Honeymoon Enchantment in Santa Fe

Words by John Roark
Photos courtesy of Four Season Rancho Encantado Santa Fe

In New Mexico, enchantment is a given. Santa Fe will charm you with much more: natural beauty, culture, adventure – and a welcome as big as the Southwestern sky.

With the people you meet in Santa Fe, folks abandon the rat race for the unmatched beauty of the Southwest. Creative spirits are awakened by the energy that draws so
many to this extraordinary place. Rich in history and tradition, the oldest capital city in the U.S. makes an unforgettable honeymoon destination.

Make your base camp the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. Embraced by rolling hills and vast blue skies, the 57-acre resort embodies the spirit of the Southwest. A palette of wood, iron, stone and glass creates a canvas of rustic luxury and elegance. Sixty-five spacious casitas and nine guest suites are surrounded by stunning vistas, just ten minutes from downtown Santa Fe.

EAT

Chef’s Table: Executive Chef Andrew Cooper’s interactive epicurean journey features an elegant eight-to-12 course tasting menu right inside the resort’s kitchen. Don an apron and you’re part of the action with a fascinating and fun hands-on cooking lesson. This four-hour adventure is a fun and unforgettable experience for newlyweds or as many as ten guests.

Santa Fe Opera Tailgate Party: Your opening-night experience begins with a chauffeured drive to the world-renowned Santa Fe Opera for a behind-the-scenes tour, followed by a private gourmet dinner against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains.

PLAY

Explore contemporary and ancient Santa Fe with Adventure Partners as your guide. Private excursions ranging from a few hours to an entire day include hikes, archaeological tours and mountain bike treks that immerse you in history, tradition and natural beauty.

DON’T MISS

Wineries: Grapes love the climate and soil of New Mexico and many respected wineries call Santa Fe home. Since 1987, Gruet has been producing international award-winning wines. Drop in for a tour and invest in some exceptional additions for your cellar.

Galleries: Artwork makes a fantastic keepsake for newlyweds and whatever your style, you’ll find the perfect piece here. No tour of Santa Fe’s famed art district is complete without a stop at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Experience the words and works of the Southwest’s most celebrated artist.

Spiritual Places: For centuries, the humble churches of northern Santa Fe have inspired multitudes. Visit one of the world’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, El Santuario de Chimayo. You’ll feel it: you are on holy ground.

Leave your cares behind, open your senses and the magic of Santa Fe will find you.

This article first appeared in Destination I Do's Spring/Summer 2015 issue. You can order a copy here.