At This Former Dude Ranch-Turned-Four Seasons in Santa Fe, Soak in the Scenery and Stay for the Spa

Stay Here For

A grounding, nature-filled retreat, with easy access to the best sightseeing in the area. 

Commanding nearly 60 acres at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe—a former dude ranch that dates back to the 1930s—offers the quiet stillness of the desert against a backdrop of the Rio Grande River Valley’s rolling hills and the hazy peaks of the Jemez Mountains. 

As a guest, you can take it all in from several serene vantage points: Have a sunset-timed meal at Terra, the resort’s primary restaurant and bar, or a morning mimosa on the private patio of your casita. Take a leisurely walk through lavender-filled gardens, or hike up to the summit of the Camino Encantado Trail on the resort’s property for the best views yet.

Just know that while there’s plenty of nature right outside your casita, you can’t experience all of the beauty New Mexico has to offer—the red rocks of Ghost Ranch, the electric sunsets over the Sandia Mountains, the breathtaking panoramic vistas of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument—from the confines of any resort. 

What you really need is a home base for exploring it all, one that allows you to fully relax and recharge after each outing—and Four Seasons is exactly that. After all, the resort’s spa is located on a spiritual vortex, so if you came to New Mexico to reconnect with the earth, this is one of the best places to do so. Plus, easy access to downtown Santa Fe and an Adventure Center that can coordinate hikes and excursions makes unlocking unforgettable experiences in the region easier than you can imagine. All you have to do is check in.

The Essentials

The Rooms

There are six different adobe-style casitas to choose from, plus two types of suites, and they all have a private balcony or patio. If you don’t need the extra square footage of a suite, the freestanding Deluxe Casitas are where you want to stay. They’re plenty spacious and the most private out of all the casitas, with no neighbors above or below.

Each room also includes a wood-burning fireplace for chilly desert nights (plus a fireplace butler available 24/7 to get it started) and tasteful design details that speak to the Southwest—exposed wood beams, cowhide benches, traditional weavings hung on the walls—without feeling like cosplay.

The Bars and Restaurants

Terra, the resort’s sole year-round restaurant and bar, serves contemporary Southwestern dishes like roasted poblano peppers and an excellent charred-corn chowder across a spacious indoor dining room and outdoor patio. Grab a table outside for an early dinner—the patio faces west, making it one of the best spots in the entire resort to watch the sun set over the desert. If you’re celebrating something special, end your meal with the dulce de leche creme anglaise for dessert, a decadent spectacle that’s finished tableside, and infinitely more flashy than your standard slice of cake. Visit during peak season and you can also check out the Pool Shack.

The Standout Feature

Located on a spiritual vortex, the spa is the perfect place to relax and recharge.

Plan to spend at least a few hours at the spa. Treatment rooms, courtyards and a relaxation room equipped with a fireplace and cozy throw pillows are all connected through outdoor paths, emphasizing the role of the surrounding terrain in each treatment. For the full experience, book the Spiritual Journey, which includes a smudging ceremony, an adobe clay wrap, a personalized purification ritual and a chakra-balancing massage.

The Location

Downtown Santa Fe is approximately a 10-minute shuttle ride away.

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe is an obvious choice for anyone who wants to seamlessly move between the serenity of the desert and the vibrancy of Santa Fe. A complimentary 10-minute shuttle ride simplifies the trip downtown, where parking is notoriously hard to come by. Plus, major landmarks like The Santa Fe Opera, Museum Hill and the galleries of Canyon Road are just a short drive away.

The Time to Go

If you’re hoping to spend the majority of your time outdoors, spring and fall are the most pleasant times to visit New Mexico. But there are a few other notable dates to consider: the start of the season at The Santa Fe Opera, which begins in July; the annual Santa Fe Indian Market, held in mid August; and Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta in early October.

The Vibe

The highly specific reason you’d come here: You’re hoping to align your chakras, but still want to shop in downtown Santa Fe.

The perfect spot for your social media post: A selfie from the hot tub in the private spa courtyard after a relaxing Earth and Sky Massage.

The local hot spot: Leo’s, a buzzy new Thai- and Malay-inspired neighborhood restaurant in a former body shop. You’ll find the best seats in the house at the bar.

Do it for the kids: While there’s no on-site kids club, there are plenty of family-friendly activities and customizable experiences you can sign up for, including guided hikes that can be tailored to the ability (and attention spans) of children.

The best way to start your day is with the complimentary guided hike up the Camino Encantado Trail on the resort’s property.

Everything Else