A Complete Review of Our Stay at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Girl sitting with her feet in the pool at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende, Mexico hotel

If you're a luxury travel enthusiast or planning your next vacation to Mexico, Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende is a destination that should be on your radar. This boutique hotel offers a blend of opulent amenities, stunning architecture, and immersive cultural experiences. In this post, we will take you through every detail of our stay, from the moment we arrived to the time we reluctantly checked out. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or someone who likes to indulge in the finer things in life, this review provides an in-depth look at what makes Live Aqua the epitome of luxury in San Miguel de Allende.

Checkout our complete travel guide to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico here!

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What is Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende?

Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende is more than just a hotel; it’s an experience. Situated in the heart of one of Mexico's most charming cities, this luxury boutique hotel combines modern elegance with traditional Mexican aesthetics. From the moment you step into the grand lobby adorned with local art and sophisticated design elements, you know you are in for a treat. The hotel boasts a range of high-end amenities, including a world-class spa, exquisite dining options, a state-of-the-art gym, and a stunning pool area.

Sara and Kramer walking down the front steps at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende
Sara and Kramer walking down the front steps at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende
Interior design at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende
Interior design at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende
Landscaped courtyard at the hotel
Landscaped courtyard at the hotel
Design and courtyard at hotel
Design and courtyard at hotel

Where is San Miguel de Allende, Mexico?

San Miguel de Allende is a colonial-era city located in the central highlands of Mexico. Known for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture, vibrant arts scene, and cobblestone streets, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. San Miguel de Allende offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity, making it a perfect destination for luxury travelers. The city's picturesque setting and welcoming atmosphere make it easy to see why it has become one of Mexico's most beloved travel destinations.

Why we chose to stay at Live Aqua

Choosing Live Aqua for our stay in San Miguel de Allende was an easy decision. We were drawn by the promise of luxury, exceptional service, and the chance to immerse ourselves in the local culture. Here are a few reasons why Live Aqua stood out to us:

Dog friendly

One of the standout features of Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende is its dog-friendly policy. For those who enjoy traveling with their furry companions, this hotel ensures a warm welcome for pets, offering amenities such as pet beds and bowls. The hotel grounds are welcoming to dogs in most outdoor spaces (except the immediate pool area) making it an ideal choice for pet owners looking to experience luxury without leaving their pets behind.

Kramer lounging on our king size bed at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende
Kramer lounging on our king size bed at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende

Prime location

Situated just a short walk from the city center, Live Aqua offers easy access to San Miguel de Allende's top attractions, including its historic churches, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife. We liked that San Miguel was tucked by itself on the outskirts of the city (but still walkable to everything!) and not in the middle of town as the other five star properties were. This trip was just as much about enjoying relaxing by the pool as it was about exploring the town for us so we wanted a serene environment for our R&R.

Patio and lounge chairs early in the morning at the hotel
Patio and lounge chairs early in the morning at the hotel

Unique design and ambiance

The hotel’s design seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with traditional Mexican elements. From its carefully curated art collection to its lush gardens, every aspect of Live Aqua exudes elegance and sophistication without feeling stuffy. The design of the buildings flows naturally from indoors to outdoors and brings a bit of nature to every corner of the property.

Hotel courtyard at sunrise
Hotel courtyard at sunrise

Exceptional amenities

With a world-class spa, gourmet dining options, beautiful pool, and thoughtfully designed rooms, Live Aqua promises an unparalleled experience for its guests. For being a relatively small property it offered a variety of quality amenities that kept us feeling comfortable (and a bit spoiled) the entire visit.

Sara on the patio at sunrise
Sara on the patio at sunrise
Pool and lounge deck at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Pool and lounge deck at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Amenities at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende

Live Aqua offers a plethora of amenities designed to make your stay as comfortable and luxurious as possible. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect:

Pool

The pool area at Live Aqua is a sanctuary of relaxation. Surrounded by comfortable loungers and lush greenery, the pool offers a serene environment for unwinding. Whether you want to take a refreshing dip, enjoy a cocktail from the nearby bar, or simply lounge in the sun, the pool area caters to all your needs. During our time at Live Aqua there were a couple of days we had the pool entirely to ourselves which allowed us to not only relax in complete peace but I also got in a few laps in the pool. I didn't measure the pool exactly but it appeared to be about 25 meters long.

Lounge chairs and pool ready and waiting for another day of vacationers
Lounge chairs and pool ready and waiting for another day of vacationers
Day beds by the pool at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende
Day beds by the pool at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende

Spa

The spa at Live Aqua is a haven of tranquility. Offering a wide range of treatments inspired by local traditions and modern wellness practices, the spa provides a holistic approach to relaxation and rejuvenation. From massages to facials, each treatment is designed to leave you feeling pampered and revitalized.

Gym

For those who like to stay active, the state-of-the-art gym at Live Aqua is equipped with the latest fitness equipment. Open 24/7, the gym offers a variety of machines and free weights, ensuring you can maintain your fitness routine even while on vacation. While the gym is certainly not the largest gym we've seen at a five star property, give that Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende is a boutique hotel rather than a sprawling resort, the gym size fit the property nicely. I only ever saw a couple of other people in the gym when I was working out and that was always during peak hours in the morning. Other than that I had the gym entirely to myself! I will say that we arrived in San Miguel de Allende with the intention of primarily exercising outdoors since we enjoy running around cities, but after one run in San Miguel we decided to stick to the gym. While the town is lovely it wasn't fun to run around and we were very thankful for a good gym onsite!

Chris hanging out in a hammock chair while drinking his morning coffee
Chris hanging out in a hammock chair while drinking his morning coffee

Restaurants

Live Aqua boasts several dining options, each offering a unique culinary experience. From gourmet Mexican cuisine at Zibu to international dishes at Spice Market, the hotel's restaurants cater to all tastes. The quality of the food, combined with impeccable service, makes dining at Live Aqua a highlight of the stay.

Because we booked our stay at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende with our Amex Platinum card and because this hotel is a part of Amex's Fine Hotels + Resorts program, we were given complimentary breakfast daily. A couple of days there was a buffet available and then a couple of days it was menu based. Breakfast was always delicious and included a combination of Mexican favorites such as chilaquiles as well as pastries, omelets, yogurt, juices, and more.

We also enjoyed dinner at Zibu one night which is there onsite restaurant that is Thai-Mexican fusion cuisine. We love both country's foods and very much enjoyed the crossover in the dishes we ordered. The evening we dined at Zibu it was perfectly clear and warm enough to sit out on the patio under the hanging lights with little stars peeping out. We had the best server (I wish I could remember his name!) and he chatted with us a good bit as we asked him lots of questions about the region of Mexico. His English was wonderful and he was knowledgable on the food and wine we ordered as well as the history of the region since he was born and raised not too far from San Miguel de Allende.

Patio dining area at the hotel restaurant at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende
Patio dining area at the hotel restaurant at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende

Bars and lounges

Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende offers a couple different bars and lounges, each providing a distinctive ambiance and selection of beverages. The Cigar-Bar Casa Dragones is perfect for those who enjoy sipping cocktails in a comfortable lounge-like setting. For a more casual experience, the pool bar is the perfect place to grab a drink and lounge by the pool or on the expansive patio.

Note: Dogs are allowed on the patio, just not on the pool deck.

Poolside bar
Poolside bar
Poolside bar at Live Aqua
Poolside bar at Live Aqua

Event Spaces

For those traveling for business or planning a special event, Live Aqua offers a range of well-appointed event spaces. Whether it's a corporate meeting, wedding, or private celebration, the hotel's event team is dedicated to ensuring everything runs smoothly. While we didn't witness any events taking place during our stay, I think it would be such a beautiful venue for a wedding! The entire city of San Miguel de Allende would make a lovely backdrop for such a special event.

Sitting area in courtyard at Live Aqua
Sitting area in courtyard at Live Aqua

Gardens

The property is beautifully landscaped, creating a seamless harmony between nature and the luxurious amenities. The garden by the pool is a standout feature, brimming with aromatic lavender and thoughtfully designed sitting areas. This beautifully cultivated space not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the property but also provides a peaceful retreat for guests to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Flower gardens at Live Aqua
Flower gardens at Live Aqua
Bee pollenating lavender plants at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Bee pollenating lavender plants at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

What our room was like at the hotel

We booked a basic king size room for our stay at Live Aqua because let's be honest, any room was sure to be an upgrade when we'd been living in our truck camper in Mexico for the last two months. But in all seriousness, we absolutely loved our hotel room! Because we booked our room using our Amex Platinum card and because Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende is a part of their Fine Hotels + Resorts program, we were given a complimentary upgrade upon arrival. I'm not sure how the room we were given differed from the one we initially booked, but my guess was that it was slightly larger since we were given a corner room in a prime location in the hotel.  

Our room had a very comfortable king size bed with top of the line linens and plenty of down pillows. There was a standing shower and a full size bathtub that was incredibly nice for soaking and relaxing after a full day of walking around the city. The toiletries smelled amazing and were imported from London (I believe they were the same brand that we saw at The Tennessean Hotel recently).

The room included a flatscreen smart TV, bluetooth speakers in the room, coffee maker, fridge, mini bar, and air conditioning. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our room!

Our hotel room at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende
Our hotel room at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende
Bathtub and shower at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Bathtub and shower at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Our hotel room bathroom
Our hotel room bathroom
Desk/work area in our hotel room
Desk/work area in our hotel room

What we didn't like at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende

There were very few things that we did not like about Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende but here are the couple we thought were worth mentioning.

  1. The air conditioner in our room was pretty weak. Now, keep in mind we were in San Miguel de Allende in late May which is the hottest time of year. However, I expected the AC unit to keep up with the weather since it wasn't abnormally hot and it was a five star hotel.
  2. We noticed that the hotel was selling day passes to the pool area which definitely took away from the atmosphere of the place. While I understand that many hotels sell day passes now, you could tell when a day passer would enter the pool because they would bring strollers, bags, and they would camp out in their spot all day long. Not to mention they tended to be a bit louder than the regular hotel guests. When the hotel would open to day passers for the day the crowd at the pool would go from just a few couples lounging about the pool to most of the deck lounge chairs being occupied. That was a shame and I wish they wouldn't allow sell day passes since this is a boutique hotel and not a massive beachfront resort.  
  3. There was no designated bathroom area for the dogs which was not a huge deal since Mexico is pretty casual about this sort of thing. They did provided a few poop bag dispenser stands throughout the property but generally they were next to concrete and not somewhere I would expect they'd appreciate my dog relieving himself. Our dog, Kramer, ended up going down the street and using a few of the trees on the sidewalk which, again, wasn't a huge deal, but it would have been nice to have a specific spot of grass they could direct us to for him.

F.A.Q.

Is Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende kid friendly or adults only?

Children are welcome at Live Aqua, making it a suitable destination for families looking to enjoy a luxurious stay. We saw very few children during our stay and it certainly wasn't loud like some more family focused resorts tend to be.

Sara dipping her feet into the pool at Live Aqua at sunrise
Sara dipping her feet into the pool at Live Aqua at sunrise

Is Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende pet friendly?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende. The hotel is pet-friendly, and you'll even find designated areas where your furry friends can accompany you, such as the patio.

Kramer hanging out in our dog friendly hotel room in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Kramer hanging out in our dog friendly hotel room in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

How much does a room at this Live Aqua property cost?

The cost of a room at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende varies depending on the season and the type of room or suite you choose. Prices generally start at around $400 USD per night for a standard room and can go upwards of $1000 USD or more for larger suites with additional amenities. It's always a good idea to check the hotel's website or contact them directly for the most current rates and special offers.

Where are Live Aqua's other properties located?

Live Aqua has other properties in popular locations across Mexico and the Dominican Republic, including destinations such as Mexico City, Cancun, Monterrey, Punta Cana, and Urban Resort Los Cabos. Each property is known for offering luxury, comfort, and exceptional service, maintaining the high standards associated with the Live Aqua brand.

Is Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende all inclusive?

No, Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende is not an all-inclusive resort.

Chris walking around the hotel
Chris walking around the hotel

Live Aqua promo code?

There is no Live Aqua promo code. We recommend searching for the best rates using the links below.

Final thoughts

Our stay at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende was a wonderful chance to rest and relax in comfort for a few days. The combination of luxurious amenities, exceptional service, and the charm of San Miguel de Allende made for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo retreat, Live Aqua offers something for everyone.

If you’re a luxury travel enthusiast or simply someone looking to indulge in an exquisite vacation experience, we highly recommend booking your stay at Live Aqua. Trust us; you won’t be disappointed.

For more information about Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende and to make a reservation, visit their website.

Like this article? Checkout some of our other Mexico travel guides below.

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Hi! We're Chris and Sara a husband and wife video making, storytelling, travel loving duo with a passion for sharing travel tips, tricks, and inspiration with others.
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