Family Travel: A Romantic Santa Fe Hideaway
Romance is in the air, and there is possibly no better place to capture some than at the historic Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Any time of year, this award-winning ranch resort and spa in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains affords guests a host of amenities to live out their romantic dreams.
Desperately longing for some time alone, my husband and I took a break from our hectic family life to celebrate our wedding anniversary in a special way. We had long been aware of Santa Fe’s reputation as a romantic getaway. Rather than staying in the central business district, we chose Bishop’s Lodge, having read several reviews about it being a secluded, natural retreat where reconnecting, rekindling and revitalizing relationships is almost guaranteed.
Originally a private resting place for Santa Fe’s first archbishop, Bishop’s Lodge is a now a hip hideaway. Our adobe-style dwelling with its Southwestern décor, luxury linens and signature toiletries was appointed with all the right touches to warm our hearts and minds.
Bordered by the Santa Fe National Forest, the historic resort provided a peaceful setting where simple things like nestling up near an in-room crackling fireplace, enjoying a hike or horseback ride along the trails, relaxing at the spa and dining at Las Fuentes restaurant in the beautifully adorned main lodge was practically all our hearts desired. The scenery was second to none with uninterrupted vistas and landscapes reminiscent of those found in paintings and photographs by Georgia O’Keefe and Ansel Adams. The main lodge and adjacent well-appointed lodges —-15, all told —- are clustered together, surrounded by 152 acres of immaculately maintained grounds, which include an equestrian area, the highly acclaimed Shanah Spa, an on-site trap and skeet shooting range as well as a glorious pool.
Located 3 miles to the north of the Santa Fe downtown district, Bishop’s Lodge, a member of the Historic Hotels of America, provided both peace and privacy, yet was convenient for those times when we felt like injecting ourselves into a bit of civilization. A complimentary shuttle goes right to the center of Santa Fe’s art, dining and cultural area.
Venturing off-property, the beautiful 5-minute drive opened up picturesque doors to the Plaza, where local attractions drew us in. Sidewalk cafes and eateries, with their high-profile chefs, delighted hungry patrons with savory dishes. Art museums such as The Georgia O’Keefe Museum, and art galleries along internationally famous Canyon Road, just east of the Plaza, bustled with admirers and collectors.
Spanish Pueblo Revival style architecture dominates the city and centuries-old buildings, such as the nation’s oldest church, San Miguel Mission.
As New Mexico’s capital city, Santa Fe has an exotic vibe mirrored by no other city in North America. The Latino, American Indian and Southwestern influences coupled with strict zoning to preserve them make this 400-year-old destination a blend of exquisite charm and magic. In 2009 the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Santa Fe one of the Trust’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations.
Bishops Lodge and Santa Fe together make for the perfect adult playground —- invigorating one’s soul and senses!
Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa
1297 Bishop’s Lodge Road
Santa Fe, New Mexico
87501
Toll-free Telephone: 800-419-0492
www.bishopslodge.com
Rates vary throughout the year.
