Ola Mexico City!  A never-ending and vibrant patchwork of urban sprawl and history. I flew to the fifth largest city in the world, stayed at Hotel Condesa DF, and left my heart in Ciudad de México.

Stay …
Hotel Condesa DF. Equal parts cool, calm and collected, from the Design Hotels group this stylish boutique hotel feels like you’ve been let in on the city’s best-kept secret. Take in the views of Chapultepec Castle from the rooftop lounge over a margarita con mezcal or head down to the library to catch your breath after a day exploring.

See …
The neighbourhoods of Condesa and Roma Norte where bohemian spirit meets cultural heritage.
Casa Luis Barragán, the studio of Mexican architect Luis Barragán is another don’t miss. A UNESCO World Heritage site and the only individual property in Latin American on the list is cited as being ‘a masterpiece within the development of the modern movement’.
As a self-diagnosed market addict, if you’re also that way inclined I wouldn’t go past La Ciudadela and the Saturday Bazaar in San Angel for antique rosary beads and beautifully embroidered textiles.

Take …
It’s all about colour here so take the opportunity to wear the things you never normally would. Embroidered tops tucked into easy denim and a flat Huarache for day and something fun to slip into for when you head out at night.

Taste …
Stop in at Contramar for a long lunch after a morning wandering through Condesa and Roma Norte. Wind down at Hotel Condesa DF rooftop for Japanese fusion small plates (try the salmon and jalapeño handroll) and the perfect cocktail, before heading out to Pujol for Mexico’s finest.