Valle de Bravo, Mexico
Reporter Nicholas Casey on what to do, where to eat and where to stay in this lakeside town.
What to do: Valle de Bravo—just two hours outside Mexico City—sits at the edge of spectacular Lake Avándaro, a man-made reservoir. But it would be hard to guess it, because of the surrounding pine forests and a snowy volcano nearby. Take a walk to Plaza Independencia, in the town's colonial historic center, along winding cobblestone streets lined with flower vendors. Or wander down to the lake to try your hand at water skiing at Escuela de Ski (+52 726-262-1485; Marina Nacional 115; individual instruction for $80 per hour). Back in town, visit a local Mexican legend at the Templo de Santa María Ahuacatlán, home of Valle's "Black Christ," the wooden statute that changed color when it mysteriously survived a fire in the colonial days and now is believed to perform miracles (Colonia Santa María Ahuacatlán; entrance free).
Where to eat: Valle de Bravo is filled with eateries, from upscale restaurants to gritty cantinas. Dipao (J.A. Pagaza 100; +52 726-262-2965; dishes $8 to $18) offers a range of tasty mid-range Italian cuisine and a wine list that includes a number of Mexican specialties. Don't pass up the cheese-smothered artichoke, a popular local dish. Stroll down to Lake Avándaro and taste some trout at Los Pericos (Embarcadero Muncipal; +52 726-262-0558; dishes $5 to $14), one of Valle's famous "floating restaurants" docked on the lake. Or pay a visit to Restaurante Paraiso (Fray Gregorio Jimenez de la Cuenca; 726-262-4731; dishes $8 to $20) for some seafood and views of the lake.
Where to stay: Those looking for a romantic weekend might consider El Santuario (Carretera a Colorines KM 4.5; +52 726-262-9100; Rooms $330 and up), one of Mexico's most exclusive resorts with a spa offering Swedish massages and breathtaking views of the lake. Rooms feature their own tiny indoor pools, though these can be on the cold side during winter months. Rodavento Boutique Hotel (Carretera Los Saucos km 3.5; +52 55-5292-5032; Rooms $275 and up), tucked into the forests surrounding Valle offers an exclusive getaway with private cabins and outdoor activities, such as kayaking and hiking trails. For those on a budget, Posada Anthurios (Calle 16 de Septiembre 419; +52 726-262-0490; rooms $20 and up) offers affordable rooms near the town's historic center.
Nicholas Casey, The Wall Street Journal 04-03-2010