After landing in Mexico City and exploring Puebla for 5 days, I was ready for some down time. I wasn’t entirely convinced the short 45-minute drive from Puebla International Airport to Luna Canela Hotel & Spa in Atlixco was the answer. However, when I arrived at the outskirts of Atlixco and checked in to the luxury boutique hotel, I was pleasantly surprised. Luna Canela Hotel & Spa is a 24-room boutique hotel, set amongst a tropical paradise with a spa, pool, Jacuzzi, restaurant and bar.
The sun sets on the magical Lunacanela Hotel & Spa
Known as the city of flowers, Atlixco is an historic Mexican colonial city at the foot of the Cerro de San Miguel Mountain. The valley surrounding the city features the backdrop of Popocatepetl Volcano. My early December arrival to the town square was a bustle of activity, tradition, and holiday lights, the Villa Illuminada, just weeks before Christmas.
Our guide told us that many Mexicans from surrounding areas consider Atlixco a vacation destination as the weather is usually milder, and in less than an hour, travelers can escape the big city traffic.
Arrival
Our late evening 20 minute transfer on a large tour bus brought us to the outskirts of town, down many narrow side streets in Atlixco, and the final turn just minutes from Luna Canela (“Cinnamon Moon”) Hotel & Spa resulted in a stand still.
Luna Canela Hotel & Spa features a bonus view of Popocatepetl Volcano.
Our tour bus could not navigate the narrow street to transport to the hotel. Our guide called taxis to transport us and our luggage to our hotel. Buildings crowded the narrow street which then turned into an unpaved country road before we entered the Lunacanela development, through the upscale neighborhood of new homes before dead ending at the open-air reception desk of Lunacanela Hotel & Spa.
Our guides had given the innkeeper our estimated arrival, so check in was quick and efficient. The 24-room boutique hotel is spread out across casita-like and 2-story buildings. The bell boy led me across an inlaid stone path, past a Jacuzzi and a large pool — and literally, you do need an escort to find your room. The quiet thumping of romantic Mexican music came from the restaurant bar area, where two couples were enjoying late night drinks.
Luna Canela Accommodations
My Moon Suites double room was located to the back of the pool, past another Jacuzzi. We turned left to the very end of my one-story building. Tropical foliage protected the passageway, creating a private access through a sliding glass door. Although there were several rooms along this path, the wall separating my room from the pool area formed a surprisingly quiet entrance to my room.
The rooms are luxurious with air conditioning, flat screen TV, minibar (additional charge) and coffee maker – and I loved the unique coffee mugs! The bell boy gave me a tour of the room, showing how to operate the cable TV, but when he left, I simply couldn’t figure it out.
The bathroom was wow with separate vanity area with plenty of space for toiletries. The adjoining room featured a toilet, and separated by a large stone wall, a super sized shower.
This luxury Mexico hotel features multiple room configurations, playing off the Lunacanela translation of cinnamon moon: Moon Standard, Standard Deluxe Moon, Moon Suites doubles (my room), Junior Suites Moon, and 4 Moon Master Suites. Although WiFi is complimentary in the public areas, access in my room was nonexistent.
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Amenities
As I already mentioned the swimming pool is perhaps the centerpiece of the hotel, with plenty of seating on the wooden sun terrace surrounding the pool.
The open-air restaurant and bar are steps away from the pool. A Jacuzzi/hot top was a few steps from my room overlooking the pool, but the grounds featured several strategically placed Jacuzzis. Step through a tropical grove near the pool to find several hammocks.
An on-site restaurant provides international food. My time was limited, so I was only able to take advantage of breakfast. I ordered an omelet which was fabulous, but the surprise was the perfectly crafted cappuccino.
In addition, the hotel features tennis courts, gym and a spa. Another surprising amenity is a playground for children, and inside are pool and table games for more entertainment. Unfortunately during my 24 hour stay, I didn’t have time to take advantage of either of these.
Luna Canela Summary
Located 45 minutes from Puebla, Mexico, I found paradise in Atlixco at the Luna Canela Hotel & Spa, set amidst superbly manicured grounds. The pool and Jacuzzis are made for lounging, and the restaurant bar area is the perfect setting for late night drinks. This luxury Mexico boutique hotel is perfectly designed for a romantic getaway.
Room rates start at $140 per night. Book directly with the hotel or try for a better rate at Expedia.
Lunacanela Hotel & Spa provided accommodations for my review. Opinions expressed are my own. Photos courtesy of Lunacanela Hotel & Spa and Diana Rowe.
