Amomoxtli

For too long Mexican travel, for overseas visitors, meant nothing but sun, sand, and surf. In the boutique-hotel era, however, there are opportunities for all kinds of destinations to shine. Among them is Tepoztlán, a mountain town near Mexico City that’s known for its significance in Aztec history and culture — as well as the ruins of the nearby El Tepozteco temple, and the national park that surrounds it. And with the advent of Amomoxtli, the region’s first high-end luxury boutique hotel, it’s a destination that’s set to welcome a new crop of international travelers.

The architecture marries the contemporary and the classic, with perhaps a slight emphasis on the latter — and in the rooms, the beamed ceilings and the tile and stone work establish a historical backdrop against which the occasional piece of contemporary furniture or artwork provides a contrasting note. Many come with patios, balconies, or terraces, and all come with cozy comforts like king beds, down duvets, and organic bath products.

Further comforts come in the form of the hotel’s spa, which combines massages and other conventional treatments with a rich vein of Aztec-inspired mysticism. There’s also some self-serve mystic relaxation on offer at the hotel’s splendid pool, with its spectacular mountain view. And while the restaurant’s flavors may be traditional, and its dishes strictly locally sourced, the result is, like the Amomoxtli experience in general, an elevated one.