“There's so many celebrations in the city of San Miguel and parades and holidays. I literally never know what I'm going to come across when I turn a corner. And that is really inspiring and invigorating for me. Especially because I lived in the States for so many years and things became too predictable. I would without hesitation say that there's not a lot of predictability here for good and for bad. It is always changing, it is challenging and it is really wonderful and keeps you on your feet.”
We’re in great company with Amanda Keidan, Owner, Curator and Designer of Casa Delphine, an eco-conscious and design-focused, small luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Shortly after opening, Casa Delphine was recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the best in Mexico, “a petite hotel in the heart of the old city that signals the next wave of creatives coming through and moving in.”
Amanda is a testament to that creativity, having spent her career building Keidan Jewelry, creating one-of-a-kind heirloom jewelry and handmade collections, before falling in love with the sense of place and the people that make up San Miguel de Allende, wanting to add her signature touch to this vibrant community.
In this episode, Amanda invites travelers to come to relax, stay to be inspired, and leave satiated by the sights, sounds, scents and flavors of Mexico’s most charming and festive city.
Top Takeaways
[2:00] Amanda lived much of her life coast to coast, from NYC to LA - traveling much of the world before she first came across San Miguel de Allende back in 2017 and decided like many who visit, that she did not want to leave.
[5:10] After finding a 5-bedroom house for sale in the heart of the city, dreaming of the ways she could redesign and recreate the space, it was the encouragement of friends who saw the creative spark in Amanda, telling her to “go for it.”
[13:40] Life in San Miguel is full of village charm - seeing familiar faces on the cobblestone streets, saying hello to strangers sitting next to you in the café, stumbling across the most talented artisans still making things by hand.
[16:10] Expect to experience the most jaw-dropping, delicious places when staying at Casa Delphine as Amanda and her team take great pride in curating the best and the brightest recommendations around town.
[18:50] Amanda brings out a feminine personality, with French and Moroccan elements to accompany the grand architecture of the home - full of cacti-filled open courtyards, geometric windows letting in lots of natural sunlight and curved brick ceilings of dramatic heights.
[27:40] Dine In Good Company at Casa Delphine in a setting you’ve never experienced before - joining in one of their famed “Tarot Dinners” where strangers gather together around a communal table, share a multi-course dinner prepared by a locally acclaimed chef, and participate in a tarot reading which invites the most sincere conversations.
[32:34] There’s so much to see, sip and savor in and around San Miguel de Allende, including a specialty secret drink found on a local ranch called “Parajete” or “Cowboy Coffee.”
[42:40] “Dia De Los Muertos” or the “Day Of The Dead” is one of the most iconic holidays to experience the culture of San Miguel as the entire city comes out in costume to celebrate this festival of life.
Notable Mentions
Casa Dragones Tequila Tour & Tasting
