Antigua Guatemala Luxury Hotels and Destination
Surrounded by Three Commanding Volcanoes
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Antigua, Guatemala will prove to be a truly rewarding luxury hotels destination for even the hardest to please luxury traveler as it is a mesmerizing, eclectic city composed of magnificent Baroque architecture and imposing colonial ruins. Surrounded by three commanding volcanoes, Antigua is rich in natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities. Formally called La Antigua Guatemala, the name translates to The Old Guatemala in reference to the former sight for the Guatemalan capital which was relocated after a series of devastating earthquakes. Today, the astonishing architectural sights and ancient ruins as well as the breathtaking beauty of the region attract thousands of travelers seeking to experience the wonders of Antigua. For the ultimate luxury getaway to Antigua, choose from the city’s wide selection of luxury hotels sprinkled amidst colonial history, colorful culture, and unforgettable natural sights. Luxury hotels provide the ideal balance between personal attention, luxury amenities, and knowledgeable, friendly staff to make your stay in Antigua a memorable one.
Antigua Luxury Hotels
During your visit to this old colonial city, treat yourself to a stay in one of Antigua’s many unforgettable luxury hotels. Indulge in the elegance and sophistication that can only be offered by luxury hotels. Enter the lavish world of luxury hotels where everything is fit for kings and queens. The plush luxury linens, the magnificent views from your private balcony, spa-quality bathroom products, plush robes and towels, and the soothing décor of luxury hotels will deliver such a welcoming and comforting atmosphere that you might find it hard to stray far from the premises! Yet you’ll find it hard to resist exploring all that Antigua has to offer. The wonderful personal attention combined with the professional insight on the region make luxury hotels concierge services an invaluable resource.
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San Miguel de Allende was designated a historical landmark in 1926, and it has preserved its colonial heritage by banning new style construction, neon signs and other symbols of "modernization" ever since. The city’s resulting charm and elegance began to attract wealthy visitors in the 1950s, including world famous celebrities, film stars, signers, and other wealthy travelers. Luxury hotels and other elegant accommodations began to spring up as the lodging industry recognized the beauty of the region and the ideal location that would make San Miguel de Allende a promising tourist destination. Today, San Miguel de Allende offers the exotic qualities of a Mexican city as well as the modern conveniences and comforts of any luxury hotels destination.
Getting Around Antigua Guatemala
With less than ten blocks extending in any direction from the main square, Antigua is an ideal city to explore by foot. After a lingering and delicious breakfast either in your luxury hotels restaurant or in the comfort and privacy of your own luxury hotel room, you can put on a pair of comfortable walking shoes and head out to the center of town, where most of the attractions await. Because of the region’s history of earthquakes and other natural disasters, the streets and sidewalks have taken a hard toll and can be somewhat treacherous to maneuver. For the sake of your ankles and to guard against painful and bothersome blisters, you will want to be sure to bring along with you on your luxury hotels vacation a good, sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes. Once your shoes are tied, you’ll be ready and well-prepared to explore the beautiful architecture and exciting tourist sites that Antigua has to offer.
Architectural Sites in Antigua
For a great oversight of the city’s major sites, a walking tour is a great way to learn about the history and significance of many magnificent sites in Guatemala. Most luxury hotels in Guatemala will offer their own guided tours, but you can also choose from a variety of tour agencies spread throughout the city. Most tours last several hours and leisurely walk through the city, stopping regularly to observe and discuss a worthy building or structure. Guided tours are a great way for luxury hotels travelers to learn about the history and importance of the beautiful city they are visiting.
The Plaza Mayor is located in the center of the city and provides a beautiful place to sit in the shade and to rest your feet. There’s a beautiful fountain located in the center of the Plaza that acts as a popular meeting spot. Plaza Mayor was the site of Antigua’s main market and meeting area during colonial times. Today, it is a showcase of towering trees, well-tended gardens, various pathways lined with sturdy benches, and impressive architecture all around it.
Arco de Santa Catalina is a high arch that spans 5th Avenue North. This notable architectural feature was built in the mid-17th century to allow nuns to pass from one part of the Santa Catalina Convent to the other without being seen. Since its inception, a clock has been added to the large cupola in the center of this magnificent golden arch.
The Convento de las Capuchinas is a convent that stands partially in ruins and partially intact. It offers luxury hotels visitors a mysterious and exciting site to feast upon. The intact portion of the convent has been converted into a museum and houses the offices for the National Council for the Protection of Antigua, Guatemala. The haunting sight of the ruins will set your imagination aflame as you learn about the destroyed baths for the nuns, the unusual circular area containing novices cells, and the mysterious subterranean chamber. The second floor of the convent offers an awe-inspiring view of two volcanoes, Fuego (which remains active to this day, releasing puffs of smoke each day) and Acatenango.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
The locals in Antigua host a week-long period of celebrations in honor of Christian saints, civic pride, and artistic achievement. Even for the less religiously fervent luxury hotels visitors, this week is an exciting week to be visiting Antigua. The streets are lined with public processions each day, each of varying size and diverse participants. Most carry large floats with sculptures of Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene, and other saints. These processions move slowly down the streets as the floats are carried by men and women on their shoulders and often weigh as much as three tons! The colorful robes, scented incense, elaborate costumes, and ornate floats create quite an exciting sensory experience for luxury hotels travelers of all ages.
The celebrations that accompany Semana Santa officially begin on Ash Wednesday, but the real excitement begins on Palm Sunday and reaches its zenith on Good Friday. During the entire week, elements of the Christian faith such as the Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection are reenacted and celebrated. This is an experience that is shared and felt throughout the whole city.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Antigua during this week of festivities, take a peek out of your luxury hotels window or take a seat on your luxury hotels patio high above the busy, crowded streets for a unique and prime angle of the processions down below. Most luxury hotels are booked up to a year in advance for this busy season, so be sure to book well in advance if you’re looking forward to partaking in the Semana Santa.
Nightlife in Antigua
Though bars and nightclubs are plentiful in Antigua, they are mandated by city ordinance to close their doors at 1am. But all of you party-loving and night owl luxury hotels travelers will hardly be sitting around and twiddling your thumbs. The early closing hour only shifts the fun and excitement from the bar scene to the private party scene. If you’re walking the streets late at night, chances are that the party will find you. It’s not uncommon to be handed a flyer announcing a private party somewhere in the city, and it’s perfectly appropriate for tourists and luxury hotel visitors to attend.
Shopping in Antigua
There’s no better place than Antigua for those in search of great shopping opportunities. You’ll find high-end jewelry, clothing stores, fine art galleries, and open-air street vendors selling locally produced crafts and textiles dotting nearly every street in Antigua. There are shops to fit the budget and tastes of all luxury hotels travelers. You can be sure to return home with tons of souvenirs for all of your loved ones. The higher-end stores have set prices and rarely negotiate. However, the handicraft and souvenir outlets, as well as the larger markets and street vendors, will all give you a chance to practice your bargaining skills. Remember to keep a pleasant attitude and be persistent, and you’ll be sure to return to your luxury hotels at the end of the day with more little treasures and more cash.
Jade is a popular stone in and around Antigua. The ancient cultures of the region used it as a medicinal stone to cure kidney disease and it was also valued for its durability. In Antigua, you’ll find a handful of truly remarkable jewelers who can not only provide you with authentic jade pieces but who also have the expertise to design and create custom pieces of jewelry. Beware of knockoffs; oftentimes, lesser stones will be used and advertised as jade. Ask the seller if they can authenticate the stone with a guarantee or a document that tells which mine it came from. Jade can come in a wide range of colors from lavender to black, (including, of course, green).
Antigua also offers magnificent craft and linen vendors. The workmanship is simply outstanding and you can find examples of great pieces in every price range. Check out the Mercado Municipal for all types of crafts and textiles.
Whether you prefer luxury boutiques, open markets, or craft markets, Antigua offers a diverse plethora of shopping opportunities for every luxury hotels traveler.
Antigua, Guatemala—the Luxury Experience
Antigua is a unique and memorable luxury hotels destination. The setting amidst massive volcanoes, historic ruins, and cultural wonders make this city a prime destination for every type of luxury hotels traveler. Staying in one of the many luxury hotels in Antigua will enhance your vacation experience. You’ll find yourself pleasantly indulging in all of the expert attention to detail, the myriad of luxury amenities, and the lavish and extravagant atmosphere that are common to all luxury hotels. For a chance to relax and revitalize, choose among the many Antigua luxury hotels for your next vacation destination.
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Guatemala
