SKIP EUROPE
Seek Santa Fe
ESCAPE TO THE SOUTHWEST
For the last twenty years or so, my wife and I have frequently traveled to Europe, visiting many countries and hundreds of cities. And each time, I’m reminded of why I love it so. Venturing to communities and environments unlike our own allows us to expand our thinking, breathe new life into our perspectives and grants us the opportunity to engage, to learn, to wonder. This year, however, we are taking a hiatus. Europe has become extremely overcrowded. Popular destinations are experiencing over-tourism, resulting in several cities searching for solutions to minimize the crowds. Combine the buzz and excitement of the Olympics in Paris with the post-pandemic shift in traveler behavior to slower, immersive trips, the effort of going across the pond is significantly more arduous than before. This year we are skipping Europe to enjoy traveling in the U.S. and in particular Santa Fe.
CONSIDER THIS YOUR INVITATION
A HOTELIER’S PERSPECTIVE ON THE PERFECT EUROPEAN ALTERNATIVE
Now, make no mistake, my love of Europe runs deep and sharing culture, history and centuries-old traditions with the masses is my life’s work. In fact, the organization I founded, Heritage Hotels & Resorts, operates a multitude of culturally distinct properties throughout the state of New Mexico—all of which offer authentic experiences in the same way that most European destinations do. The city of Santa Fe offers this and more.
I find it interesting that immersive travel is now being considered an “emerging trend” because truthfully, it’s all we’ve ever known. It’s what our team does best. We’re experts in crafting moments that are equal parts enriching and vibrant. Unsurprisingly, Santa Fe was recently voted one of the top destinations in the U.S. but, don’t take our word for it, come see for yourself. Take a short flight or plan a quick road trip and you’ll find yourself in another world, another time. One that embraces classic architecture, artisanal goods, craftsmanship, transformative cuisine, and inspired accommodations.
There are few things closer to my heart than my love for this state and I take representing it very seriously. In the following pages, I hope you become inspired to journey within our region yet beyond your four walls. Our stunning portfolio of hotels is ready to welcome you. Each celebrating the rich heritage of the Southwest.
Santa Fe is an uncrowded destination that reminds us of the most interesting European cities we have visited. So, consider this your invitation to come and experience its beauty, culture and uniqueness. Rest assured; you won’t be disappointed.
ABOVE: Loretto Chapel’s gothic architecture. ON THE COVER: Luminaria Restaurant’s patio overlooking the Loretto Chapel.
Jim Long, Founder/CEO Heritage Hotels & Resorts
DISCOVER THE CITY DIFFERENT
BY STEVE LARESE
Santa Fe is an international city as elegant as Paris and quaint as a village in Spain. The city combines centuries of Native American history, Spanish culture, Victorian grace, and bohemian style, well earning its sobriquet “The City Different.” Charming streets weave past adobe walls and towering cottonwood trees. Piñon wood smoke flavors fill the air like incense. An amalgamation of architectural styles read like history books, and colorful artwork accentuates Santa Fe’s turquoise skies. Entertainment, shopping, cafés, art galleries, and museums line sinuous streets that beg exploring. The City Different offers travelers the most European experience in the United States.
THE MOST ROMANTIC CITY IN THE U.S.
ABOVE: The Santa Fe Plaza, a living center of New Mexican history and culture, is the heart of Santa Fe.
RIGHT: The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi could look as easily in place in Paris.
Like its European counterparts, Santa Fe is a town made for strolling the narrow streets and hidden pathways. Setting out on foot is the best way to discover its hidden charms.
The Plaza is the heart of Santa Fe, where locals meet, and tourists explore the shops, galleries, and restaurants surrounding the historic plaza. As the bright blue sky shifts to dramatic hues at dusk, adobe courtyards come to life with the sounds of guitars and castanets. Santa Fe’s flair is enhanced by the rich art form of Flamenco, with expressive
An award-winning travel journalist based in New Mexico, Steve covers adventure, culture, and family travel for Outside, Lonely Planet, Travel Channel, and National Geographic Travel
and dynamic musicians, costumes, and dance. At the heart of the scene is La Emi, who merges the traditions of Spain with her connection to her home of New Mexico.
THE CROSSROADS OF ART AND HISTORY
A short walk from the Plaza, Canyon Road is Santa Fe’s must-see art destination. Sunlight filters through mature trees whose roots have buckled the brick sidewalk. Humble adobe buildings — some formerly homes and galleries of Santa Fe’s earliest artists — now glow with art both modern and traditional. There are more than 100 galleries in this square-mile area, making the Canyon Road District the largest concentration of art galleries in the world.
Several world-class museums are found near the Plaza and offer a fascinating overview of New Mexico’s exciting and storied history. The New Mexico History Museum details pre-European contact through the Atomic Age that was unleashed in New Mexico with the development
and testing of the first atomic bomb. On the Plaza’s north end is the Palace of the Governors. Built in 1610, it’s the oldest capitol building in the United States and has served Spanish, Mexican, and Territorial U.S. governors. Today, the Palace of the Governors displays more than 15,000 artifacts from the Spanish Colonial (1540-1821), Mexican (18211846), and U.S. Territorial (1846-1912) periods of New Mexico’s history. Underneath its portal, Native American artisans sell their exquisite jewelry and pottery daily.
At the nearby New Mexico Museum of Art, the works of early Santa Fe masters underscore how the city earned its international reputation as an artist haven. Santa Fe is ranked as one of the top three art markets in the United States.
Perhaps New Mexico’s most famous artist is honored at the nearby Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, that features O’Keeffe’s bold and redefining work of desert flowers and bleached bones, as well as work by her inner circle, including Alfred Stieglitz and Ansel Adams. Museum Hill, a short drive from the Plaza, showcases Native American, Spanish, and world history and art at the museums of International Folk Art, Spanish Colonial Art, Indian Arts & Culture, and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian.
THE CITY OF THE HOLY FAITH
At the east end of the Plaza’s San Francisco Street, The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi could look as easily in place in Paris. Commonly known as Saint Francis Cathedral, the Romanesque Revival style cathedral was built in 1869 under the direction of Archbishop JeanBaptiste Lamy, who was originally from France. Visitors are welcome to enter the church and view the impressive altar and other religious artwork, and Catholic services are open to the public.
Just south of the Plaza on Old Santa Fe Trail is another gothic marvel, the Loretto Chapel. Constructed in the 1870s, it is a beautiful building in itself, but it is the staircase inside that draws visitors from around the world. The “miraculous staircase” is so called because of its lack of any central support. This wooden, spiral staircase uses no glue or nails, just wooden pegs, and perfect carpentry. Farther down Old Santa Fe Trail, San Miguel Mission was completed in 1626 and is considered to be the oldest church in the United States.
DELIGHTFUL HOSPITALITY
While visitors have traveled to Santa Fe for centuries, there still remains much to be discovered. A historical gem of the city, the Inn and Spa at Loretto has stunning architecture reminiscent of the famed Taos Pueblo, romantic patio dining, and a luxurious salon and spa. Modern luxury awaits at Eldorado Hotel & Spa with its sophisticated aesthetics and a contemporary rooftop pool, lounge, and healing spa. Steps away from the historic plaza, Hotel St. Francis, Santa Fe’s oldest hotel, blends 1920s elegance with modern amenities and world-class dining and beverage. Those interested in the warmth of the region will enjoy an authentic escape to Hotel Chimayó, inspired by more than 400 years of artistic tradition and a unique lowrider bar, Low ’n Slow. From international charm to unmatched museums and galleries, performances, dining, and relaxation, Santa Fe is a destination not to be missed. Extend your road trip along the historic El Camino Real, “The Royal Highway,” to explore the ancient trade route that weaves through New Mexico’s beautiful landscape and picturesque cities: Las Cruces, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos.
ABOVE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
Dine on the patio at the Inn and Spa at Loretto’s Luminaria Restaurant. Indulge in luxurious treatments at one of two centrally located Santa Fe spas. RIGHT: Browse one-of-a-kind shops, markets, and galleries.
ABOVE: Spend the day poolside at Eldorado Hotel & Spa’s Rooftop Pool. Cabanas available to rent.
Explore The Entire Heritage Hotels & Resorts Collection
Each of our hotels and resorts in New Mexico celebrates the rich, multicultural heritage of the Southwest, drawing from its unique blend of Native American, Mexican, Spanish, and Western cultural and historical influences. Through architecture, interior design, original artwork, landscaping, entertainment, and cuisine, Heritage Hotels & Resorts provides guests with an authentic cultural experience in Taos, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Las Cruces. Learn more at HHandR.com.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
ABOVE
El Monte Sagrado, Taos; Hotel Chaco, Albuquerque; Hotel Encanto, Las Cruces
SUMMER MADE EASY
