The Agency Blog

San Miguel de Allende has been called charming, magical, even life-changing.
But those labels barely scratch the surface of why thousands of Americans—especially between 35 and 65, are choosing to move here, invest here, and stay here.

Choosing to live off-grid just outside San Miguel de Allende was never only about solar panels or self-sufficiency, it was about aligning our daily lives with the rhythms of the land. Along the way, we discovered others who share this commitment to conscious, connected living. Within the eco-residential enclave of Águila Real—and its neighboring community, Hapori Eco Aldea—sustainability, open space, and regenerative design come together in a way that feels both intentional and inspiring.

Thanksgiving has always been my compass. Celebrating it in Mexico, between nostalgia, new traditions, and the quiet lessons of change, has shown me that home isn’t a place, but a practice of gratitude wherever we stand.

They say life is short, and the older I get, the more I feel it. Time slips away between work, family, and the rush of daily life. Many nights, we fall asleep with the feeling that we didn’t give ourselves a single quiet moment. I used to feel that way too, until I discovered The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma.

San Miguel de Allende has always been a city of artistry. You see it in the hand-chiseled stone facades, the layers of paint on weathered doors, the cobblestones worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. Here, design isn’t a trend; it’s a legacy. And in the middle of it all is Suki Palomina,hat maker extraordinaire.

Today I felt inspired to write this piece after our conversation about water. It’s a subject that has always mattered deeply to me. If you feel it’s appropriate, I’d be happy for it to be shared. Understanding the water situation in San Miguel de Allende has always felt essential. People often ask if there’s enough water here. The short answer is yes. But that doesn’t mean we’re not facing a serious crisis.

When my husband and I relocated to San Miguel de Allende, we weren’t just looking for a beautiful home, we were searching for a more meaningful way of life. One that felt connected, intentional, and resilient. For us, that meant building an off-grid home and leaning fully into sustainable living.

Kato’s journey began in Vancouver, BC, where she worked in digital graphic design during its groundbreaking years. After more than a decade, she did what few would dare: she left behind stability and moved her family to Southeast Asia. Sri Lanka became her living classroom, where she absorbed influences of architecture, color, and culture. It was there she discovered oil painting, the medium that would define her artistic path.