How to Santa Fe

ROMANCING THE CITY

A romantic city at the best of times, Santa Fe in winter offers even more opportunities for quiet connection. Cool, clear, blue-skied days and crisp, starry nights are perfect for convivial dinners and tranquil walks. Crowds are generally smaller, and you can often make a dinner, spa, or entertainment reservation without having to wait for days.

Don’t just give flowers and a card for Valentine’s Day (though by all means do that too!). Here are a few of our favorite spots for romantic interludes:

SAZÓN

PHOTO: SAZÓN

Award-winning chef Fernando Olea, originally from Mexico City, creates sophisticated dishes that draw on Mexico’s rich culinary traditions, all in a warm, intimate setting. Although Olea is famous for his moles—rich, complex sauces popular throughout Mexico that can have up to 30 ingredients—our favorite item on the Sazón menu is his signature Sopa de Amor (Soup of Love), a memorable cream-based, poblano-chile soup with lump blue crabmeat, topped with Amaretto foam and a sprinkling of cocoa and cinnamon. It’s perfect for celebrating with that special someone. Reservations strongly recommended.

505.983.8604 221 Shelby Street Sazonsantafe.com

KAKAWA CHOCOLATE HOUSE

PHOTO: KAKAWA CHOCOLATE HOUSE

If chocolate be the other food of love (along with music), then Kakawa Chocolate House will transport you to new realms of romance. Kakawa fulfills its mission to reintroduce the public to chocolate by specializing in authentically historic chocolate drinks. These are not your average hot chocolates, but elixirs concocted from recipes ranging from 1000 BCE to the present, including from the Pre-Columbian Mayan and Aztec cultures, 17th-century Europe, and colonial America and Mexico. Kakawa also offers chocolate confections—truffles, chocolates, caramels, ice cream—with an array of classic and contemporary flavors, such as pomegranate, chocolate chile, or prickly pear.

Two Santa Fe locations: 1050 Paseo de Peralta 505.982.0388 1300 Rufina Circle #A4 505.930.5460 Kakawachocolates.com

TEN THOUSAND WAVES AND IZANAMI

PHOTO: TEN THOUSAND WAVES

Ten Thousand Waves is a Japanese-inspired spa, boutique hotel, and restaurant on the mountain road that leads to the Santa Fe Ski Basin. Private outdoor hot-tub suites, and a full spa menu that includes massages, facials, and packages, make for a romantic experience found nowhere else outside Japan.

In Houses of the Moon, you can stay in a ryokan-inspired room just steps from the spa and restaurant. Guests have priority for private spa suites and services.

Izanami is an award-winning izakaya restaurant (small plates, casual atmosphere) that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients in all its preparations. There’s a stellar selection of premium Japanese sakes, and plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, all in an authentic Japanese atmosphere. The cozy outdoor pavilion can be used year-round for a warm, safe dining option.

21 Ten Thousand Waves Way (3.5 miles up Hyde Park Road) Reservations and information: 505.982.9304

Izanami meal reservations available through the Open Table app Tenthousandwaves.com

AND, OF COURSE, YOU’VE GOT TO GET A CARD . . .

PHOTO: KATIE KEENER

For Valentine’s Day—or any other occasion for which you need just the right sentiment—visit our new favorite card shop, Pushpin Collaborative. Local and American-made cards, stationery, and gifts designed with a modern aesthetic convey your thoughts for any special occasion.

1925 Rosina Street, Suite D 505.372.7728 Pushpincollaborativeco.com

OUTDOORS

We love a good downhill powder day as much as the next snow enthusiast, but if you’re not feeling that athletic, or don’t have ski gear, the answer may be snowshoeing—if you can hike, you can snowshoe. The equipment needed is neither as technical nor as expensive as downhill-skiing paraphernalia, and can be rented from several shops in Santa Fe. Dress in light, windproof layers—no need for heavy parkas or goggles. Go as slowly as you like, taking in the silence of a snow-covered landscape—or, if you’re feeling adventurous, sign up for a snowshoe race or group meeting. Rental stores can advise you as to the best places to go to match your skill level, transportation options, and current snow conditions.

Outspire Hiking and Snowshoeing 505.660.0394 outspire.com

SkiTech Santa Fe 905 S. St. Francis Dr. 505.983.5512 santafe.skitechrentals.com

Christy Sports (formerly Cottam’s) 740 Hyde Park Road 505.982.0495 christysports.com/backcountry/ snowshoes

FIRESIDE CHAT

PHOTO: ALLY KERANS

After an active day of shopping or outdoor activities, nothing beats retreating to a cozy fireplace and a hot toddy. Some of our favorite hotel bars for snugging up to a crackling fire:

LA REINA AT EL REY COURT

The hippest spot in town is La Reina bar at El Rey Court, a reenvisioned 1930s motor court with a contemporary Southwest vibe. Mezcals and signature cocktails, occasional music, and sometimes a pizza truck, all in a cool, Alexander Girard–inspired design.

El Rey Court 1862 Cerrillos Road 505.982.1931 Elreycourt.com

INN AND SPA AT LORETTO

The Living Room lounge, just off the lobby of the Inn and Spa at Loretto, features big, cushy leather sofas and armchairs— a perfect place for an aperitif, or an after-dinner Kahlua coffee and dessert.

The Inn and Spa at Loretto 211 Old Santa Fe Trail 505.988.5531 Hotelloretto.com

ELDORADO HOTEL AND SPA

The Agave Restaurant & Lounge at the Eldorado Hotel has a cool, modern ambiance, a great happy hour, and food offerings ranging from shared plates in the bar to full dinner in the adjoining dining room.

Eldorado Hotel and Spa 309 W. San Francisco Street 505.995.4530 Eldoradohotel.com