Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende Resort, recognized by the Property Awards for 'Best Hotel Architecture' and 'Best New Hotel Construction & Design' 2024-2025, stands as a testament to GVI’s dedication to creating spaces that seamlessly blend tradition with modern luxury. Nestled in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato; this resort is situated in an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of Mexico's "Pueblos Mágicos" program. This initiative aims to celebrate localities rich in cultural heritage, offering unique tourism opportunities that invite visitors to immerse themselves in Mexico’s traditions.
GVI’s architectural design enhances the beauty of San Miguel de Allende, ensuring that visitors enjoy an authentic Mexican experience. Every detail—ranging from traditional colors and local materials to regional gastronomy and art—was meticulously crafted to preserve the city's charm. This thoughtful approach aligns the project with the unique aesthetics and cultural charm of the region, making it a harmonious addition to its surroundings.
Client's needs
The project spans over 35,000 m² and is divided into three main areas: residential condominiums and villas, a hospitality section with hotel rooms, and a diverse range of amenities, including a ballroom, event garden, spa, pool, meeting centers, and more.
At the forefront of our design process were several key objectives: capturing the breathtaking views of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, establishing a premier spa destination, enhancing the region's tourism appeal, and creating spaces that encourage exploration and leisure. Each of these elements was essential to meeting the client's vision and ensuring integration with the environment.
Inspiration for Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende
To achieve the goal of creating an authentic Mexican experience, we drew inspiration from traditional colonial haciendas, abstracting their key elements and reinterpreting them within a modern design. These features include the entrance, main staircase, zaguán (vestibule), central patio, portico, hacienda core, rear patio, and gardens, all incorporated into the project's layout.
The site's topography was leveraged to create and maintain views of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel and we aimed to offer a variety of unique user experiences to attract guests and enrich the local offerings for residents alike.
While studying the layout of the spaces, we encounter natural open areas that enhanced communication. We took these spaces and transformed them into something more than just transitional areas, turning them into key points for interaction and connection.
As a result, we created a series of 13 strategically positioned plazas throughout the hotel, each serving as engaging destinations that promote activities and cultivate a deep appreciation for the culture.
Challenges: Vernacular regulations
Throughout the project's development adherence to guidelines from the 'Pueblos Mágicos' program, IMPISSMA (Instituto Municipal de Planeación de San Miguel de Allende) and Tránsito y vialidad was crucial.
When considering the project's height, we had two main goals: maintaining the visual harmony of the surroundings by limiting buildings to four levels and capitalizing on the terrain's visibility from restricted areas.
To achieve these objectives, we utilized the natural slopes of the site to our advantage. Villas were strategically positioned on the lowest level for enhanced privacy, while the main entrance and common areas were located on the second level. The upper levels accommodate the guest rooms, maximizing opportunities for breathtaking views of the parish from various points within the hotel. This design ensures that guests can enjoy panoramic views from shared spaces such as the lounge and partially from the dining area.
Guidelines for Facade Design
The facade design was guided by key principles aimed at preserving the region's architectural heritage while enhancing its visual appeal. These principles included maintaining a consistent vertical proportion in voids and ornamental elements, utilizing locally sourced construction materials, and applying lime paint in warm tones such as ochre, earth, or terracotta. Emphasis was placed on textural variety, with smooth finishes on upper surfaces contrasting against rough textures at the base.
In conclusion, the Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende Resort exemplifies our commitment to designing spaces that evoke emotion and invite connection. Each project is driven by our passion for creativity and architecture, reflecting our dedication to creating environments that resonate deeply with those who experience them.
At GVI, we are filled with pride as we celebrate our team’s incredible achievement! Winning the Property Awards 2024-2025 for Best Hotel Architecture and Best New Hotel Construction & Design is a significant milestone that highlights our commitment to creating spaces that resonate with the pulse of our heart.
This project showcases the hard work and creativity of the team, and this recognition is a true reflection of the collective effort. Thank you and congratulations to everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality. Your commitment and talent have brought this project to life, and we couldn't be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together!
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