Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado – Exquisite Vacation
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado –
Exquisite Vacation
They call New Mexico the
“Land of Enchantment/ Tierra del Encanto”
and Santa Fe, “The City Different”
They call New Mexico the “Land of Enchantment/ Tierra del Encanto” and Santa Fe, “The City Different” and a winter family adventure at the amazing Four Season’s Rancho Encantado Resort brings all the magical and historic charms of this area together seamlessly.
Set on 57 unspoiled acres, at an elevation of 7000 feet, with just 65 sumptuous casita guest rooms, breathing in the pinon-scented air and brilliant blue sky, it’s easy to feel the sacred energy of the dynamic 400 years of history here, blending three cultures – Native American, Spanish and Anglo.
On our recent winter road trip through the Southwest,we were utterly spellbound by this seductive, sensory-rich retreat at this special Four Seasons property and the spiritual rejuvenation combination of the unique landscape, cultural diversity, and luxurious service.
With 300 days a year of sunshine, one has the best of both worlds here, with skiing or snowshoeing adventures in the adjacent Sangre de Cristo Mountains, plus world class hiking, shopping, museum going or gallery hopping amongst the authentic adobe architecture.
Not to mention time in the hot tub,fitness center, or just relaxing by the wood-burning fire in one’s generously proportioned gorgeous suite or the outdoor fireplace on ones private terrace under the moonlight sipping wine or homemade organic apple cider. We all adored our lavish Casita Suite with family friendly separate living, dining and sleeping areas with deep soaking tub, heated flooring and a ton of closet space.
The food was some of the best we have ever eaten and we totally fell in love with Chef Andrew Cooper who met all our strict dietary restrictions with organic sustainable food that was beyond scumptious in the resort‘s renown Terra restaurant as well as glorious room service breakfasts delivered to our Casita. Yum! The top quality grass-fed steaks, venison and lamb melted in our mouths and the creme brulee was divine.
We were excited to try out their customized adventure partners excursions that specialize in connecting luxury travelers to the soul of a place.
As a homeschooling family very interested in education, we relished hands-on learning about the Pueblo culture from ancient times to the present.
A highlight for us was hiking and exploring Tsankawl Archeological Site, a less-traveled hidden treasure within Bandelier National Monument, whose human history dates back more than 10.000 years.
Santa Fe is rich in Native American history, and the culture continues to thrive today, so stopping by the Poeh Cultural Center and Museum to learn about traditional bee hive ovens was a treat and reminded us of the Berber ovens in the Sahara.
We hiked past ancient petroglyphs savoring Ancestral Pueblo dwellings and Anasazi archeological sites dating from 1150 AD and Mozart loved climbing the ladders and exploring caves.
After driving from California beaches to the Grand Canyon, Albuquerque and Santa Fe, it was fantastic to leave the driving to Four Seasons and thier complimentary Mercedes-Benz with driver shuttle which is available for guests exploring downtown Santa Fe, nearby Opera or airport.
Having a trilingual kid who is fluent in Spanish, we really appreciated the historical connection between Spain and Santa Fe like visiting San Miguel, the oldest church in the USA.
After visiting the pueblos, connecting with local Indian artists selling their turquoise and jewelry at the outdoor market in front of the historic Palace of the Governors,( built by the Spanish in 1610), added to our experience.
Santa Fe is the second largest art market in America, so as artists we couldn’t miss devouring the delightful art galleries in gracious sienna adobe homes on Canyon Road.
Learning adventure, authentic natural beauty, adobe aethetics, colorful art, heathy appetizing food ..who could ask for more?
If you are still in New Mexico, and have the opportunity to travel to Montezuma, you will likely find this school of interest: http://www.uwc-usa.org/
Wow! Santa Fe is special and that looks like an amazing resort. Makes me want to go right now!!
Thanks so much Marta! I am not in New Mexico now ( but not too far away in the southwest) and I think Mozart will most likely homeschool high school, but I am really happy to know about this school!
You would love it Liz! We can’t wait to go back again. 😉