Santa Fe, New Mexico draws people in with its natural beauty, cultural history, adventure opportunities and mystical vibe. For all of those reasons, and many more (the many things to do, great food scene, etc.), it’s a place that deserves some time to truly absorb. Here are two places to stay in Santa Fe that offer very different experiences. Yet both provide guests some of the very best of Santa Fe’s engaging personality. Real Food Traveler’s Eco-Friendly Food, Travel & Adventure Editor, Jimmy McDonough, offers his views on both.

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Places to Stay in Santa Fe: Inn of the Turquoise Bear and Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado

INN OF THE TURQUOISE BEAR

We turned off Old Santa Fe Trail Road, past adobe walls lined with hollyhocks, and turned into an oasis. Pine trees soared above tiered gardens and meandering stone walkways, accented by water fountains. In the center of the gardens was a large whimsical abstract bear sculpture in turquoise blue. And at the top of a small hill, a sprawling storybook adobe structure. We had arrived at the storied Inn of the Turquoise Bear.

A turquoise bear statue signifies that you’re at the Inn of the Turquoise Bear in Santa Fe, NM. Photo by Jimmy McDonough.

For decades, famous artists and writers came here to meet and exchange ideas and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Santa Fe. Georgia O’Keefe, D.H. Lawrence, Ansel Adams are among the illustrious creative geniuses that passed through the tiled halls and viga ceilinged rooms. The aura of this history filled my mind as I opened the simple screen door and entered the living room comfortably furnished with big leather sofas, rugs, art and a large sunny window of garden views. Imagined conversations between those great minds filled my head.

Imagine the conversations that took place in this livingroom, among the many brilliant and creative minds of visitors when it was Witter Bynner’s home. Photo by Jimmy McDonough.

Out the back door, through an intimate courtyard, and up a flight of rustic wooden stairs, we found our room named the D.H. Lawrence (each guestroom is named for one of the influential guests of the past like Edna St. Vincent Millay, O. Henry and Witter Bynner, whose home the Inn originally belonged to). Inside, we found a low-ceilinged, cozy space with adobe walls, wooden accents, and sunny windows. The crisply-made bed was adorned with an Indian blanket at the foot and accent pillows. Copies of D.H. Lawrence novels on bookshelves pay homage to the room’s namesake. A small sitting room with cozy chairs invites settling in to read and a desk beckons the guest to sit and pen their own thoughts. The simple bathroom is cramped and adequate but not luxurious. The room is comfortable and humble. We slept soundly in the quiet.

The comfy bed in the D.H. Lawrence room. Photo by Courtney Drake-McDonough.

Our Inn host guided us around the property, sharing stories of the spaces and a bit of history along with details for our stay: the 24/7 coffee and tea nook; the filtered water dispenser; snacks (a crunchy cereal mix, fresh fruit and house made chocolate chip cookies) in the living room; a patio for breakfast dining or enjoying the garden views with coffee in the morning or a glass of wine (BYOB) in the evening.

It’s easy to imagine the lively conversations that happened, and still happen, here. Photo by Courtney Drake-McDonough.

In the morning, we gathered with other guests around the long table in a spacious dining room. A buffet of fruits, juices, and muffins was placed in a bay window. The server described the day’s breakfast options – Huevos Rancheros or a cheesy frittata with green chile, with sliced red chile spiced polenta on the side. We both chose the frittata, and when our plates arrived we are pleasantly surprised at the lovely plating and ample portions. The frittata texture was outstanding, both fluffy and creamy. The polenta was smooth and luxurious with no hint of graininess that often comes with this dish. On the side, a fresh fruit smoothie. It was a hearty, wholesome, delicious breakfast to fuel us for our day of Santa Fe adventures.

Breakfast offerings change daily, are scratch made, and are provided in the dining room. Photos by Jimmy McDonough.

The Inn is located just a 15-minute walk to the Plaza. Walking along Old Santa Fe Trail road is an odd blend of modern and country charm. Punctuated by flowers and glimpses of courtyards, the sidewalk is narrow and the passing traffic on the road can be fast and noisy. Perhaps back in the day, it was adequate for wagons and horseback riders?

As I walked, my mind wandered to the past, and the hundreds of years of passing merchants, pilgrims, mule trains, native peoples, Spanish monks and soldiers, and modern-day travelers like myself seeking adventures in this unique city with a rich, complex history.

Inn of the Turquoise Bear is not for people who seek luxurious accommodations, with plenty of amenities. It is ideal for those who seek a quiet place to rest, reflect, and maybe even find inspiration from the river of history and lives of people who passed through and around this peaceful place.

Make time to really soak in the atmosphere and history of the Inn of the Turquoise Bear. Photo by Jimmy McDonough.

Reluctantly, we departed the Inn soon after breakfast to continue our travels. When you visit, don’t make our mistake. Take advantage of the morning until checkout and allow time to linger and be present. To be with the storied people of this place. To feel them. Maybe chat with them. Sit on the terrace gardens and listen to the hummingbirds whizzing by, or the Ravens cawing in the tall pines. Let the world outside the adobe walls wait. Receive the gifts the Inn offers you. Allow yourself to slow down enough to receive them.

Learn more about Inn of the Turquoise Bear on their website.

Hungry for more? Read about the annual Farolito Walk along Canyon Road in Santa Fe.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT RANCHO ENCANTADO

In the Land of Enchantment, to proclaim yourself an enchanted place is a bold assertion that sets the bar of expectations very high. On a recent trip across New Mexico, incorporating a visit to the Santa Fe Opera, we experienced such a place – Rancho Encantado.

Nestled among the pinon forests of northern New Mexico, just north of Santa Fe, Rancho Encantado encompasses a cluster of adobe-hued casitas dispersed around a network of paths leading to the main guest hub for gathering, dining, and services. This Four Seasons property delivers a luxurious retreat, with extensive on-property amenities and immediate access to nature. With only 65 guest rooms set on 57 acres, there is an elevated calm vibe and, miles from busy roads, it is blissfully quiet.

The architecture of the property blends beautifully with nature. Photo by Jimmy McDonough.

On our summer visit, we enjoyed a second-floor suite in a casita. It was more like an apartment (without a kitchen) than a room. Spacious and high-ceilinged, large windows bring in the natural beauty of New Mexico. From our patio, we enjoyed views of distant mesas and spectacular sunsets. At night, it provided a perch for starry sky gazing; in the early morning, enjoying birdsong as the sunrise crept across the landscape. A neutral palette with southwestern design elements provides a sense of place. A massive, contemporary bathroom with a shower room and separate soaking tub feels spa-like.

The guestrooms are luxurious but not pretentious and mingle with the surroundings. Photos by Courtney Drake-McDonough.

To access the casitas from the parking lot, a short walk was required. There was no elevator to our second-floor room. If stair climbing is a concern, request a first-floor room. From our casita, it was a short walk (or drive-call for a golf-cart ride) up the slight hill to the main guest service hub for dining and resort amenities: fitness center, outdoor pool, spa, adventure center. Taking the paths through the artfully curated landscape was like a visit to a botanic gardens.

Amenities at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado

This luxury resort property provides many complimentary services: housekeeping twice a day (!), someone to come light the fire in the in-room fireplace, free WiFi, a variety of classes (cooking, yoga, mixology), and for the kid in all of us, nightly s’mores making around the fire at the main building.

Early risers can join guided morning hikes from the property into the surrounding hills. On our visit, we appreciated the complimentary shuttle service to and from the Santa Fe Opera – such a convenience!

Art fills the public spaces. There is even an Art Concierge on property who can help you plan a visit to Santa Fe’s galleries based on your preferences.

The onsite spa provides a complete array of indulgent wellness and self-care experiences. Some are inspired by the New Mexico’s ancient human history, such as a sage smudging ceremony and Soul of the Southwest Wellness Journey.

At the Adventure Center, with the help of their Concierge, you can learn more and book optional guided day trips. From hikes in the forests and mesa country, to arts exploration, to native American cultural experiences, Rancho staff will help you make the most of your stay.

Or just hang out around the pool and soak in the high desert sun as you enjoy sips and snacks delivered to your lounge chair!

The Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado has a wide variety of amenities guests can take advantage of. Photos courtesy of Jimmy McDonough.

Dining at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado

Terra is the dining space for all meals as well as bar service. Open, contemporary design with sweeping glass walls, and an expansive terrace for outdoor dining. Room service is available. Each morning, complimentary coffee is available in the lobby, with one of my favorite cookies, and New Mexico’s official state cookie, the Biscochito. We enjoyed a delicious dinner that took advantage of local ingredients including fresh herbs and greens from the Chef’s Garden right outside the restaurant.

Summer dining at Terra brought seasonal offerings. Photos by Jimmy McDonough.

Mobility and Access

Instead of bulldozing the landscape to create a monolithic resort, Rancho Encantado was designed to harmoniously blend into the gently sloping hillside, with a village-like feel. Some paths are paved, others are gravel. Navigating this village might require a bit of planning for those with mobility issues; roads connect all casitas to the main lobby and friendly staff are available to assist at any time. Four fully accessible suites are available.

We had been enchanted by the natural beauty, friendly staff, soothing atmosphere, and luxurious accommodations at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado. Plan your getaway on their website.

Be enchanted by the high desert plant life, skyscapes and mesa views of Rancho Encantado. Photo by Jimmy McDonough.

BONUS: A New Place to Stay in Santa Fe

On our Santa Fe adventure, we were invited for a sneak peek of The Washington Inn which, at the time, hadn’t yet opened. We toured a variety of types of rooms, all of which include a kitchen, making it a perfect place for extended stays. Located just two blocks from the Santa Fe Plaza, The Washington Inn is comprised of four distinct buildings that are either historic renovations or brand new. Each room has a gas fireplace, laundry facilities and access to the onsite fitness center and Clearlight Infrared Sauna. The Washington Inn is now open and taking reservations. Visit their website to learn more.

The Washington Inn is a new place to stay in Santa Fe. It offers kitchens and laundry for longer-stay guests. Photo by Douglas Merriam.

Learn more about visiting Santa Fe on their very helpful website. And you can use our affiliate link with your favorite booking tool, here.

-Story by Jimmy McDonough, Real Food Traveler Eco-Friendly Food, Travel & Adventure Editor

Please note, as is common practice in this industry, we were hosted for portions of this visit, however, all opinions are honest and based on the author’s opinion for the purpose of informing our readers. Also, this site uses an affiliate tool provided by the third-party provider Stay22. If you use certain affiliate links to make a booking or take advantage of an offer, the site may receive an affiliate commission from this third-party provider. To determine whether you have used any of the affiliate solutions, the third-party provider will use cookies to attribute commission. These cookies will be removed as soon as they have served this purpose.