Wonder & Wander
February 18 - 22,2077
San Miguel De Allende
Fall back in love
with the craft,
not just the client.
Five days in San Miguel de Allende with Allison Garrison — the creative reset you keep putting off, in a place she fell for enough to build it into a trip.
2027
Between clients who need you and a business you're always pushing to grow, when did you last make something just because it moved you?
This isn't time off from client work — it's time off from the marketing, the ops, the constant pressure to improve the business too. Five days with no invoices to send and no strategy to optimize, alongside a small circle of designers protecting the same thing you are: the creative spark that got you into this work in the first place.
Maybe You're Ready For…
- A few days where no one expects anything from you.
- Inspiration that doesn't come from a screen.
- The thrill of discovering hidden gems.
- Conversations with people who share your obsession with design.
- Remembering why you fell in love with design in the first place.
What's actually included
4 nights, two boutique hotels
Two hidden gem properties in and around San Miguel de Allende — found on Allison's own trip, not a listings site.
Every meal covered
Daily breakfast, curated lunches, and unforgettable dinners at some of the city's most inspiring restaurants.
Private transportation
Airport transfers and transportation throughout the retreat — no rideshares, no logistics to manage.
Exclusive access
Remarkable homes, studios, and creative spaces most visitors never get inside.
Hands-on workshops
Time in the workshops of local artisans, celebrating the craftsmanship that defines San Miguel.
A small, curated group
10–12 interior designers, hand-invited and application-screened. No spouses, no clients — just peers who get it.
Two boutique hotels — pick your spot
You'll stay at one of these two hand-picked properties for all four nights, with the group divided between them. Rooms are assigned first come, first served — one more reason applying during the presale is worth it.
Hacienda Las Amantes
A restored 19th-century hacienda tucked in the historic center, just steps from the Parroquia. Six individually decorated suites, a lush garden courtyard, and a rooftop terrace with some of the best views in the city.
Bárbara Boutique Hotel
A sleek, design-forward boutique hotel on Correo, a short walk from the Parroquia, galleries, and Allison's favorite restaurants — with an on-site spa for whenever the itinerary allows a slow morning.
Five days, through the senses
This isn't a travel itinerary — it's a set of rooms, tables, and hands you'll actually remember. Every stop below is somewhere Allison found on her own trip to San Miguel de Allende.
Welcome to San Miguel
Meet the group
Arrive, settle into your boutique hotel, and meet the other designers joining the retreat. We'll kick things off with an intimate rooftop dinner overlooking San Miguel — the perfect setting to unwind, get to know one another, and toast the week ahead.
Architecture & Discovery
Historic San Miguel
Explore the historic heart of San Miguel through its remarkable architecture, thoughtfully designed spaces, and beautifully curated galleries that showcase the city's unique design character.
Craft & Tradition
Hands-on craft
Venture beyond the city to meet talented artisans in their workshops, experience generations of craftsmanship firsthand, and discover the beauty of making by hand.
Contemporary Design
The modern design scene
Experience a different side of San Miguel through inspiring contemporary spaces, galleries, studios, and the creatives shaping the city's design scene today.
Until Next Time
Farewell, for now
We'll gather for one final brunch before saying our goodbyes. If your flight allows, spend the afternoon exploring San Miguel at your own pace with a curated guide to Allison's favorite shops, galleries, cafés, and hidden gems we didn't have time to visit together.
As much as I love designing homes, I also love designing experiences.
I'm the person who happily spends weeks researching restaurants, boutique hotels, hidden shops, and unforgettable places before a trip. I genuinely enjoy curating itineraries that feel thoughtful, relaxed, and full of experiences you never would have found on your own.
Over the years, I've realized that so many designers dream about visiting places like San Miguel de Allende, Morocco, or Bali, but those trips often stay on the bucket list. Whether it's because they're busy running a business or because planning a trip somewhere a little more off the beaten path feels overwhelming, they just never quite happen.
Wander & Wonder was created to change that. I've done the planning, built the relationships, and curated an experience that lets you simply show up, immerse yourself in an incredible place, and enjoy it alongside people who share your same obsession with design.
Honestly, I think it's going to be the highlight of my year, and I hope it'll be one of yours too.
What your $4,500 covers
What's not included
Tell us a little about you
Allito is a small, curated group — applying takes two minutes, and every application gets a real reply from Allison, not a form letter.
We know not everyone will get into this inaugural retreat. If the dates don't line up or the cohort fills first, you'll be first to hear about the next one.
Rooms at both hotels are assigned first come, first served — applying now gets you first pick of where you'll stay.
Request your invitation
A few honest questions
Is this worth $4,500?
Every meal, workshop, and experience is included — see the full list above. The real value is what most designers say they can't put a price on: five days of not being the one everyone else needs something from.
Is there a payment plan?
Yes. A $1,000 non-refundable deposit holds your spot at booking. The remaining balance splits into two payments: $1,750 due December 1, and a final $1,750 due January 5.
Is this tax deductible?
Many designers use retreats like this as a business or professional-development expense, but deductibility depends on your individual tax situation — especially with international travel. We'd recommend checking with your accountant before you book.
This is the first Allito Retreat — how do I know it'll deliver?
Allison built the relationships this retreat runs on in person, in San Miguel de Allende — real conversations with makers and restaurateurs, not a guess pieced together from a listings site. This isn't an untested itinerary; it's a place she genuinely connected with, sharing it with people she already respects as peers.
I'll be traveling alone. Will I know anyone?
The whole retreat is hosted and small by design — every meal, workshop, and outing happens together as a group, so you're never navigating a new city solo.
Is there an option to share a room?
Every room is a single king or queen bed — there's no separate twin/double-occupancy setup. If you and a friend are open to sharing a bed, reach out and we'll see what we can do.
Can I actually leave my business for five days?
That's exactly why it's four nights and not ten. This is designed to fit around a working studio — and most designers find the creative reset pays them back the moment they're home.
What if I have more questions?
Email Allison directly at allison@allito.com — every question gets a real, personal reply.