Connect with Southwestern Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico

by Jeff Voth

Santa Fe, New Mexico is one of my favorite places to visit. An eclectic mix of art, cuisine and Native American culture provides the perfect atmosphere to reconnect with the things that are important in life; faith, family and friends.

Albuquerque is located one hour south of Santa Fe and is the main gateway into the area. A bustling city in the middle of nowhere, it lies on the banks of the Rio Grande at 5,000 ft. above sea level.

Our first stop on the trip to Santa Fe was the renowned Gruet Winery in Albuquerque. Established in the mid 1980's by Gilbert Gruet of the successful Champagne house, "Gruet et Fils" in Bethon, France, the Gruet family located their new vineyard near the small town of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, some 170 miles south of Albuquerque on I-25.

At 4,300 ft. altitude, the Gruet Vineyards are some of the highest in North America. Daily temperature fluctuations of up to 30° Fahrenheit moderate the growing process, while a sandy loam soil and lack of humidity provide the perfect setting to produce award winning wines. Included in their list of fine wines is the limited production Methode Champenoise, Blanc de Blancs. Aged to perfection over a four year period, it offers a full, fruity bouquet with crisp accents of roasted almonds and minerals. Limited to 1,000 cases per year, it sells out fast.

Leaving the winery, we were chauffeured, (thankfully) to our accommodations for the evening. Las Palomas is a charming country inn located in Santa Fe. The dream of world-renowned tenor Neil Rosenshein, the resort is designed to reflect two unique styles of architecture found throughout much of the Southwest.

The first is a style referred to as Pueblo. Constructed of adobe brick, the historical buildings of Las Palomas have been graciously updated to reflect the modern conveniences of today, while maintaining their original charm. A wood burning kiva fireplace provides warmth. Earthen colored walls, wood furniture and leather seating combine with ceramic tiles of vibrant green, yellow and blue to add a classic Southwest flavor to each room.

The second architectural style is designated as Territorial. A total of 19 studios and one-bedroom casitas surround the original property home on the resort first built in the early 1800's. Each studio offers the romantic ambience of a gas-light fireplace and original artwork. The one-bedroom casitas add hand-woven rugs and feather beds to the gracious living space that includes a large bathroom, two TV's, comfy couch and a large kitchenette.

Breakfast is served in the Bistro, located in the main lobby. The gracious staff at Los Palomas stands ready to cook up something special, or pack a lunch for the road. On the not-so-rare occasion that you find yourself indulging in one too many waffles, (personal experience talking) a first-class fitness facility is located on the property. It features a full line of Matrix cardio and strength training equipment in a comfortable and roomy setting.

Much of the charm of Las Palomas stems from the charismatic personality of its owner. Neil Rosenshein has captured both critical and popular acclaim in North America and around the world. His career includes performances at the Metropolitan Opera, Paris Opéra, Hamburg's Staatsoper and San Francisco Opera to name only a few. Never one to miss an opportunity to share a story, Neil regaled us with tales of his life as an opera star, even sharing past experiences with composer extraordinaire Leonard Bernstein. Neil is proof that the life of an opera star is anything but boring!

Leaving the city, we drove 40 miles to Rancho de San Juan, a luxurious Four-Diamond award winning resort located in the low-lying mountains between Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. A member of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux association of hotels and resorts, Rancho de San Juan is rated one of the top 75 hotels in the USA on Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List for 2006.

The unassuming entrance to Rancho de San Juan from US Hwy. 285 belies the luxury of this resort. A dirt and gravel road winds through the rocky foothills, crossing a dry stream bed before ending at the front walkway of the main building. So wonderful is the integration of the resort with the surrounding countryside that it blends into the mountainous region as if being part of the natural geography.

Owners David Heath and John Johnson have created a masterpiece that perfectly reflects the spirit of New Mexico. A Spanish style hacienda greets guests as they arrive, a bubbling fountain and thick wooden main doors your first hint that something special is about to happen.

Entering the foyer, a small wooden counter acts as the main reception desk. Off to one side, a glassed in sitting area is relaxed and intimate. Just steps away, the Zagat award-winning restaurant beckons guests to come in, sit down and experience the finest in dining.

The ala carte dinner menu is sure to please even the most demanding guest. A treat for the senses, each appetizer, entrée and dessert is chosen with utmost care. Possessing one of the most extensive wine lists this side of the Rio Grande, Head Chef and Owner John Johnson isn't shy about sharing the wealth of his cellar.

Three levels of accommodations define Rancho de San Juan; Standard, Superior and Deluxe Casitas. Each is named to reflect a significant aspect of New Mexico culture. My room was given the name "Kiva". It offered a circular main room, skylight for star gazing, an oversized bathroom with whirlpool tub and a genuine Kiva fireplace.

Rancho de San Juan is a special treat for the senses and perfectly reflects the unassuming character of both owners. As a must see resort in New Mexico, it is sure to generate international acclaim for years to come.

Leaving Santa Fe behind, I was reminded again of why it remains so high on my list of places to visit. With exclusive art galleries and first-class shopping, an incomparable choice of fine dining and exquisite accommodations in town or just a short drive away, it offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of New Mexico.