Hotel Hacienda Los Laureles-Spa is a composition of such éclat that old world complements new world, and everything in between raises the bar for luxury living. Perfectly tucked under the foothills of the Sierra Juarez Mountains, another advantage is the hotel’s 10-minute proximity to Oaxaca. The city, straddled by the Pacific Ocean, boasts more than 450 years of post-Colombian and Spanish history and more than 3,000 years of pre-Colombian history.

Accented with sweeping porches and columns, thick stucco walls and terracotta floors, authenticity played the determining role behind the building’s sleek appearance. The gardens and 200-year-old fine laurel trees (the name “Los Laureles” means exactly that), which exemplify the property, are two examples of the carefully thought-out preservation mission.

Where grand adventures meet grand Mexican style, German-born owner Peter Kaiser, who is renowned in the hospitality business, completely renovated the 1800s hacienda (country house) in 2000. Guest are treated to 23 superb guestrooms and spacious premises that testify to the fact that elegance need not unhinge an overall cozy, homey feel. Operating the hotel with his wife, Ligia, he is the General Director and is involved in all the daily activities.

The innkeepers flatter the interior with distinctive fabrics, one-of-a-kind furnishings and original paintings. In the abiding tradition of inspiring total serenity, soft-toned, pastel fabrics accentuate the sleeping quarters, which provide a range of comfort from deluxe to master suite superior.

Undeniably appealing, too, are the terraces and patios of the suites and guestrooms that overlook the vibrant-colored, sweet-smelling gardens; a big distraction from a big city!

The heart of the hotel’s Eden is an interior garden brimming with tropical trees and climbing vines. Romantic any time of day, at night, amid shadowed lighting, crickets and tree frogs serenade bystanders.

AAA recently awarded the hotel, a member of the prestigious Mexico Boutique Hotel Group, with the four-star diamond award, one of the highest standards of hospitality. Part of the Conde Nast Johansens Luxury Hotels & Spas group, Hotel Hacienda Los Laureles-Spa achieved the GEMmy prize for excellence in the hotel industry. The hotel is the sole recipient of the award in Oaxaca.

The hotel, however, does not win its hands-down awards by looks and comfort alone. With an acute eye to detail, the hotel offers its guests an over-the-top list of amenities.

Guests can appreciate such extras as turndown service and complimentary morning coffee, satellite TV and music, mini-bar, suites with or without Jacuzzi, wireless internet, a library and business office center (if you absolutely must do work!), solar-heated pool with Jacuzzi, exercise facilities and spa.

“Our hacienda-style spa in the city of Oaxaca is the only one with a more relaxed, quiet and distinctive atmosphere and special attention to details,” Peter describes.

The many long-time visitors as well as first-time guests can now lavish in the expansion of Petit Spa, a first-rate spa. The traditional “temazcal,” or indigenous steam bath, is an ancient Mexican purification ritual intended to heal the body, mind and spirit and in the final analysis, relieves the tensions and pressures of modern-day life. Other spa delights include aromatherapy, massage and many other treatments that are available in spa packages.

“Our spa and restaurant is well known for its personalized services,” Peter adds.

The restaurant takes a serious approach to execute Oaxaca-style and Mexican meals that will fulfill the most discerning palates. The flavorful and healthy selections include an array of vegetarian specialties. Peter names Laureles Salat and Duck with special Oaxaca Mole Sauce as just two of the restaurant’s signature dishes.

Diners can expect both local ingredients and creative international cuisine. Not to mention that connoisseurs can choose from an impressive range of both local and international wines and champagnes to complement their meals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are even more memorable while being shared on the terrace and experiencing the panoramic garden views.

The stamp of distinction, however, does not stop there. “Our hotel chef provides Oaxaca-style cooking classes in the open-air garden and tours to the market,” Peter says.

Cooking and city-tour package participants can say farewell to ordinary cooking and, instead, tour famous city attractions, expand their culinary knowledge and tastes, and indulge in an Elysian foray of foods, such as regional favorites, coffee, cheeses, pastries and chocolate.

Fittingly, the property, a top contender for weddings, honeymoons and romantic interludes, has played host to many famous entertainers and dignitaries like iconic entertainers Luis Miguel, Pepe Aguilar and former Mexican President Vicente Fox, since it opened its doors.

To double the bliss, consider reserving a package that extends the vacation a few more days at Hotel Casa Bichu, a luxury villa in Puerto Angel, Oaxaca, the hotel’s new sister property.

Peter says that repeat clients visit Hotel Hacienda Los Laureles-Spa about four to five times a year to “enjoy the special attention” that they receive. Once you join this international crowd, you realize that the Latin beat is not only universal, but also an extraordinary superpower that never loses its enticement.

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