The Pueblo Mágico of Tlaquepaque beckons, just minutes away from the Mexican city of Guadalajara, where Juana Bautista Hotel Boutique sits basking in the richness of cultural diversity.
It is a story about war, wiles and victory. Follow the cobblestoned streets winding through the pastel-coloured walls of old mansions and you will come to the heart of the town of Tlaquepaque where you will find Juana Bautista Hotel Boutique, named after a historical protagonist in the time of the Spanish Conquistadors.
Juana Bautista is the christian name of Queen Cihualpilli Tzapotzinco, who then ruled the region known as Tonallan tlahtocayotl (“The Kingdom of the East” in English). It was the time of the Spanish invasion. To avoid the bloodbath of battle, the queen opted for a peaceful resolution by welcoming the Spanish with a feast, and by eventually converting to christianity. Her spirit and bravery set the foundation for the Kingdom of New Spain, and is an inspiration to many in the region. Historically, the building, which is part of a 16th-century colonial estate, is famous for having been the place where General Celestino Negrete signed his support for the Plan of Iguala, which sealed the consummation of Mexico’s independence on June 12, 1821
It is also a story about artistry and craftsmanship, with the old soul of its artisans running deep through the midst of Tlaquepaque’s community. Dubbed a “Pueblos Magico”, a town recognised by the Mexican government for ‘magical’ qualities revolving around beauty, rich history or extraordinary legends, Juana Bautista Hotel Boutique takes its pride of place on a pedestrian-only street lined with eateries and art galleries. Inspired by the tale of Queen Cihualpilli Tzapotzinco and the colourful era of its time, the hotel pays homage with restorative work that stays true to the original architecture, dressed up with an interior that reflects contemporary Mexican design.
Designed by Grupo Mitote, the designers paid meticulous attention to the restoration of the building, its stone columns, courtyard and terrace, bringing to life artisanal details in the doors, stone columns, staircases, wooden ceilings and mosaic floors with geometric patterns. By collaborating with local artists, Grupo Mitote kept the design true to Mexican influence, with specially manufactured bespoke furniture,decorations and accessories that support local enterprises.
The hotel is located on the top floor of the estate’s main building, and upon entering, guests are greeted by a spacious patio where a 200-year-old tree beckons one to lounge in its shade and to relax to the sound of a trickling fountain. Old-world colonial charm exists alongside the rich and bold avante garde influences of Mexican culture, with an interior characterised by furnishings of wool and cotton textiles, handmade ceramic works, blown-glass lamps and unique wood-carved artifacts.
There is a choice of seven suites in different categories, each of them unique in design and theme, named according to the titles of famous traditional Mexican songs such as Amor Eterno, Las Mañanitas, Cielito Lindo, El Rey, Nube Viajera, Hermoso Cariño, and Motivos. Each suite is a visual and tactile feast of handcrafted textiles and leather with lustrous marble and tiles that accentuate a warm colour palate beckoning one to nest in its plush furnishings. Your eyes are drawn to the contemporary patterns and lines that pull you into its midst, allowing you to take in the textures of materials such as traditional handwoven accessories and animal hides. Ranging from 41 to 95 sqm, the suites are distinguished by colour themes that “evoke rest and invite relaxation” with hues of grey, blue purple and green.
When the sun sets, head to the terrace where the swimming pool invites a cooling dip or a sundowner cocktail. It’s the perfect way to end a day of discoveries in Tlaquepaque, a hot spot for cultural and artistic vibrancy.
