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I must admit, Santa Fe was not on my radar at all. It wasn’t until my husband asked me if I wanted to join him on a business trip that I started to see what the Santa Fe hype is all about.
I immediately began my research and was delighted to discover we we’re staying at one of Santa Fe’s top hotels. The Auberge Collection, Bishops Lodge is like something out of a southwestern romance film. Clay colored adobe style structures, bold against the deepest of clear blue skies, wild lavender bushes in abundance, meandering rocky pathways weaving through crab apple trees, mulberry trees and fire pits dotted around the property, a Ralph Lauren dream!
Bishops lodge touts itself as a soulful southwest retreat, and I agree with them completely. The hotel manages to infuse the luxury you would expect at an Auberge Property with the classic southwestern ranch style, that makes you feel truly at home.
Besides being a wonderfully appointed hotel, the standout features for me at bishop's lodge were:
The Spa - offering countless massage and skincare treatments. I had a 90-minute CBD massage, and I can say with all honesty it took me to another universe. The spa also offers sound healing, guided meditation practice, and facial treatments. I also had a 30-minute oxygen treatment to help me acclimate to the altitude.
The fantastic car program between Mercedes Benz and Bishops Lodge hotel. Since the hotel is approximately 3.5 miles from town, the hotel offers an option to “borrow” any Mercedes you like. I had the opportunity to borrow a Mercedes AMG SL 63 roadster one day and a Mercedes Maybach the other. Both cars were brand new, and I felt great cruising around Santa Fe in both cars!
The activities offered at the hotel are endless. Horseback riding, fly fishing, tamale making, stained glass making, hiking, botanical gin making, leather tooling, yoga, meditation, hot air ballooning, wine tasting, 4WD, archery… the list goes on. We were fortunate enough to experience a “chocolate immersion workshop” hosted by the owner of Kakawa chocolates, Bonnie. The Chocolate immersion was truly memorable and will likely leave a lasting impression on the both of us.
Top things to do in Santa Fe
While there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, such as hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, or even skiing in the wintertime, here are some of the must-do activities while you’re here.
Since its founding in 1610, Santa Fe Plaza has been the city's cultural hub. Surrounded by centuries-old buildings like the Palace of the Governors, it remains the epicenter of Santa Fean affairs, hosting markets, concerts, and gatherings. The plaza, a National Historic Landmark, is bustling with activity any night of the week, offering restaurants, galleries, and souvenir shops.
Canyon Road hosts over 80 art galleries offering pieces from renowned artists, including members of the Taos Society of Artists, as well as unique items like handmade Pueblo pottery and kinetic sculptures. Explore the various galleries and shops lining the street to discover a wide range of items, from jewelry to paintings. The street's charm extends beyond its offerings: Numerous galleries are situated in historic adobe structures adorned with vibrant flowers, outdoor art displays are a common sight, and the alluring scents wafting from excellent eateries beckon passersby.
3. Take a Ceramics Class.
Santa Fe is a city known for its vibrant arts scene. Visitors can easily immerse themselves in the artistic atmosphere at places like Paseo Pottery, a functioning studio that provides clay classes. Paseo Pottery was established in 1991 by a group of three artists. Today, ceramic artists continue to create in the studio, with their pieces showcased in the on-site gallery. These artists also offer various classes, ranging from extensive seven-week courses to shorter two-hour sessions for beginners. Participants can experiment with hand-building techniques and pottery wheels, enjoying a hands-on experience with clay. At the conclusion of the classes, the artwork is recycled back into the clay supply.
Each region boasts its own iconic cocktail, and in Santa Fe, the margarita reigns supreme. The Margarita Trail is a unique experience that links nearly 50 restaurants and bars throughout Santa Fe County. Participants can savor specialty drinks like the "Holy Margarita" at SkyFire Restaurant in Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection, and the "Cowgirl Cadillac Margarita" at Cowgirl BBQ.
The trail isn't designed for visitors to traverse the entire route in one go. Instead, it's intended for gradual exploration, perfect for a weekend getaway or a more extended stay. Travelers can document their journey with a "passport," obtainable in paper format at any Santa Fe visitor center or digitally through an app. Presenting this passport at participating venues entitles the holder to a $1 discount on their specialty margarita.
Food Scene in Santa Fe
Santa Fe's award-winning culinary scene is a food lover's paradise. New Mexico’s capital is also home to a vibrant culinary scene, and not just because of its signature red and green chiles that smother everything from enchiladas, burritos, and burgers to more inventive, modern fare. Down the cities over four-hundred-year-old streets you’ll find decadent food trucks, sophisticated bistros, eclectic international cuisine, and eateries to match the town’s colorful art scene. These are the best restaurants in Santa Fe to map your next visit around:
The very first thing I did when we decided we were going to Santa Fe, was to make a reservation at Geronimo. Warm and inviting, the elegant "Borrego House" was built by Geronimo Lopez in 1756.
Thick adobe walls, kiva fireplaces and wood beams surround.
Geronimo is the recipient of the AAA Four Diamond and Mobil/Forbes 4 Star Awards. Voted OpenTable's "Top 100 Restaurants in the Country" and TripAdvisor's "Top 10 Restaurants in the US"
Executive Chef Sllin Cruz creates the "Global Eclectic" menu that changes seasonally.
I was absolutely blown away by not only the service and hospitality, but also the dishes we ordered. The menu is updated almost daily based on produce available, and we had the: Wasabi Caesar Salad and the Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Sashimi & Tartare to start. For mains we had the Fiery Sweet Chile & Honey grilled Mexican white prawns and the Green Miso seabass. We were speechless with how delicious everything was. I cannot recommend Geronimo enough, and If I ever make it back to Santa Fe, it will be my first stop!
Fallon xo
Interesting facts about Santa Fe
Inspired by the city’s artistry and free spirit, Ralph Lauren in 1981 brought the craftsmanship and natural charm of the Southwest to the forefront of high fashion. You can see why to this day Ralph Lauren continues to be inspired by this city and well doing my research on Santa Fe, I discovered that Ralph Lauren himself sources a lot of items for his ranch home in Colorado, here in Santa Fe, specifically from Shiprock gallery, which is located on the Plaza, and features countless artifacts, rugs and handicrafts that would look right at home in Ralphs Colorado ranch.
Santa Fe is the oldest capital City in the USA. Established in 1607, it became a capital in 1610.
Santa Fe was named the best world's best city for galleries and museums, in 2021.
A significant part of Santa Fe's culture is connected to New Mexico's 23 Native American Tribes, Nations and Pueblos. Each tribe comprises its own sovereign nation, so the rules, language, and culture differ.
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