San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - July 31, 2012 : Herbalist and apothecary shops, dispensaries of natural cures and remedies, are an ancient tradition in Mexico. But now Hotel Matilda (www.hotelmatilda.com) has put a modern spin on the indigenous practice by introducing the first Apothecary Concierge at a hotel spa - that creates hand-made, natural beauty and care products personalized for each guest.

"Our Apothecary Concierge at Spa Matilda takes the spa experience to a new level of  personalization by completely immersing guests in the process of creating their very own beauty and care products," said Hotel Matilda Director Bruce James. "Guests are involved every step of the way, from deciding on the type of products and the ingredients to watching it being prepared by hand."

The experience begins with the Concierge providing a complete skin consultation addressing needs and goals. The guest is then introduced to the spa's apothecary, which is stocked with locally produced natural and artisanal ingredients including a wide variety of herbs and everything from sea salts and juniper to spirulina algae and various clays. Guests not only learn about the healing and beneficial properties of the ingredients but also enjoy an interactive experience of smelling the distinctive aromas and feeling the unique textures.

The guest next selects the product from the apothecary menu that he or she would like to have prepared, and chooses the ingredients to create a personalized blend. The Concierge then makes the product as the guest watches. It is packaged in an artisanal bottle for use while staying at Hotel Matilda or to take home.

"Travelers today are looking for a healthier, more natural experience, and that is particularly true at the spa," explained James. "While we have been producing our own natural beauty and care products at Spa Matilda since we opened, the time was now right to break new ground by completely personalizing our products through the services of an Apothecary Concierge."

The Apothecary Concierge menu comprises Face Care products, such as face oils and masks, and an array of Body Care products including body oils, body butters, body scrubs, bath mixes and hair treatments.

The natural and artisanal ingredients in the Spa Matilda Apothecary include:

• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Powdered soy milk
• Powdered milk
• Cocoa
• Ginger
• Sage
• Mint
• Rice powder
• Cinammon
• Vanilla
• Coconut
• Sea Salt
• Spirulina Algae
• Brown sugar
• Juniper
• White and Green clay

Hotel Matilda offers the only contemporary, avant-garde experience in colonial-themed San Miguel de Allende, and is celebrated for its innovation and inventive individualism. The hotel's art-gallery-like interior, filled with dramatic contemporary art, stands out in traditional Spanish-themed San Miguel de Allende. The internationally acclaimed cuisine of Enrique Olvera - Mexico's most famous chef, whose Mexico City restaurant, Pujol, is #36 on the San Pellegrino list of 'The World's 50 Best Restaurants' - is served at Hotel Matilda's Moxi Restaurant.

The boutique hotel caters to the lifestyle of today's traveler with designer rooms and suites, an award-winning holistic spa and a popular lounge known for its creative mixology. Hotel Matilda opened in September 2010 in the center of San Miguel de Allende, the crown jewel of Colonial Mexico that is an UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its intact 500-year-old Spanish architecture. For more information and reservations: +52 (415) 152-1015; toll free in the U.S. and Canada 855-MATILDA (855-628-4532); or info@hotelmatilda.com