By james art 
Where rugged landscapes meet adobe architecture, luxurious log casitas crackling in kiva fireplaces invite visitors to experience the charm of Santa Fe. When exploring the Land of Enchantment, there’s no better place to stay than the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado.
Surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and sprawling desert, Four Seasons Rancho Encantado unveiled its newly renovated luxury suites earlier this year, transforming the guest experience on its 57 acres.
Having visited recently, I can attest to the impressive upgrades and improvements throughout the resort. Every aspect of the property has been upgraded, from upgraded furnishings to upgraded technology.
However, one of the most notable additions to the resort are the private courtyard fireplaces in each suite. The warmth of the fire combined with the peaceful desert environment creates an atmosphere unlike any other.
The first multimillion-dollar revitalization in the resort’s history breathes new life into this New Mexico haven. The resort has refreshed all guest rooms and suites, and new sustainability-focused landscaping creates an uplifted atmosphere. The result is an elegant yet rustic getaway that showcases the natural beauty of the Southwest.
Throughout the hotel, guests enjoy Southwestern design courtesy of Nicole Surget, interior designer and owner of Langlois Design. “My goal with Four Seasons Resort Santa Fe was to design a space that was not only modern and simplistic, 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 relaxed atmosphere.”
Hints of coral and rust underline the soothing, minimalist suites. New patios with fire pits beckon guests outside to enjoy the star-filled night sky and cool desert air. Private courtyards offer an extension of indoor living space, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or an evening cocktail.
Opened in 2008, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado beautifully embodies Santa Fe’s rich history. Originally a dude ranch, it was purchased 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 celebrities such as John Wayne and Johnny Cash also visited.
Given its remoteness, it’s hard to believe that Santa Fe’s historic downtown square is just a few miles away. Guests can easily explore the city’s vibrant arts, culture and culinary scene thanks to the hotel’s free shuttle service.
The resort is located four miles from the Santa Fe Opera House and 10 miles from the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, both of which are fully visible from the property’s Camino Encantado trail.
On the grounds, you’ll find a fine dining restaurant offering contemporary New Mexico American cuisine, complemented by a bar, outdoor terrace, pool, hot tub and luxury spa. There is also a gym, meeting rooms and a business center for your convenience.
Embrace the open
Adventure architect Hans Loehr directs the property’s adventure center, designing customized excursions to fulfill the desires of outdoor enthusiasts. One of the beauties of Rancho Encantado is that “it’s a destination in itself,” with everything guests could want on its 57 rolling acres.
A popular base for nature lovers, guests can enjoy direct access to the Santa Fe National Forest.
Each morning, guides lead guests on a one-hour hike along the Camino Encantado trail, an easy loop suitable for all fitness levels. For those who want to take more steps and enjoy the scenery, an additional section of the trail continues along mid-ridge and down into the arroyo before looping back to the start.
The Adventure Center is the lively hub of the property, where Loehr and his team organize a variety of activities. Curated experiences range from downhill biking and horse 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 towering cliffs of the Valley of the Shining Stone and, of course, Los Alamos, due to Oppenheimer’s success.
One of the most popular tours is Bandelier National Monument, where visitors can explore the cave dwellings inhabited by the ancestors of the Pueblo people from about 1150 to 1550. The tour also includes a visit to the Pueblo on the Rio Grande, where descendants of these early residents live.
Exploring the rich culture of Santa Fe
While the resort is a destination for recreation and relaxation, it is also conveniently located near Santa Fe’s vibrant cultural scene. A short drive will take you to the historic Santa Fe Plaza, where you can browse charming shops and galleries, or enjoy traditional Native American artisans selling handmade jewelry and other crafts at the Palace of the Governors.
I chose a private tour of downtown Santa Fe. While one tour didn’t reveal the whole city, I left with an appreciation for its unique community. Santa Fe is rich in history, art and architecture that sets it apart from other western cities. The tour included stops at the Canyon Road Galleries, revealing fairy-tale courtyard gardens hidden behind adobe walls, and a visit to the oldest house in the US
Three notable churches showcased Santa Fe’s distinctive architectural and artistic heritage. San Miguel Church, the oldest church in the US; Loreto Chapel, famous for its miraculous staircase; and the Cathedral of St. Francis contributed in a unique way to the character of the city.
A stroll through La Fonda on the Plaza—the only hotel in the historic Santa Fe Plaza—gave you 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 much-needed relaxation that felt almost spiritual.
Southwest-inspired wellness
Having visited countless spas as part of my job, it takes more than a few standard amenities to impress me. However, it’s easy to find inner peace at 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 such as sage and piñon combine with panoramic views of the desert landscape. The vast space radiates tranquility.
Before my treatment I was taken to my own courtyard with Jacuzzi, sauna and private toilet where I relaxed for an hour in blissful solitude.
I indulged in the Healing Honey Ritual – a decadent head-to-toe honey scrub and jojoba honey massage – all with honey harvested from an on-site apiary. Even though I live in a semi-arid desert area, I noticed my skin drying out within hours of arriving in Santa Fe. This treatment provided exactly what my skin needed, leaving it moisturized and radiant.
Next, I experienced the brand new Elemis Facial, an ultra-hydrating treatment perfect for travelers with moisture-deprived skin from high altitude and dry southwest climates. This highly effective facial deeply renewed my skin at the cellular level.
To end my day, I relaxed in the lounge with a steaming cup of tea by the fireplace, soaking in the stunning views 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 Costa Brown in Sonoma. Hay-smoked shrimp pavé, ColoRouge pan, wild mushroom consommé, lavender-rubbed moose coffee and pear tarts showcased the culinary creativity of Executive Chef Andrew Fox.
The prawns were divine, both in presentation and taste. Paired with Kosta Browne’s 2021 One Sixteen Chardonnay, toasted notes of honey-soaked brioche mixed with lemon, orange, wasabi, trout roe and lime roe hit all the senses.
Touches of New Mexico cuisine are everywhere on Terra’s regular menu, but spread across 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, enchiladas are available if you’re craving this traditional favorite. If you’re in the mood for it, try the charred corn soup. It may sound ordinary, but it is anything but.
Guests have several seating options, including indoor seating in 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.
Featuring a large open fireplace, Terra Bar is the perfect place to relax and enjoy an innovative selection of craft cocktails, signature drinks and an extensive wine list.
Every evening I retreated to my secluded courtyard, settling in front of the outdoor fireplace under a sky full of stars. It has quickly become my favorite place in all of Santa Fe.
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