Things to do / Travel Guide
There's no better way to do this region of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado than with someone you love. Secrets thrive here. The starkness of the landscape, the vast wilderness of not just desert but of forest - becomes the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Whether your vacation is to celebrate a honeymoon, an anniversary, or any old romantic occasion, the Native American and Mexican cultures will charm, and the landscapes will leave you breathless. Just the way you should be when you're in love.
Romantic Lodging and Activities in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado
In addition to a good number of fine bed and breakfasts in the region, what sets this region apart is the unusual number of high-quality inns and resorts. Indeed, northern New Mexico and southern Colorado is a sensual place, and proprietors have picked up on this and channeled this sensuality into their vacation lodgings.
One of the best of these lodgings is the Inn of the Anasazi, right in Santa Fe. The grounds are designed in a classic pueblo style, with reinforced mud and stone walls and exposed dark wood beams and frameworks. The front lobby and the library are the central meeting rooms, and they have been fascinatingly appointed with authentic artwork of the Anasazi and Mexican worlds. With regard to the rooms, many of them center around gas-lit kiva fireplaces, and skillfully-crafted geometric rugs grace the floors. King-size beds are in most rooms, and the bathrooms are laden with a full range of Lady Primrose toiletries.
Of course, if you're looking for a slightly-simpler experience in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, then you might better enjoy one of the region's bed and breakfasts. One of Albuquerque's most romantic is Adobe Nido, another adobe structure, boasting excellent accommodations and service. The rooms are replete with regional furnishings and decorations, while amenities are quite inviting. The rooms are all floor-heated, including the bathrooms. The bathrooms have Jacuzzi-style tubs for two. There is an on-grounds outdoor sauna for your enjoyment, as well as a day spa in the immediate neighborhood.
For a more secluded getaway looking out onto the mountains, the inimitable Buffalo Gal Bunkhouse should be just right. It's right in between the historic town of Taos to the south and the legendary ski resort of Taos to the north. With these two attractions, you won't be lacking for day activities. Visit Taos Pueblo for haunting scenes of the desert and a look into how the Pueblo Native Americans lived for thousands of years. On the other hand, the skiing at Taos Resort is epic, as you may well know; nevertheless, it retains a distinctive family-owned atmosphere that bodes well for the romantically-inclined.
Now about Buffalo Gal Bunkhouse: this oblong pueblo range, shaded by trees and in view of the mountains, was made to facilitate romance. The ornately-carved wood, the dyed clay walls, the candles, the complementary wine and chocolates, the classic New Mexican antiques, and the comfy bed, all contribute to making the scene in this bed and breakfast one of the most romantic you'll ever experience. That's the bed - as for the breakfast, have no fear, the fare is all gourmet here. In-house massages are on the menu as well. The hosts, finally, make this experience that much better by adding their warmth and sharing their knowledge of the surroundings.
Romantic Dining in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado
Santa Fe's number one spot to dine, in an atmosphere quintessentially Santa Fean, is The Geronimo. The cuisine: Southwest-focused global fusion. That means a main course constituted of charred king salmon and Hawaiian mahi mahi, smoked jalapeno shrimp risotto, and Israeli eggplant and artichoke couscous. Or for dessert, roasted banana cream pie with Italian meringue, caramelized bananas, and citrus. The chef or sommelier will give wine pairings for every course, and in general, service is attentive and helpful without being meddling.
In downtown Albuquerque, located in an old adobe pueblo, you'll find a quaint French restaurant called La Crepe Michel. Inauspicious and modest, it's the type of place where pride is in service and taste - you won't find pylons of delicately-arranged edibles surrounded by arugula and endives and other inedibles. Instead, just good food in a warm atmosphere. Chicken crepes stuffed with brie cheese and wine, quiches, paté, and beef salads with more brie all abound on the menu. And of course, don't forego the stuffed endives with walnuts and a Roquefort dressing. An ambiance-filled restaurant like this, French food in a Southwestern pueblo, is perhaps the region's best when it comes to romance.
Romantic Excursions Above Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado
Taking in the twists and turns of the Rio Grande, and the majestic views of the abrupt Sandia Mountains from the gondola of a hot-air balloon, is pretty hard to beat. The scenery of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado is the region's most precious asset, and one of the best ways to experience is it from the air. The deserts and forests below reverberate with pulsating and persevering life - and to experience this is an excellent way to wrap up your romantic foray into this region.
Romantic Vacation Ideas in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado
Romantic-Vacations-Getaways
The Living Spa at the El Monte Sagrado Living Resort
Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
|
|
|