Some years ago, I went to celebrate a friend's wedding in Cuernavaca, Mexico. I knew nothing about the place and had been too busy with work and life to do any research about it, and was just happy to have a reason to flee the northeast US in February for parts south.

Sometimes life hands you a delicious surprise! Cuernavaca, I soon learned, is known as the City of Eternal Spring, and for good reason. No matter what time of year you travel, the temperature is generally between 70 and 79 degrees F, and flowers and beauty await you upon arrival.

As it's about a 90-minute drive south from Mexico City, it is no surprise that it is a popular getaway for Mexico City residents. The place has a long history of being a favorite escape--it was once popular with Aztec emperors for summer residences. (I decided quite quickly that it was comparable to NYC residents getting away to the Hamptons on summer weekends--with the added bonus that the weather in Cuernavaca is lovely all year.)

We were only in Cuernavaca a few days and so didn't have a lot of time to explore, but we did find a waterfall.

As for accomodations, we stayed at the Posada Tlaltenango, which is a charming three-star hotel with very friendly and helpful staff.

For some peace and lovely gardens, this is a beautiful and pleasant spot, serving traditional Mexican cuisine.

HOTEL PHONE

77 313 25 25

ADDRESS

Priv. Zacatecas 77, Jardines de Tlaltenango, 62173 Cuernavaca, Mor.

WEBSITE

www.posadatlaltenango.com.mx

IMAGES

Laura LaVelle