At Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, community isn’t a concept—it’s a living, breathing force, shaped by the connections we make and the experiences we share. So as we step into Casa Polanco, guided by some of Mexico City’s most extraordinary luxury travel designers, we invite you into that same spirit of community: one built on discovery, artistry, and the joy of exploring the world together.
Stepping into Casa Polanco is like walking onto a movie set where elegance has been storyboarded for you. The entrance slows your breath, a soft exhale between the ease of feeling at home and the realization you’re about to witness something extraordinary. Creamy whites and warm wood mingle throughout, the hallways quietly suggesting stories of artistry and care.
Ana Paula Pereznieto, Luxury Travel Designer at Nuba, is the first to arrive at the scene and the first one to set the scene. While we get our bearings, she stands with a calm confidence that understands both the place and the mood. She speaks in that thoughtful, unhurried way that immediately tells you she’s someone who pays attention—not just to what you’re asking, but to what you’re actually trying to figure out.
“Many years ago, I was already immersed in the world of travel, yet I had no idea the industry had its own ‘fashion weeks.’ Over a lunch with a couple of colleagues and friends, the comparison came up: ‘If you were in fashion, attending Virtuoso would be like going to a haute couture runway show.'” That was how it all began.
“What I found was dazzling,” she continued. “The extraordinary scale of the industry, the caliber of people shaping it, and a vibrant global energy I hadn’t yet experienced. I returned home with not just professional contacts, but genuine new friends.”
A vision in black, the vibe has sophistication and charm — think Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Ana Paula’s presence is magnetic without making an effort. Elegance clearly comes naturally to her. As she shares the story of her early days at Virtuoso, including receiving this year’s Most Admired Advisor for Latin America recognition from Virtuoso, it’s impossible not to be drawn into her world.
While we are still lingering in the entrance, she pauses to talk about how beautiful Casa Polanco is. The way she speaks isn’t casual admiration; it’s experienced appreciation that instantly tells you she’s someone who notices details, someone who feels places rather than just sees them.
You get the sense she’s the type who won’t rush past something remarkable, even on a busy day. It made the moment feel warmer, almost like she was quietly inviting us to see the place through her lens—slower, more intentionally, and with a little more wonder than we had walked in with. Looking at things through her eyes set the tone for the rest of the day.
Perfectly timed, as if conjured from the very elegance surrounding us, Fortuna Entebi, Luxury Travel Advisor at First in Service Mexico, appears. Dressed in black, her bronze makeup glowing under the soft light, she exudes competence and charm in equal measure.
“I was drawn to the organization’s collaborative spirit,” she shares, speaking of Virtuoso. “My mentor was Mauricio Leighton who worked in Virtuoso as a leader; he was a great person.”
“One of my favorite memories related to both Virtuoso and Mexico City was during my first major event with the community in the city. Seeing everyone experience Mexico City for the first time—its flavors, its music, its atmosphere—reminded me of why I love working in this industry. It was a small moment, but a powerful one,” she says.
We slowly wander the hallways feeling like we’re touring with royalty. Fortuna’s stories reveal a woman who leads with warmth and precision, the rare combination that makes people trust her instantly.
As we drift farther in with Fortuna, through hallways wrapped in wood that glow as if polished for a close-up. Walking through them with two impeccably dressed travel designers in black felt like we were shooting a scene in a very refined, very exclusive movie: The Real Luxury Travel Designers of Mexico City: Casa Polanco Edition.
As we continue to wander through the hallways, Alberto Mussali, Luxury Travel Advisor & Mexico City Founding Ambassador for Fora Travel, appears around a corner, as if it was choreographed into the story itself. There is that moment of delighted recognition—running into him felt like spotting a favorite actor in a crowd.
As we meandered through the eye-catching spaces of Casa Polanco with Alberto, our conversation naturally drifted toward our host city. “Mexico City for me stands as the cultural capital and regional HUB for Latin America,” he says. “The food scene, hospitality and museums – over 150 – make it the perfect spot for foodies and tourism. The community is diverse and you can find everything here.” We agree! Mexico City sparkles with possibility for any interest.
We all chime in on our favorites, comparing the places and things that we adore in the city, and it’s impossible not to notice how effortlessly Alberto’s passion for the city and its culture translates into everything he does as a travel designer. A member of Fora’s top producers (CENTUM), Alberto is quick to celebrate his connection to Virtuoso, too.
Soon after, we head outside, Alberto is all energy and focus wrapped in easy charm. He’s someone who thrives on connection. There’s a quiet confidence about him as well; it makes you trust he’s already thinking two steps ahead for everyone in the room.
While outside we run into the life of the party herself, Fernanda Martín Del Campo, CEO & Founder of T-Journeys . What a treat! We haven’t seen her since the Icon issue. An absolute vision in a lacy long-sleeved black ensemble, she had us thinking Audrey who? As we talked about Mexico, how its story highlights her life.
“Mexico City is such a vibrant and energetic city—full of traditions and soul. I love that it has become one of the hottest destinations in the world,” she explains. “It is a fun, dynamic, and culturally rich place—but its greatest asset is its people. Warm, welcoming, and always willing to give their best.” She continues, saying, “As you can see, I am a very proud Mexican.”
When we ask her about memorable moments in her life, she shares that she won Virtuoso’s “Most Admired Advisor” in 2017. Her eyes light up as she compares it to winning an Oscar—she giggles as she tells us, but all we could think was, there will be so many more awards to come, whether in trophy form – or not.
We had our Audrey Hepburn’s, now it is time for breakfast, and at Casa Polanco that means going to Veranda. The menu read like a love letter to local ingredients—simple dishes elevated by organic produce, careful techniques, and that unmistakable sense of pride in Mexican culinary traditions.
It’s the sort of space where you linger a little longer than planned, not because you’re waiting for anything, but because the room, the light, and the calm make it feel like home—if home happened to be curated by someone with impeccable taste.
And that wrapped up our dreamy Brunch with a dreamy bunch in a place. Until the next dreamy date with these fantastic four, all we can say is ta-ta for now.
This exquisite tale is brought to you by Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection: celebrating the communities that shape every great journey.