelia is a city
worthy of the state of Michoacan, a state known as "the soul
of Mexico."
For More Information
Morelia: visitmexico.com
Villa Montana: www.villamontana.com.mx
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