Going Native

The epicenter of Native American culture is also the ultimate destination for finding beautiful things and a sense of well being.

If you’ve never spent much time in the deserts of the American West, you are missing out on some of the most scenic and healing environments in the world. I am a fan of Scottsdale, Palm Desert, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs and many others but there is just something about Santa Fe that makes it a repeat journey. One of my dearest friends, celebrity interior designer Moll Anderson, found and remodeled a second home in the heart of the city years ago and going with her started my fascination. She’s now on her third Santa Fe project completion and the chance to continue to find new things to love about the city never ceases when I have the chance to head that direction. If you haven’t been, it’s time to change that. And if it’s been a while, there’s never been a better time to return with the opening of a stellar new resort.

STAY

BISHOP'S LODGE: For total emersion in the culture unlike anything else, this recently remodeled and expanded resort on 300 acres offers a vacation experience for the books. Bishop’s Lodge is at the very top of our Santa Fe bucket list. Here, you get it all without ever leaving the property! Every luxurious amenity is included – from plush, art-centric interiors to the very best in fine and casual dining. The service here is also over-the-top and that extends far beyond typical turn down and concierge. You will find an array of activities, services, unique spa and relaxation treatments and even chocolate tastings with history lessons added into the classes. Auberge Resorts are always coveted reservations but with this recent opening, the group has truly gone above and beyond what is offered for visitors looking to truly embrace the area and beautiful, natural surroundings.

Room to Book: The Kiva Suite is beyond romantic and private with an outdoor fireplace and a private plunge pool. For groups, the resort offers well-appointed casitas with multiple sleeping quarters and even a nearly 10k square foot bunkhouse with a two-story fireplace and twelve individual bedrooms. aubergeresorts.com

Photo courtesy of Bishop's Lodge

ROSEWOOD INN OF THE ANASAZI: Staying in the heart of downtown is especially popular for those seeking continual access to the local shopping, dining and frequent pop-up festivals and art shows happening along the square. While there are several hotels in this immediate area, none quite measure up to the luxury you’ll find as this quaint inn. In addition to ultraluxe accommodations, the onsite program for dining is quite enticing. Sign up for the premium tequila tasting and food pairings sessions offered in the lounge and similar mezcal tastings in The Patio restaurant (which happens to be one of the best reservations for local food in the area). You’ll also want to take advantage of their on-site bike use, where the best routes and tips for sightseeing (or fitness) destinations are provided.

Room to Book: The Anasazi Suite. If you’re traveling with family or a small group, these suites also come with two-bedroom options. rosewoodhotels.com

TEN THOUSAND WAVES: This favorite also happens to be a repeat trip taken by wellness guru Candice Bruder (featured on pg. 96). It is the authentic replication of a Japanese mountain hot springs resort. They offer a complete two-night Transformation Package designed to completely reset your physical and mental state with a variety of ancient therapy applications and spa treatments. Bodywork, specific dining and a total reset of your nervous system are combined for an experience unlike anything else found on this continent. Even if you don’t want to take part of this program, there are still an array of spa-seeker indulgences and offerings on the grounds along with a specific dedication to uplifting spirits and soothing over-stressed bodies and minds.

Room to Book: The Moonlet is a free-standing guesthouse that has been completely remodeled to include the most soothing environment possible- including its own meditative courtyard. tenthousandwaves.com

SEE

The list of things to do and see in and around Santa Fe is endless. There are outlets for every type of outdoor adventure with the terrain providing challenging and beautiful locations for sports, hiking, and every other imaginable activity. But if you like to burn calories and get your adrenaline rush in the form of shopping and learning, it’s smart to lay out a clear shopping plan. There are literally galleries and art gardens at every turn, and you don’t want to miss the real gems. During certain annual events, you will even pass by major designers (such as shopping regular Ralph Lauren seeking turquoise and other stones to use in his signature collections). Santa Fe is unlike some popular traveler hotspots in that a significant number of stops offer one-of-a-kind collectors’ pieces and an array of designer havens and galleries with worthwhile investments.

ART CENTRAL: You probably couldn’t count the actual number of sellers for sculpture, paintings, jewelry, and leather crafts in the area. One that I feel rises above all the others is Victory Contemporary where Poteet Victory showcases his own portraits along with works from other fantastic talents. It’s always changing and as impressive as any gallery in NYC or San Francisco. Poteet and his wife Terry are local celebrities, and critics often describe him as the ‘Picasso of the desert’ in interviews. One trip here, and you will see why. victorycontemporary.com

WEARABLE ART: What do Jane Fonda, Bob Harper, Karlie Kloss, Jimmy Page, Billy Bob Thornton, and Jennifer Aniston have in common? They all have custom boots created in the charming shopping haven, Back at the Ranch. Just a scroll through their online gallery will give you a taste of just how creative their designs can be. The fabrics, colors, materials, the stitching— it’s endless what they can make if you can dream it up. Top fashion visionaries Tom Ford (who has 4+ pair) and Ralph Lauren are also clients frequently seen sporting their kicks. On one visit into the shop, I got to peek at a pair of nearly finished gold boots being detailed to Taylor Swift’s specifications. And on another stop in, I saw the iconic Ali McGraw buying jewelry during one of their trunk shows. The thing is, they don’t just make and sell the incredible boot art, but frequently invite both local and international makers and artists to come in to share special offerings with their customers. One of those collaborators just happens to be Nashville’s very own Vincent Peach. You’ll also see some way-cool, one-of-a-kind Back at the Ranch designs on Nashvillians Reba, Ronnie Dunn, and Kix Brooks as they take back the Vegas stage this December. backattheranch.com

DINE

There is as much authentic Southwestern fare here as there are art galleries, so don’t miss your chance to try as many things loaded with the area’s signature green chilies as possible. Each of the ‘Stay’ options above have solid, delicious offerings when it comes to eateries—so that would be a starting point (and possibly a finish for some with such incredible dining onsite). One restaurant that I can’t go without mentioning is Geronimo on Canyon Road. The level of fine dining in the historic Adobe setting so unexpected in the heart of the spicy-central cuisine on every corner. This stellar, chef-driven treasure goes above and beyond taste expectations every time. Favorites include the elk tenderloin and the scallops over shellfish risotto. Reserve far in advance as tables are hard to come by, but so worth the wait! geronimorestaurant.com