The country of Mexico has always been a source of inspiration for us. It was a trip in 2021 to San Miguel de Allende that we got the idea for our hair products. We explored Oaxaca in 2022 to get a glimpse into their world of artisanal craftsmanship, during which we even had a spiritual experience with a local curandera (medicine woman) during a temazcal ceremony who was using bundles of local plants and herbs singing "plantas medicinas, plantas medicinas...". Our time in Todos Santos gave us the much needed clarity on the direction we were going in with the brand. A trip to Tulum inspired our “Ancient Future” concept, along with the sacred botanicals like Palo Santo, Frankincense and Copal that you will find in our bespoke aromatherapeutic blend for Vata invoking grounding and stability in the mind. We are back to continue this journey of inspiration. This time in Mexico City!
STAY:
- Casa Octavia- Created by Mexican clothing brand the Octavia Casa space serves as an exclusive tourist refuge with a minimalist atmosphere that showcases the natural, simple, clean, honest and fresh way of life. Located in the beautiful neighborhood Condesa. https://octaviacasa.mx
- Casa Tepeji- This gorgeous 3 floors house was integrally renovated by an architect in 2021 and features a unique design with a patio, a terrace and numerous balconies. There are multiple canopies and large windows that allow all the rooms to be very bright. The colors and custom-designed furniture were carefully curated to celebrate the Mexican culture. The house is located in a very quiet street of the historic Roma Sur neighborhood and offers walking access to the city’s best restaurants and bars. Good for bigger groups. Available on Airbnb.
- La Valise- La Valise Mexico City is a boutique hotel that offers a hidden urban sanctuary for the discerning traveler. https://www.lavalisecdmx.com
- Pensión- A three room guest house, is an intimate accommodation for one or two persons, individually furnished with objects and artworks made by Savvy Studio and the artists who have called the guest house a home. https://www.casabosques.com
BREAKFAST/COFFEE/TEA:
- Panaderia Rosetta- Croissants, coffee, salads & pastries in a rustic-chic space filled with plants, plus a terrace. Touristy? Yes, but it's worth it. We love to get a seat inside their cozy coffee bar.
- Raku Japanese coffee bar- Come for the excellent artisan coffee and friendly owner, but stay for the incredible japanese food - truly a hidden gem with locations in Roma Norte and Polanco.
- Mendl- An NYC Jewish style delicatessen open on a leafy-green street in the Condesa neighborhood. https://mendl.mx
- Quentin Cafe- Their coffee is considered some of the best in town, and make sure to pair it with a pastry, like their banana cake.
- Odette- A bakery & pastry shop in the Lomas de Chapultepec neighborhood of Mexico City. https://odette.com.mx
- Sr. Croissant- "Croissant Lab & Good Coffee". One thing is for certain they do real good pan dulce in Mexico City. https://www.srcroissant.com
LUNCH/BRUNCH:
- Contramar- A Mexico City seafood institution, with its beautiful terrace and its huge windows framing views of the outside, will enchant you from start to finish. http://www.contramar.com.mx
- Lardo- Located a few blocks from Chapultepec park and with a focus on Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, the casual space feels reminiscent of old European cafés. Add this one to your favorites! https://www.lardo.com.mx
- Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre- This is a no menu, no reservations and cash only spot. You walk up and tell the server what you like, if you have any food allergies and the cook makes you a surprise.
DINNER:
- Pujol- Enrique Olvera's first project, opened its doors in 2000. Olvera's cuisine is always transforming, drawing on ideas from here and there that he revisits and also evolve. The roots of his proposal are well rooted in high quality ingredients and the different techniques of Mexican cuisine. If you chase Michelin star restaurants then Mexico City is the place to go. https://pujol.com.mx/eng/enrique-olvera
- Rosetta- Chef Elena Reygadas is one of Mexico's leading culinary voices. It's located in Colonia Roma in Mexico City. The cuisine is based on a deep respect for Mexican ingredients and is ranked on the World's 50 Best Restaurants. https://rosetta.com.mx/en
- Blanco Colima- At Blanco Colima you will find yourself in front of one of the most emblematic and beautiful buildings in La Roma area, one of the oldest and most iconic neighborhoods in Mexico City. It's a scene if that's your vibe. https://www.blancocolimamx.com
- Baldio- Mexico City's first zero waste restaurant. A fine dining restaurant that wastes nothing. Their story is truly inspiring.
- Maximo Bistrot- A relatively new concept for Mexico City, Máximo Bistrot is a true farm-to-table restaurant serving French plates made with Mexican-grown ingredients. https://www.maximobistrot.com.mx
- Masala y Maíz- Trendy spot with an industrial-chic vibe serving traditional meals with Indian & African elements. https://www.masalaymaiz.com
- Hugo- Hugo is a great wine bar in Roma that specializes in natural, biodynamic, and skin contact wines. They have a small menu if you are looking for something easy and simple. Sit at the bar. https://hugoelwinebar.com
WELLNESS
- Traum- Experience a tea ceremony in a unique and beautiful setting in Roma. https://traum-cdmx.com
- KOTI Wellness- With an emphasis on Contrast Therapy rooms via sauna and cold plunge. https://www.kotiwellness.com
- Centro Budista de la Cuidad de Mexico- A buddhist center in the heart of Roma offering yoga and meditation. https://budismo.org.mx
SHOPPING
- Aurelia Concept store- Incredible curate selection, they have great taste. https://aureliaconceptstore.com/en-us
- Proyecto Republica- A high-fashion online store with the best Latin American talent for unconventional women. https://www.proyectorepublica.com
- Picu- A health and beauty shop. https://www.picu.mx
- Gramo- Eyeglasses combine the richness of Mexican design with the durability and quality of Japanese manufacturing. https://gramo.mx/en
- Xinu perfumes- A Mexican perfumery shop. https://xinuperfumes.com
- Selection Marsella- Opened it doors in the heart of Juarez district, this retail project is focused in home design. https://seleccionmarsella.com
- Casa Bosques- A Mexican chocolate company that opened a book store inside its hotel called Pensión.
- Lazo- Explore ethical clothing, Mexican deep-rooted ceramics and hand-sculpted jewelry.
- Mesa Rosetta- Right next to the restaurant, tucked in under a beige and white striped awning is Mesa Rosetta. Selling tabletop ceramics, glassware, linens.
- Onora Casa- Together with local artisans, they reimagine textiles and homewares for modern life. https://onoracasa.com
- Originario- The store is a destination for furniture, objects, and art by homegrown talents. https://originario.mx
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Casa Tigre Blanco- Linen garments, authentic textiles from México
& curation of fine, unique, 2nd-hand objects & jewels. Shop at Jalapa 121 Roma N. - Sophie Simone Designs- Hand crafted jewelry made and inspired in Mexico. https://sophiesimonedesigns.com
- Pasaje Parián Roma- Divided into three floors into a variety of independent projects. Its ground floor houses gastronomic and local design establishments. On its second floor, offices and art galleries are planned, while on the third floor a covered terrace is anticipated.
MUSIC/DRINKS:
- Tachinomi Desu Bar- Le Tachinomi Desu is a Japanese standing-room-only natural wine/sake bar. Check out their IG for special events. https://edokobayashi.com
- Tokyo Music Bar- A speakeasy style bar where you can taste classic cocktails and signature cocktails, while you listen to the vinyl collection. https://edokobayashi.com
- Bar up stairs at Rosetta restaurant- Salón Rosetta is a beautiful one room bar up an ornate staircase above Restaurante Rosetta. Head there before or after dinner. https://rosetta.com.mx/en/
- Caiman- For a little more upbeat night out, a wine bar that can turn rowdy come midnight.
- Ololo- A speakeasy-style cocktail den that specializes in the art of crafting a classic martini. On select nights, the bar welcomes in some of the city’s top DJs, who spin their vinyl well into the morning hours.
- Canopia- For a late-late night, Canopia which turns into Siqe come dark. Expect a DJ and a crowd of cool kids with mezcal in hand.
- NIV- A sleek spot to slip in to enjoy a glass of natural wine.
- Handshake Speakeasy- Voted #3 on The 50 Best Bars in the World List. We were not a fan of the ambiance but it's a place where you go for one drink just for the experience and then move on with your night.
- Casa Franca- Excellent jazz bar with a beautiful atmosphere and great drinks and wonderful food. It fills up quickly so I suggest getting a table early.
- Leonor- Contemporary, upbeat nightclub in a moody space featuring DJs & themed parties, plus cocktails. https://www.nivbar.com
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
- Arca Tierra- A company committed to regenerative agriculture and fair-trade offers unique experiences that take you down the canals of Xochimilco at sunrise and ends with a freshly prepared meal using all ingredients from their garden.
- Traum- Experience a tea ceremony in a unique and beautiful setting in Roma. https://traum-cdmx.com
- Luis Barragán Houses- Dubbed the artist among architects, Luis Barragán is one of the most famous architects of the 20th century. His houses are an experience not to be missed. http://www.casaluisbarragan.org/eng/en_visitas.html
EXPLORE:
- Saturday Craft Market “Bazaar del Sabado”- Colorful Saturday bazaar featuring stalls with goods by artists in an 18-century home, with food.
- La Lagunilla Flea Market- A sprawling, Sunday-only bazaar with everything and anything.
- Colonia Condesa and Roma- Both Roma and Condesa have some of the city's hottest art galleries. That's in addition to tree-lined streets, endless restaurants, and plenty of parks.
- Parque España & Mexico- Small but beautiful park in the Condesa neighborhood.
- Templo Mayor and Centro Histórico Catedral- Two important historical landmarks.
- Xochimilco- Colorful gondola-like boats take visitors on cruises while food vendors, artisans and mariachi bands float past. The atmosphere is festive, especially on weekends.
- Chapultepec- Chapultepec Park is the second largest city park in Latin America. There are many attractions in Chapultepec Park: gardens, museums, squares, monumental fountains, art galleries, and even a castle that was a Royal residence.
MUSEUMS:
- Museo Jumex- A small museum of contemporary art, offering rotating exhibits in a bold, modern space. https://www.fundacionjumex.org/en
- Museo de Antropología e Historia- The National Museum of Anthropology is a national museum of Mexico. It is the largest and most visited museum in Mexico. https://www.mna.inah.gob.mx
- Rufino Tamayo- Museo Rufino Tamayo is a public contemporary art museum located in Mexico City's Chapultepec Park, that produces contemporary art exhibitions, using its collection of modern and contemporary art. https://www.museotamayo.org
- Casa y estudio Frida Calo in San Angel- Eclectic museum space showcasing the unique homes, art & studios of artists' Rivera & Kahlo. https://inba.gob.mx/recinto/51
- Casa Frida Calo in Coyoacán- The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House for the structure's cobalt-blue walls, is a historic house museum and art museum dedicated to the life and work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. It is located in the Colonia del Carmen neighborhood of Coyoacán in Mexico City. https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx
- Galeria Kurimanzutto- Kurimanzutto explores diverse ways to make exhibitions and to exist as a gallery specializing in contemporary art. https://www.kurimanzutto.com
- Espacio escultórico- Located in the Central Campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The Espacio Escultórico (Sculpture Space) is part of the central campus and is where large, colorful, abstract sculptures decorate and enhance the natural volcanic pedregales they sit atop.
- Palacio de Bellas Artes- A prominent cultural center in Mexico City. The Palacio is home to the National Theater company, the National Dance Company, the National Symphony Orchestra, the National Opera Company, and the Ballet.
- MASA Galleria- MASA is a gallery blurring the line between art and design. https://mmaassaa.com
WHAT TO PACK
- Plantas Medicinas- 7 reasons why solid haircare is the better choice than liquid shampoo and conditioner when on the go: 1. TSA- friendly 2. leak/mess proof 3. more compact saving space 4. multifunctional use 5. longer-lasting 6. less waste 7. sustainable. They eliminate the stress of liquid regulations, mess and extra weight making your travel experience easier for you. www.plantasmedicinas.com
- Beatrice Valenzuela- A Los Angeles based woman, latin-owned shoes, clothing and accessories brand. She designs the most beautiful shoes that you can walk, dance and stand in all day. Perfect for exploring Mexico City! https://beatricevalenzuela.com
- MERIT- We love clean beauty brand MERIT for their easy, effortless and minimalist approach. Less is more especially when you are traveling. https://www.meritbeauty.com