Road Trip to the Artsy & Upscale Santa Fe

For Thanksgiving I wanted to go somewhere, anywhere but no so far that all the holiday is spent in transit. Dallas in November is not always even very cool yet, therefore any destinations where I had to wear a coat and winter type clothes was ideal.

Why not Santa Fe, New Mexico! The art-centric town with all the fun upscale boutiques, Georgia O’Keefe museum, and what seem like unlimited number of galleries would be fun.

Not lacking luxury accommodations my favorite hotel choices are the Inn and Spa at Loretto, Four Seasons Santa Fe, and Inn of the FiveGraces. All the choices looked amazing and romantic, except I wanted to stay in town to be able to walk to everything on this trip. This left me with Inn and Spa at Loretto or Inn of the Five Graces. For this trip I chose Inn and Spa at Loretto.

Only 134 number of rooms, each decorated in a southwest motif with adobe walls, exposed wood beams and woven blankets. It has loads of character and is very comfortable and is pet friendly. Just past the lobby is a bar/gathering area, which feels very relaxed, a place you could linger with friends while enjoying a nice beverage and the fire.

In the past, I have heard some people comment they can hear others in the next room, however this was not the case for me and the hotel was fully booked. My junior suite was spacious and included a patio sitting area. Each day I enjoyed hearing the church bells chime on the hour. I cannot explain why but the area seems to lend itself to bringing out your creativity - no matter what the medium of choice is.

The restaurant, Luminaria, offers southwestern flair foods and has a perfect people watching patio.  If you like margaritas,  theirs will make you happy. But if Tequila is not your thing, they have an exceptional wine cellar as well. The tortilla soup – not sure I could do it justice with any description, it was the best ever! The scallops on quinoa were perfect. I never made it to dessert (and I am a dessert lover) but they had a few that just call your name.

 The spa I had to check out, also being on Conde Nast list for top Spas, did not disappoint. It was the very best ever reflexology massage I have ever experienced. The technician was seriously gifted in moving energy in the feet and I left feeling above cloud 9. I can only imaging the other services are just as phenomenal.

Decorated for Christmas, the hotel and town could not be more Norman Rockwall-esque. Local artists displaying their skills and pieces along all the side streets made for an interesting stroll around the very walk-able core area. Not immune to the talents I picked up a few holiday gifts. The main square in town even had a lighting ceremony the night after Thanksgiving with a live band for all to enjoy.

Santa Fe has art fairs, winter skiing, a world-class hot spring spa, and year round hiking and so much more to offer people, just pick your interest and go.  

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall which do you think would be the best time of year for a trip to Santa Fe?