Fall in Love with Santa Fe All Over Again

By Laurette Veres, Editor in Chief

Santa Fe speaks to you. Whether meandering through the center of town, or hiking the mountainous exterior, the holistic energy surrounding this land has summoned artists and adventurous spirits for many years. Made famous by Georgia O’Keeffe, this land inspires many who cannot stay away.

La Posada De Santa Fe Resort and Spa is a landmark hotel in the downtown city scene. Originally, home to artisans who made the trek from New York City, today the hotel plays host to weddings, corporate meetings, vacationers and spa goers looking to unwind.

For Art’s Sake
In keeping with the artistic spirit, La Posada has hired its first in-house curator, Sara Eyestone. Originally from Texas, Eyestone meticulously handpicks each artist to showcase the revolving art on display throughout the grounds. She invites guests to experience the art, connect and get to know the artists before making a purchase. Her advice? “Follow your heart when buying art.”

Serenity Now
With an eye towards sustainability and casual elegance, La Posada’s spa is keeping with up the eco-times. New certified “eco” products are on the menu that blends total body wellness and anti-aging. Laura Parsons, spa director makes sure treatments are broadly focused. The Turquoise Trail Facial also includes a neck and scalp massage as well as light foot acupuncture. “There is a movement to whole body wellness,” Parsons says. “We want [the benefits of] your treatment to last for hours, if not days, after you leave.”

Wedded Bliss
A perfect way to enjoy this city is to attend a destination wedding. Guests enjoy southwestern cuisine and the intimate, spiritual appeal that makes Santa Fe such an inviting destination. The famous Loretto Chapel is the perfect setting for romantic nuptials.

David Stone, catering and conferences service manager at La Posada suggests a tented lounge with high and low seating as a pre-reception function. You are in Santa Fe – be sure to serve authentic Southwestern cuisine. Chile Relleno or Pulled chicken breast in Mole Negro are crowd pleasers. He also recommends a casual rehearsal dinner. “It’s a casual time for weary travelers to get together. Don’t be too formal – you risk competing with your reception,” says Stone.

For those in need of a museum or art gallery fix, try wandering Canyon Road. Here you’ll find everything from traditional Indian art to contemporary installations in numerous galleries on the narrow, winding road.

Or try the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, where significant Indian art hangs on display. Don’t forget to check out the Case Trading Post shop downstairs in the museum for jewelry, art and authentic Indian crafts. Handcrafted special turquoise jewelry by locally renowned artists such as Mike Bird-Romero can be found here with only a few specialty pieces in each design.

Located ten minutes outside of Santa Fe, another resort plays host to movie stars and other famed New Mexico residents. Think Robert Redford popping over to the pool for a quick snack. Encantado Resort Santa Fe is situated on a bluff overlooking one of the area’s most picturesque mountain ranges. The resort features exquisitely maintained casitas, each with a mountain view, that ooze the sophistication and intimate, almost mystical appeal of the outdoors. The spa seamlessly fits in with the surrounding environment, one of calm serenity. Featuring both indoor and outdoor showers, steam, and sauna, the resort spa and pool area provides that extra elegant spark.

A member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World, Encantado Resort features Terra Restaurant, one of the highlights of any culinary excursion in the entire area. Boasting a majestic view of the surrounding vistas, the restaurant sources local organic ingredients for a dining experience that simply cannot be missed. From the seven herb ravioli to the brick roasted organic New Mexican chicken or sage-rubbed rib-eye, Chef Charles Dale knows how to construct both an artful and memorable tasting meal. Desert is not to be missed. After all, you’re in the dessert.

Essentials

www.RockResorts.com
www.casetradingpost.com
www.encantadoresort.com