1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina to a family lineage of design and fashion. After traveling around South and Central America, and spending time in the Sacred Valley in Peru and remote areas of Mexico, I then moved to Tepoztlan, Mexico where I began developing my brand. My travels, joy in cultural immersion and time spent with artisanal communities were very moving experiences for me that fueled my inspiration and helped build my brand, which is based on collaborating with artisans around the world. I love discovering small towns and learning about different cultures. Travel, art, and music are what powers me.
2. What does ”escape” mean to you?
I have a music studio in my house where I sit, surrounded by ethnic instruments that allow me time to travel, I love to play and sing and escape from the everyday routine.
3. Do you have a summer ritual?
Yes, my summer routine is to immerse myself in nature, to at least go to one new destination, and to discover new places and cultures that I’ve never visited before. Towards the end of the summer, I head to Tepoztlan, Mexico for a true escape.
4. Where is it you escape to habitually for true downtime?
I go to my home in Tepoztlan, Mexico where all our kids grew up. Tepoztlan is a small magical town surrounded by mountains only an hour’s drive outside of Mexico City, and it is where I really unplug and get to spend quality time with the family. I go to hide away during the rainy season when it’s quiet and green in the middle of the woods.
During that season I love to walk to Las Pozas, which are small natural pools made by rainfall. It’s a moment that I take to spend with our kids, I don’t use my cell phone unless I am taking photos. I just came from spending a few weeks there, and I did a barefoot walk in the woods with my family through the forest, passing waterfalls and pozas. Feeling my bare feet on the ground left me very grounded, and with a little pain in my feet! My husband cooks the local food at home, and because it’s rainy I find myself slowing down playing board games, music, doing puzzles, telling stories, and watching movies.
5. How long have you been visiting this place, and what draws you to it?
I’ve been going there for 20 years, what first drew me there was love. I came for the weekend and met the man who is now husband and father of my children.
6. Do you have an anecdote or unforgettable memory to share?
One of my favorite things to do there is to visit this special music group called The Magic Carpet, it’s a jamming session that happens every Friday, all musicians are welcome to come play, and it’s based on improvisation. Every week is super unexpected, musicians that come to town show up, so each week is a completely new experience.
7. What about the best to: Do, see, stay, eat and drink at this particular escape?
Do/See: The Sanctuary Maison Amatlán for animals offers horseback riding and picnics. A trip to the Tepozteco Pyramid or Cerro del Hombre, and hike, is nonnegotiable (but be prepared for a steep hike), and the Pozas in Amatlán are worth a stop during the rainy season when the excess water creates natural ponds and waterfalls. El Cerro de la Luz (‘Hill of Light’) is one of the region’s hidden treasures. You walk through a dense forest to reach the top of breathtaking 360-degree views. The market to the town market on Wednesdays, Fridays or Sundays. There is something for everyone, from crafts to flowers to tortillas and veggies, to my favorite incense copal, which comes from the sap of the copal tree.
Stay: Posada Del Tepozteco for gorgeous architecture, the buildings are made with repurposed volcanic stones and close proximity to the market and main plaza. I also love the amazing holistic spa therapies available at El Hostal de La Luz, located nearby in the town of Amatlán. And the Amomoxtil Hotel feels welcoming the moment you step on the property thanks to its high ceilings, primeval trees, and relaxing pool.
Eat & Drink: You must go to Tepoztlán Market for traditional Mexican food cooked by local women. Another one of my favorite places is a fusion spot called La Sombra del Sabino. It’s uniquely situated in a house with tables that are spread across a beautiful garden. Inside, you can pop in the bookstore, and for anyone traveling with kids, enjoy a playroom with board games. Also make time for La Veladora, a small restaurant with exquisite dishes created from pre-hispanic recipes. And a new favorite of mine is Parcela, delicious local food situated in the beautiful garden/farm that the chef cooks from.
8. Who are your favourite summer escape travel partners and why?
My husband Ivan, is a photographer/director, and we love going around villages and discovering small towns. And my friend Stephanie Von Watzdorf, a designer, an adventurer globe trotter, we cry of laughter together and the both of us are gypsies by heart. And my Argentinian girlfriends with whom we do a yearly girls road or plane trip to a different destination each time.
9. What’s a new escape you embarked on this year?
The Greek islands of Paros & Antiparos , the islands of the goddesses, that’s how it made me feel.
10. What’s your ultimate escape soundtrack?
Viva l’amour by Sabina Sciubba from the album Toujours.
Also I listened a lot to Mañana Tepoztlan, by El Buho
11. What about this summer’s read?
In between planes I got to read A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
12. Which film do you revisit for the ultimate escape movie experience?
The Party with Peter Sellers was this summer vacation family movie
13. Where do you hope to head next?
I am really hoping to go to Nepal or somewhere far away where I don’t understand the language.
No Comments