Where rugged landscapes meet adobe architecture, luxurious casitas with piñon logs crackling in the kiva fireplace invite visitors to experience the charm of Santa Fe. When exploring the Land of Enchantment, there’s no finer place to stay than Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado.
Enclosed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and sprawling desert, the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado unveiled its newly renovated luxury suites earlier this year, transforming the guest experience across its 57 acres.
Having recently visited, I can attest to the impressive upgrades and enhancements throughout the resort. Every aspect of the property has been elevated, from modernized furnishings to upgraded technology.
However, one of the most noteworthy additions to the resort is the private courtyard fireplaces in each suite. The warmth of the fire, combined with the peaceful desert surroundings, creates an ambiance unlike any other.
The first multimillion-dollar revitalization in the resort’s history breathes new life into this New Mexico retreat. The resort refreshed all guest rooms and suites, and the new sustainability-focused landscaping creates an elevated ambiance. The result is an elegant yet rustic escape that showcases the natural beauty of the Southwest.
Throughout the hotel, guests enjoy Southwest design thanks to Nicole Surget, interior designer and owner of Langlois Design. “My goal with Four Seasons Resort Santa Fe was to design a space that is not just modern and simplified but also reverent to the local culture and unreal beauty of New Mexico. The new look offers an elevated experience that is both timeless and captivating with a serene ambiance.”
Hints of coral and rust punctuate the soothing, minimal suites. New firepit terraces lure guests outside to savor the star-filled night sky and cool desert air. The private courtyards offer an extension of indoor living space, perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or evening cocktail.
Opened in 2008, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado beautifully embodies Santa Fe’s rich history. Originally a dude ranch, it was bought in 1832 by Bess Huntinghouse, a former “Harvey Girl.” Betty Egan became the third owner in 1968, remodeled it, and renamed it Rancho Encantado.
The Dalai Lama spent nine days here on horseback, and high-profile celebrities like John Wayne and Johnny Cash also visited.
Given its remoteness, it’s hard to believe that the historic Plaza in downtown Santa Fe is just a few miles away. Guests can easily explore the city’s vibrant arts, culture, and culinary scene thanks to the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service.
The resort sits four miles from the Santa Fe Opera and 10 miles from the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, both in full view from the property’s Camino Encantado trail.
On the grounds, you’ll discover a fine-dining restaurant offering contemporary New Mexico-American cuisine, complemented by a bar, an outdoor terrace, a pool, a hot tub, and a luxurious spa. Additionally, there’s a fitness room, meeting spaces, and a business center for your convenience.
Embrace the Outdoors
Adventure Architect Hans Loehr leads the property’s Adventure Center, designing tailored excursions to fulfill the desires of outdoor enthusiasts. One of the beauties of Rancho Encantado is that “it’s a destination all its own,” with everything guests could want throughout its 57 rolling acres.
A popular base for nature lovers, guests can enjoy direct access to the Santa Fe National Forest.
Every morning, guides lead guests on a one-hour hike along the Camino Encantado trail, an easy loop suitable for all fitness levels. For those eager to log more steps and take in the landscape, an additional section of trail carries on past the halfway point along the ridge and down into an arroyo before looping back to the start.
The Adventure Centre is the property’s bustling hub, where Loehr and his team orchestrate various activities. Curated experiences range from downhill bike rides and equine encounters to city tours and cultural connections.
Pristine skiing is 30 minutes from the property, and convenient private transfers are readily available. Those who prefer a slower pace can try yoga classes or vibrational sound therapy.
Existing tours include the popular Bandelier National Monument, Pecos National Historical Park, the village of Abiquiu, the soaring cliffs of the Valley of Shining Stone, and, of course, Los Alamos due to the success of Oppenheimer.
One of the most popular tours is the Bandelier National Monument, where visitors can explore the cave dwellings inhabited by ancestral Pueblo people from around 1150 to 1550. The tour also includes a visit to a Pueblo on the Rio Grande, where the descendants of those early inhabitants now reside.
Exploring Santa Fe’s Rich Culture
While the resort is a relaxation and recreation destination, it’s also conveniently located near Santa Fe’s vibrant cultural scene. A short drive will bring you to the historic Santa Fe Plaza, where you can explore charming shops and galleries or experience traditional Native American artisans selling handmade jewelry and other crafts at the Palace of the Governors.
I opted for a private tour of downtown Santa Fe. While a tour didn’t reveal the entire city, I left with an appreciation for its unique community. Santa Fe is rich in history, art, and architecture, distinguishing it from other Western cities. The tour included stops at the Canyon Road galleries, revealing fabulous courtyard gardens tucked behind adobe walls, and a visit to the oldest house in the U.S.
Three remarkable churches showcased Santa Fe’s distinctive architectural and artistic heritage. San Miguel Church, the oldest church in the United States; Loretto Chapel, famous for its miraculous staircase; and St. Francis Cathedral each contributed uniquely to the city’s character.
A stroll through La Fonda on the Plaza — historic Santa Fe Plaza’s only hotel — brought a glimpse of the bar where Oppenheimer scientists once gathered. After a full day exploring Santa Fe’s 7,000-foot elevation, returning to the resort’s spa provided some much-needed relaxation that felt almost spiritual.
Southwestern-Inspired Wellness
Having visited countless spas as part of my job, it takes more than a few standard amenities to impress me. Yet it’s easy to find inner peace in the Four Seasons 10,000-square-foot spa.
Multiple indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and services inspired by Native American healing traditions using local ingredients like sage and piñon pine combine with panoramic views of the desert landscape. The expansive space exudes tranquillity.
Prior to my treatment, I was whisked away to my own private courtyard with a Jacuzzi, sauna, and private restroom, where I relaxed for one hour in blissful solitude.
I indulged in the Healing Honey Ritual — a decadent head-to-toe honey scrub and a honey jojoba massage — all using honey sourced from the on-site apiary. Although I reside in a semi-arid desert region, I noticed my skin becoming dry just hours after arriving in Santa Fe. This treatment provided just what my skin needed, leaving it moisturized and radiant.
I then experienced the brand-new Elemis Facial, an ultra-hydrating treatment perfect for travelers with moisture-deprived skin from high altitudes and the dry Southwest climate. This high-performance facial deeply replenished my skin at the cellular level.
To conclude my day, I relaxed in the lounge with a steaming cup of tea by the fireplace, soaking in the stunning vistas of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
A Culinary Journey
My first introduction to Terra, the resort’s only restaurant, was a five-course dinner for the Santa Fe Wine & Chile event featuring wine pairings from Kosta Browne in Sonoma. Hay smoked shrimp pave, ColoRouge skillet, Wild mushroom consommé, Lavender Coffee Rubbed Elk, and Pear Tartlet showcased Executive Chef Andrew Fox’s culinary creativity.
The shrimp was divine, both in presentation and flavor. Alongside Kosta Browne’s 2021 One Sixteen chardonnay, the honey-soaked brioche’s toasty notes mixed with lemon, orange, wasabi, trout roe, and lime caviar hit all the senses.
Touches of New Mexico cuisine are everywhere on the regular menu at Terra but spread throughout the dishes. The Three Sisters is a big part of the Pueblos diet here in New Mexico (corn, beans, and squash).
Chef Fox aims to highlight the flavors of New Mexico without relying on red and green chili sauce for every dish. However, the enchiladas are available if you are craving this traditional favorite. If you’re in the mood for it, try the Charred Corn Chowder. It may sound ordinary, but it’s anything but.
Guests have several seating options, including indoor seating at the restaurant, the cozy courtyard lounge, the exclusive chef’s garden, or the spacious patio, to appreciate the high-desert mountain scenery and iconic New Mexico sunsets.
The Terra Bar features a large outdoor firepit and is the perfect spot to relax and savor an innovative selection of craft cocktails, signature drinks, and an extensive wine list.
Every evening, I would retreat to my secluded courtyard, settling in front of the outdoor fireplace beneath a sky brimming with stars. It quickly became my favorite spot in all of Santa Fe.
