Luxury in Mexico City: Polanco, Masaryk and the private collections

What this section covers. The luxury end — which in Mexico City means a very specific set of addresses.

Where it is. Polanco, and Avenida Presidente Masaryk in particular, the most expensive shopping street in Latin America, lined with jacarandas that flower lilac in late March and April. Lomas de Chapultepec and Bosques de las Lomas for residential grandeur. Santa Fe for the corporate version. And the Reforma hotel corridor.

What is genuinely world-class. The restaurants: several Mexico City kitchens appear regularly in the global rankings, and the price for that quality remains low by European or US standards. The hotel spas on Reforma, with Chapultepec below them. The commercial galleries of Polanco and San Ángel. And the private collections open to the public — the Soumaya and the Jumex, standing in the same square and both free.

The one that needs planning. Luis Barragán's house-studio, World Heritage and visitable by appointment only, with places released weeks ahead. It is the single most rewarding architectural visit in the city.

Practical notes. The best-known restaurants book weeks ahead for Friday and Saturday. Dinner starts at 21:00. Ask about dress code in Polanco. Tipping is 10 to 15 per cent and frequently not included.