Finding Love, Murals, and Magic in San Miguel

Dear Friends,

There’s something I didn’t expect to write in this chapter of my life.

I found love in San Miguel. 

What surprised me isn’t just the relationship, It’s the environment that made it possible. San Miguel is filled with people who are open, curious, and deeply engaged in life.

While many arrive here as couples, there is also a vibrant community of single men and women, especially in their 50s and 60s, building meaningful, connected lives.

I met him at an ecstatic dance class, the kind of experience that feels like Woodstock meets Burning Man on a Sunday morning in a bright studio. People in their 20s through their 80s, dancing freely, laughing, connecting. I’ve heard a lot of couples meet on that dance floor!

Connecting through music

If you go out any night of the week, there’s live music, dancing, or karaoke somewhere in town.

Tiny bars. Elegant hotel lounges. Lively clubs.

My love and I both love to sing, he in Spanish, me in English.

Karaoke is part of life here. Strangers invite you to join their table and sing with them. The other night, by chance we met one of Mexico’s most famous songwriters. He sat down at a grand piano in a hotel lobby while my beloved sang with him.

We love to go dancing, usually at Raindog Lounge, with two floors featuring all genres of music. It’s a fun place where people of all ages dance and people rotate partners naturally.

Art Everywhere You Turn

Beyond the colonial architecture, San Miguel is layered with murals in every neighborhood.

I keep changing my walking routes just to discover new ones.

I found Paynal and Elsa’s Cardio Art Walks, a free group that leads mural walks three times a week. It’s one of the easiest ways to meet people and see the city differently each time.

I’m still amazed by the quality and scale of the murals, and how little graffiti there is.

Extraordinary People

San Miguel is where extraordinary people quietly live.

At an art opening, I met Judith Jenya, a woman in her 80s. I asked about her work and quickly realized her art was only a small part of her story. She was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for creating summer camps for children on both sides of the war in Bosnia and Serbia.

She invited me to her home and gave me a copy of her book, “Memories Do Not Burn”.

Now I’m organizing a screening of the documentary about her life’s work, narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker.

That’s so San Miguel.

Food, Discovery, and Daily Joy

This is also a town for foodies! The food scene is ever expanding. This month I discovered:

• Some of the best fish tacos I’ve had at Arriba Abajo.

• A new tapas bar, Local on Sterling Dickinson, always full of energy

• Chef’s table dinners through “SMA Adventure Hound” dining group where strangers become friends

• A tiny taco stand across the street that now calls my name 

Even with Silvia, my cocinera (Mexican cook), who cooks for me twice a week, I’m constantly tempted to go out.

Creative Life

I joined my first book club!

I devoured our first book “Exit Strategy” by Lainey Cameron in a few days.

Of course the author lives here in San Miguel. (This is a town for writers!)

I love being a part of a group of thoughtful, curious women who gather to read, discuss ideas, and support each other.

Life Logistics, Made Simple

Even the practical parts of life here feels easy.

I found a fantastic locally-based expat healthcare broker and now have global healthcare coverage for Mexico, the U.S., and beyond. I pay 60% less for GLOBAL PPO coverage. if you want the referral, I’ll share!

At Home at Casa Avra

Casa Avra continues to evolve.

Guests have come for writing retreats, creative resets, and exploratory visits to see if this city might be part of their next chapter.

Some arrive for a few days and begin imagining something longer.

I’ve loved becoming a kind of landing pad. A place where people arrive, exhale, and begin to explore what’s possible.

Through my network, I’ve helped guests find long-term rentals and even purchase homes.

Casa Avra table set for 12!

And of course, Silvia continues to cook for Casa Avra guests, which is always a highlight of their stay.

We’ve now hosted 12 people for dinner at our table!

A Life That Keeps Expanding

Life in San Miguel is rich and beautiful.

Now is a beautiful time to come with the purple Jacaranda trees in full bloom!

If you’ve been curious about San Miguel, whether for a holiday, a creative reset, or something more, I’d love to help you explore it.

Casa Avra is here. My home is a charming traditional Mexican, art-filled duplex with two separate apartments. You’d enjoy the ground floor one bedroom and a loft, which sleeps four, with a full kitchen, dining area, living room and private garden patio. The only shared space is the amazing rooftop deck with the stunning views.

Upcoming availability:

Special rate of $100 per night or $500 for a week!

April 13 to 17

Mid-May through early July

Let me know if you’d like to come for a visit!

Warmly,

Audrey Jacobs
Audrey@CasaAvra.com
+1-619-993-9077