­Just inland from the Costa Esmeralda in the state of Veracruz lies one of the most unusual towns in Mexico. Back in the early 1800s, French men and women began settling in Jicoltapec, near San Rafael, after fleeing Dijon and the wine region of Champlitte in search of work after a parasite ravaged the grape growing industry in France.

Over the ensuing decades, the food, architecture, clothing and traditions the French brought with them melded with the indigenous Mexican culture and the resulting unexpected (but thoroughly pleasing) mix is at the heart of the new Maison Couturier.

­I just spent a few nights at Hotel Azucar on the Emerald Coast of Veracruz, Mexico. This hotel is part of Grupo Habita—perhaps Mexico’s most ground-breaking hotel group right now with Mexican beauties including Basico, La Purificada, Condessa df  and the newly-opened Maison Couturier under their belt—so  you know it’s full of personality and pleasant surprises. Like the hotel’s found-object chic (molded green fiberglass as a see-through sink base anyone?).