Four Seasons Santa Fe – Hot Kivas, Prickly Pear Margaritas and Pueblo Festivals!

So many reasons to visit Santa Fe – cultural activities, endless blue skies filled with puffy white clouds, countless fine art galleries, delicious dining, hiking, and spa visits.

I hadn’t visited in a few years, so I included a stay at newly refurbished Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado – so happy I headed to the hills! The hotel is tucked in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains just outside of downtown Santa Fe. The resort is a luxurious oasis of privacy, serenity and calm. New Mexico is known for its mystical energy and the resort and spa are designed to incorporate wellness and rejuvenation.

I’ve been to the resort many times for dinner. One awesome addition since the Four Seasons took over management is the on–site Adventure Center, offering bike rides, guided tours of Taos and Georgia O’Keeffe Country to hiking excursions.

Every morning, a local guided hike is offered by the hotel naturalist, take off from the lobby and be high above the resort in minutes, the dramatic views are amazing. Walk past the adobe home of the original Ranch owner, Betty Egan. The property was once a 57-acre dude ranch and gathering spot for western movie stars practicing their horseback riding skills. If you’re a western buff, the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado proudly displays Betty Egan’s saddle, right next to the bar. There is also a wall display of eclectic western riding gear; John Wayne was a regular and good friend of the original owner; an old tale suggests that he gave Betty his favorite horse. She apparently christened the property with the name “Enchanted Ranch”.

Floating SUP Yoga in the pool. Take your yoga practice to the next level with an invigorating one-hour open-air experience on a paddleboard. The teacher will guide you through a thoughtful and light-hearted flow, allowing you to cherish the inspiring views of the Sangre de Cristo foothills. Please wear your swim attire and bring an open mind and a playful spirit.

SPA At the Spa at Four Seasons Santa Fe, indulge in the unique experiences in the spa or on your outdoor terrace. Retreat through a guided journey of peace and enlightenment to purify and restore from the outside in. Begin with a sage smudging ceremony, clearing unsettled energy. Reduce the visible signs of aging with a Chocolate Truffle Body Wrap. The active ingredients – cocoa, macadamia nut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, ginseng and lecithin – offer antioxidants to help refine your skin’s appearance, plus a boost in collagen production for deep hydration.

Relax and reset with a detoxifying activated charcoal body scrub that will nourish and renew your skin followed by a skin hydrating body wrap, rejuvenating scalp massage and black pearl eye mask to purify, balance and promote well-being.

Casitas and suites – Perfect for family vacations or getaways with friends, the two luxury Suites deliver rustic luxury in a secluded setting, with separate living, dining and sleeping areas that combine effortlessly with sweeping mountain views. Casitas are large and cozy yet minimalist with wood burning adobe Kiva fireplaces, soaking tubs, and terraces. It all feels very private and spacious. I enjoyed breakfasts and a massage on the terrace and fires each night. There’s nothing quite like an adobe Kiva, for me it was the cozy star of the room. One afternoon was spent in the fabulous Four Seasons bed with Kiva burning all day while I read and wrote in my journal. If you haven’t slept in a Four Seasons bed, you must – I think they are the best beds in the world, and you can purchase them on line.

Prickly Pear Margarita Four Seasons Santa Fe

Dining at Terra – Begin outside at the Terra Bar with dramatic views and sunset sipping! Experience an array of favorites, choose from an array of Santa Fe Queso, Green Chili Chicken Wings, Spanish Cheese Board and Encantado Shrimp Tacos. Sip on a selection of tequilas and do order the special, Prickly Pear Margarita Cocktail, Yummy!

The restaurant menu draws on local techniques and organic seasonal produce, utilizing the finest ingredients to create memorable regional cuisine. Arrive early for a cocktail and enjoy the sunset before heading to dinner. In my case, lightening slashed the dark sky, thunder pounded like a drum, all in the distance, as a yellow ball of sun dipped below the thunderclouds.  A dramatic evening finale!

Terra Bar Four Seasons Santa Fe

Situated in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, at over 7,000 feet, Santa Fe is known for year-round outdoor adventure, a vibrant arts scene and rich Native American history. The art and sculpture dotting the public spaces and rooms provide a strong sense of place.

On my last night after dinner, the security guard saw me waiting in the cold for a buggy back to my casita. He said if you don’t mind the truck, I’ll take you back. Ok, I’m fine with a little truck! After stopping for the full moon photo, he built a fire in my casita Kiva, and gave me a little s’more package with a stick!

He then told me about his Native tribe… and their Pueblo… I’m fascinated by local culture and always thrilled to hear personal stories! It’s what makes Travel worthwhile. He invited me to bring my friends to a Feast, every July 14, in his Pueblo, the Corn Dance. All the grandmothers prepare food, there’s singing and dancing… come with your friends!

Making friends, a new story for my Journey!

The corn dance takes place on July 14th at Cochiti Pueblo as part of the annual St. Bonaventure Feast Day.

And an indication of Four Seasons service: an unexpected buggy ride, moon photo, kiva fire, s’more’s and a personal story! Grateful. Highly Recommend!

Inn of Five Graces, Santa Fe – Autumn Activities

Santa Fe transforms with vibrant colors and events during the captivating fall season — offering visitors a journey into immersive culture, cuisine, and natural wonders. A brief list of some captivating events that make this season in Santa Fe truly special. And even more special when you stay at Inn of Five Graces.

Inn of Five Graces Santa Fe

I’ve been a frequent visitor to this picturesque city, the oldest capital in the United States, the charming city is set at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and possesses a unique Southwestern charm all its own. A few miles south, these mountains diminish down from a height of 13,000 feet to a flattened level plain, marking the end of the North American Rockies.

Explore the charming old town, with its avenues of art galleries, chic boutiques, and noteworthy restaurants. I love staying in the heart of downtown near the main Plaza, a short walk from the many attractions. The secluded Inn of the Five Graces is across from San Miguel Mission, the oldest church in the United States.

A desert jewel, The Inn of the Five Graces in Santa Fe wows with exotic decor, raw silks and rich color that seamlessly blends the Southwest with the Far East. Step through its doors, and a feast of color and texture awakens the imagination. Each distinctive room showcases handcrafted artisan pieces and eclectic treasures from the historic Silk Road that once linked Europe and Asia. Echoes of rustic Spain, lingering in New Mexico’s Hispanic heritage, are reflected in the diverse style, a trademark synthesis of East and West. The richness will evoke memories of your Journeys to Istanbul and India. The family who own the Inn have roamed the world to bring together Persian, Indian, Tibetan, Uzbek and other Eastern architectural elements and antiques with classic Santa Fe adobe construction. Surprisingly it works, providing an organic yet luxurious warm atmosphere. My suite was made even more cozy with its traditional Kiva wood burning fireplace. Even the curved ceilings are not without décor, wooden doors and trim are hand-carved, and owner Sylvia Seret has created intricate tile mosaics in every bathroom. The mosaics are simply mesmerizing.

The 24-suite boutique hotel is housed in a collection of traditional adobe homes – one is 450 years old. The earthy structures of Southwest adobe, a sturdy mixture of mud and straw, were transformed into enchanting spaces with exotic antiques, rugs, textiles and captivating architectural elements. 

SANTA FE AUTUMN EVENTS

Wine and Chile Fiesta: September 27 – October 1

The Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta is a culinary celebration that brings together renowned chefs, winemakers, and food enthusiasts from all over the world. Visitors can savor exquisite wine pairings and mouthwatering dishes created by local culinary artists, showcasing the unique flavors of New Mexican cuisine. The charming backdrop of Santa Fe’s historic downtown adds to the event’s charm, making it a perfect way to immerse yourself in the city’s rich gastronomic traditions.

Fiesta: October 7 – October 15

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, just a short drive from Santa Fe, is one of the world’s largest hot air balloon festivals. A breathtaking spectacle, imagine hundreds of colorful hot air balloons ascending into the crisp New Mexico sky at sunrise. Whether you choose to participate in the mass ascension or simply watch in awe, this mesmerizing event offers a unique way to experience the beauty of the Southwest during the fall season.

Foliage Season: Late September to Early November 

Autumn in Santa Fe means the arrival of the breathtaking foliage season. As the summer heat gives way to cooler temperatures, the golden aspens in the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains create a stunning contrast against the clear blue skies. Take a scenic drive or hike through the mountains to immerse yourself in the beauty of fall foliage.

Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse: October 14

Witness the celestial wonder of the Ring of Fire Eclipse as it peaks in the New Mexico Skies.  From our prime viewpoint we will see the dramatic sight of the Sun as a thin ring, almost but not completely eclipsed by the Moon. Special outings are planned for this rare astronomical event.

Bosque del Apache Migration: November to February

Just a day trip away, you can experience the incredible spectacle of nature at Bosque del Apache, a National Wildlife Refuge nestled in the beautiful New Mexico high desert. Each year, from November to February, thousands of birds embark on their remarkable migration journey along this section of the Rio Grande, creating a breathtaking spectacle as snow geese, sandhill cranes, and various waterfowl descend upon the refuge. Wintering birds have been drawn to this fertile habitat for thousands of years. The migration is an ancient tradition. Sandhill cranes migrate south from the northern Rockies, joined by ducks from the Great Plains, snow geese and Ross’s geese. Native American hunters took advantage of the annual abundance. They left ancient depictions of cranes and geese etched in the boulders.

2023 Travel + Leisure Readers’ Choice Awards: Winner of the #1 Best Hotel in Santa Fe by Travel+Leisure.”

Highly Recommend !