SpaNancy

I'm just starting researching where to stay in the Santa Fe area and the top two seem to be either the Hyatt's Tamaya or Bishops Lodge. I will be a solo traveler, traveling some time in Feb or March 2012. What I'm looking for is a totally relaxing getaway ideally some place close enough to town not to feel so out in the boondocks, but away enough not to see civilization! A beautiful, natural view is a MUST. I enjoy a bit of swank, but I would rather not feel like I'm in a standard "hotel", if you get my drift. You know, how they all look alike after a while. I am a horse rider, so that amenity is great. So, comfortable inside, and gorgeous outside, with a fabulous spa and food!

I'm also considering Ten Thousand Waves, but have read mixed reviews on their hotel side of things. Most say their spa is top notch, and very different from the standard "hotel spa". I like that.

Any tips and suggestions will be appreciated!

islandaze

I've not stayed there, but wonder if you considered the Encantado Resort.

santafefoodie

The Tamaya is not near Santa Fe- it's about 45 from Santa Fe. I think of it as an Albuquerque hotel. Bishop's Lodge is very secluded and in it's own world. it's about 10 minutes from town and they offer shuttle service. Request one of the rooms on top of the hill and ask for a west facing room on the west side. I think they are called "Superior Deluxe." The other option that fits your criteria is Encantado Resort. You may encounter some Hollywood A-list names in their spa. There is a great view from the restaurant, not sure about the views from the rooms. They are about 20 minutes from town, but also offer shuttle service into town and may have cars for guest use, check with them. February may be cold, better chance for some warmth in March. Both should offer good rates as they are slow times.

DebitNM

First, the weather in Feb and March is not our proudest moment. That said, you could have very sunny days, with deep blue skies albeit with cold temps during the day and even colder at night. The sun makes it feel much warmer that the thermometer shows, so that helps. We could easily have snow too.

I live very near Tamaya. It is a stunning property with spectacular views of the Sandias [be sure to ask for a room that faces them or you won't get that view from your room]. The feel is very southwestern and the restaurants on site are very good. The spa is really nice, very serene and intimate feeling. They have stables on site, so that would work for you. I have seen it on hotwire every once in awhile [Santa Ana Pueblo location, resort or 5 stars]. The rooms are nice, and although the wings with the rooms are hotelish, it is overall, a very nice property.

It is a short [less than 10 minute drive] to Bernalillo, a very old town that also has some nice places to eat. Another 15 minutes and you can be in Corrales, a very neat town to wander about with shops to explore.

From Bernalillo, you can take the Railrunner up to Santa Fe and be there in an hour. It is a nice way to get there and leave the driving to someone else. Of course, you can drive as well.

Bishops Lodge tends to get business events, not sure how that would work for you.

Encantado is pricey.

While Santa Fe has lot of nice things to see and do, Albuquerque does too. Tamaya puts you in a good, almost equidistant location to visit both.

I have some links and suggestions on things to see and do in both Santa Fe and Albuquerque on some recent threads. Use the state drop down menu, find New Mexico and you should see them.

Good luck and let me know if I can help~

DebitNM

www.innatloretto.com has been newly acquired by Destination Hotels and Resort [I like their properties a lot, they do such a nice job of pampering]. Might be worth checking out if you want to stay in Santa Fe. Sign up for emails from them re: specials.

SpaNancy

Great advice! Yep, I don't think freezing during my outdoor activities would be too fun. I don't like heat, tho, so anywhere between, say, 56-69, would suit me. At least around here when it gets in the 40's I really start to feel it. A little on the cooler side fits. Closer to March might be a better idea.

SpaNancy

The Inn at Loretto is BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for the tip. AND, they're pet-friendly. Won't be bringing doggie this trip, but for those who can, what a treat.

SpaNancy

Now for something completely different ... would you rather go to Tamaya in FEB (specifically the week of the full moon - around the 8th) --- OR --- go to Red Rock Resort on the outskirts of Vegas, with access to a Natural Park (and possibly Lake Mead)???? So many places, so little time (and money!).

DebitNM

I don't have any input on Vegas and/or Red Rock Resort.

February will be cold. Not sure you can horseback ride then, but the full moon at night will be pretty nice.

qwovadis

Ditto DBNM www.innatloretto.com my fav from personal

experience beautiful views vibe walk to everything.

Best Blue Corn Enchaladas at The Shed nearby

You do not want to be isolated in the middle of nowhere

DownTown is where all the beautiful vistas food art craftsare.

In Feb www.visitsedona.com The Hyatt El Tovar Grand Canyon

for best views. Vegas ok not great unless party/gambler

a bit too commercial for me. Happy Hunting!

tekwriter

Another vote for Inn and Spa at Loretto. I stayed there with my sister in July and it was FAB! As a solo traveler, I'd think you'd want to be right in the heart of downtown, just steps from most of what Santa Fe has to offer. If you can move your trip to the spring (April-May), the weather will be a lot warmer, but I do enjoy the charms of the desert in the winter. Snowfall on adobe is beautiful!

DebitNM

Actually, April and May here can be pretty nasty with high winds and blowing sand; April more so than May. Spring is my least favorite season here.

jayne1973

We stayed at Bishops Lodge recently, and it fits the bill of the away-from-it-all feel you describe but is close to Santa Fe. For another unique spa option, and if you have a car, you might want to look into Ojo Caliente. www.ojocalientesprings.com