StoRIES: Central Mexico with Michelle Zelena

 

Dive into our latest StoRIES adventure with Michelle Zelena, as she explores Design, Ritual, and Reconnection in Mexico City & Tepoztlán. 

 

As the founder of Zelena Travel, a design-forward travel planning company, I spend my days curating meaningful trips for others, everything from leisure getaways to deeply personal experiences. Occasionally, I get to step into those journeys myself. This recent trip to Mexico City and Tepoztlán was one of those moments: a women’s entrepreneur retreat I helped plan and also attended, and one that reminded me why I believe so strongly in the power of travel.

The journey began in Tepoztlán, a mountain town about 90 minutes from Mexico City known for its spiritual roots and striking natural setting. It’s the kind of place where the pace slows naturally and daily life still feels connected to ritual and land. 

Our retreat brought together a small group of women entrepreneurs, and there was something energizing about sharing space with other women building, creating, and reimagining their paths.

One of the most meaningful moments was a traditional temezcal ceremony led by a local practitioner. It was grounding, humbling, and clarifying all at once. A temezcal is not a spa experience but a cultural and spiritual ritual, and when approached with respect, it can be incredibly powerful. Many of us left feeling lighter, more focused, and deeply connected to the group.

Mornings began with sunrise yoga overlooking the mountains. Days were shaped by simple pleasures: wandering local markets, eating incredibly fresh fruit grown nearby, and taking time for conversation. Fruit trees are everywhere in Tepoztlán, and the flavors are vivid in a way that reminds you how close you are to the source. We also hiked to the Tepozteco ruins perched above the town. The climb is steep but the panoramic views and sense of history make it worthwhile.

Through my trusted partners in Mexico, we stayed in thoughtful boutique hotels and worked with guides who shared context and culture, not just logistics. That network helps me design trips for clients, but what makes a place special is available to any traveler who arrives curious and open.

From there, we shifted to Mexico City, which always feels like a creative jolt. The city is a global design capital, and you feel it everywhere, in architecture, hospitality, and retail. There’s a boldness to the aesthetics and a confidence in mixing old and new.

A standout experience was a private visit to Casa Ortega, a Luis Barragán residence not open to the general public. Seeing Barragán’s mastery of color, light, and proportion in person is unforgettable. It’s a reminder that Mexico’s design influence reaches far beyond trends.

I also loved Casa Izel, a boutique hotel with a beautiful rooftop and strong brutalist lines. Time spent at Aurelia Concept Store and the scent studio at Xinú Perfume offered a window into contemporary Mexican makers. Walks through Chapultepec Park provided breathing room between neighborhoods, galleries, and meals.

And the food deserves its own story. From street tacos to beautifully plated tasting menus, Mexico City delivers at every level. Some of the most memorable bites were the simplest ones.

What stayed with me most from this trip was the feeling of reconnection. From creativity, to culture, to other women, and to myself. Tepoztlán invites introspection. Mexico City invites stimulation. Together, they create a journey that feels both grounding and expansive.

As a travel advisor, I love planning these experiences for others. As a traveler, I’m grateful to live them too.

 

Follow for more @michellezelena and @zelenatravel .