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Venturing into restoring old mansions and converting them into ravishing boutique hotels is not for the faint of heart. Luckily for us, Heriberto Cota Castellanos, scion of the Cota family of renowned hoteliers, and his wife, Ligia Gutiérrez, happen to love a challenge. Steeped in the hospitality business since birth, Heriberto set out to bring luxury back to this 1900s-era home not only with a full 21st-century twist, but also with a panache that will make you feel to the manor born. The mood is regal but not stuffy. It´s impeccable but not restrictive. And best of all it´s gracious but not antiquated. Can you put your feet up? Most certainly, though the setting will make you want to ensure your toes are freshly pedicured (get it at Terracotta, the hotel´s exquisitely appointed spa that is noted for its exquisite massages).
The town of Sayula boasts an absolutely charming historical center. Take a walk around during the late afternoon, when the sun creates a beautiful play of light and shadow on the ten different portales, or arched walkways, that frame this quaint city. Sayula also is known for its cajeta, a thick, sweet delicious caramel made from goat´s milk, its perfumed raspberries and, believe it or not, its artisanal knives, which are beloved by chefs around the world.
Consider This ...
Gran Casa Sayula is only an hour away from Guadalajara and everything that big city has to offer. Think about enjoying a “Big City – Small Town” vacation by combining this little gem with another tiny treasure of a restored mansion,f Villa Ganz, located in downtown Guadalajara.
You´ll Especially Love
The prose by noted local author Juan Rulfo that laces the cushions and the blue runners on the pristine beds. We love the luxurious L´Occitane amenities in every bathroom and the claw-foot tub in the honeymoon suite. We love the gallery that lies right inside the vestibule, where they highlight pieces by local and national artists—a recent exhibit was, in fact, curated by the director of Guadalajara´s Regional Museum. And, we love the furniture handcrafted from the homes old doors and shutters.
What´s Fabulous Here
We´d like to save this for the Food & Wine section, but we just couldn´t contain ourselves. What´s truly fabulous here is their rock star chef, Manuel Bañuelos. Don´t let his youth fool you: his pedigree includes stints at 5- and 4- star AAA Diamond Award restaurants, successful demonstrations in Morocco and South Africa, major TV credits and more. As for us, we are simply smitten by his creativity and his sandwich concoction of marinated and baked panela cheese with pear, sprouts and rose vinaigrette. It tastes as fragrant and delectable as it sounds.
Who It Would Appeal To
Couples seeking a quiet, romantic hideaway, writers looking for an inspiring setting for their words; girlfriends in search of a chic spa getaway; and foodies who know their ingredients (see Food & Wine).
Amenities:
• 20 accommodations
• Full-service spa
• Meeting room
• Heated pool
• Gym
• Chapel
• Private insider tours to local attractions
Connectivity:
Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet is available throughout the hotel.
Wine & Dine:
The restaurant—appropriately named La Frambuesa after the sweet-smelling raspberries that blanket the area around Sayula—offers Chef Manuel´s haute Mexican cuisine with an international flair, prepared with organic vegetables and herbs. Breakfast, lunch and dinner each serve up a menu that´s a culinary adventure of the best sort. El Coyote Bar, decorated with dream-catchers and desert-dweller motifs, indulges guests with relaxing vibes thanks to the music and its special macrobiotic cocktails and scrumptious hors d´oeuvres.
Meeting facilities:
Conference room
Location:
Located 75 minutes outside of Guadalajara, on the way to Colima.
DIRECT PHONE: +52.342.421.2599
General Manager:
Heriberto Cota
Avila Camacho 73 Oriente
Zona Centro
Sayula, Jalisco
49300
