Santa Fe's 12 Coziest Winter Retreats
It's a common misconception among those who've never been that Santa Fe winters are warm and mild. In fact, as the City Different is at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, winters are chilly here, albeit with plenty of sunshine during the day. Santa Fe has a terrific ski area, and as you stroll through the city in winter, you'll be greeted with the heady aroma of pinon logs burning in fireplaces. One of the joys of visiting during the cooler months is staying at a B&B or hotel that's designed to keep you warm and snug on those cold winter nights: think kiva-style fireplaces, soft blankets and duvets with Southwestern patterns, thick adobe walls, and plush leather armchairs. These are some of the best romantic hotels in the region for a cozy, romantic wintertime getaway.
Casa Escondida B&B
Why it made the list
Downy blankets and textiles with Southwestern prints and colors decorate the comfy beds and sitting areas of the nine rooms in this elegant little B&B in the small, scenic village of Chimayó, and many rooms have fireplaces. In this pet-friendly inn, you can even bring your own furry friend to help keep you warm.
The Madeleine
Why it made the list
You'll find working fireplaces in most of the guest rooms of this grand Queen Anne Victorian inn whose beds are also outfitted with luxuriant high-quality linens. There's also a spa on the ground floor, where you can warm up after a day of hiking or skiing with an Indo-Asian hot stone massage.
Rancho Nambe
Why it made the list
At this intimate B&B set inside a thick-adobe-walled 18th-century hacienda, each of the four rooms are warmed by kiva fireplaces, as are the inviting common rooms. The properties 24 acres of evergreen-studded grounds are lovely for a winter stroll (and gorgeous when there's snow on the ground).
Pueblo Bonito Bed & Breakfast Inn
Why it made the list
Among Santa Fe accommodations with working fireplaces, this 19-room 1930s inn is one of the better values, with rates that won't break your budget (although do note that there's a small charge for the staff to supply wood and set up your fireplace for use each evening).
Sunrise Springs Spa Resort
Why it made the list
At this serene and sophisticated spa retreat on the south side of town, the most luxurious rooms—the casitas—each have gas fireplaces. But no matter which room you book, you can warm up in the year-round hot tub, or, better yet, in one of the mineral-infused soaking tubs in the spa, which overlook a spring-fed pond. Be sure to allow some time to relax in the spa's eucalyptus steam shower, too.
Inn of the Turquoise Bear
Why it made the list
You'll find a fireplace in all but one room of this rambling and historic adobe inn with thick walls, wood-beam ceilings, and plenty of cozy nooks for curling up and reading a book. For the ultimate splurge, book the Witter Bynner Room, which has a huge walk-in spa shower.
Las Palomas
Why it made the list
Made up of several historic and luxurious buildings on the west side of Downtown, this elegant compound has a wide range of room styles, all of them with either gas or wood-burning fireplaces, and several with deep soaking tubs. The stylish Southwestern decor and comfy sofas and armchairs in each room add further warmth to these beautiful rooms.
Elk Mountain Lodge
Why it made the list
This remote log cabin–inspired getaway high in the Jemez Mountains has high-ceilinged rooms with tall windows overlooking the evergreens and meadows. On winter morning, you'll love the radiant-heated flagstone and tile floors and the fireplace in your room. The accommodation is a detached cabin with its own outdoor hot tub.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
Why it made the list
All but the economical basic rooms in the main building have kiva fireplaces at this historic spa retreat in the mountains about an hour north of town. The Cliffside Suites are especially popular in winter, as each has its own private mineral soaking tub on the back patio. Whichever room you stay in, you'll have access to all of Ojo Caliente's communal mineral springs tubs.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
Why it made the list
There are few more opulent rooms in Santa Fe than these spacious casitas with wonderfully soft bedding, floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of New Mexico sunlight during the day, adobe fireplaces, and bathrooms with heated floors, deep soaking tubs, and big walk-in glass showers.
Ten Thousand Waves
Why it made the list
The sleek Japanese ryokan–inspired rooms at this boutique spa resort have marble or stone wood-burning fireplaces, which definitely takes the nip off the pure mountain air (the setting is in the foothills northeast of town, on the road to Ski Santa Fe). Best of all, Ten Thousand Waves has a series of communal and private soaking tubs that are especially romantic on a clear winter night, when you can watch the stars above.
Inn of the Five Graces
Why it made the list
The ultraplush suites in this Relais & Chateaux boutique inn are decked with cushy jewel-tone throw pillows and soft Kilim rugs form Asia, and everyone has a wood-burning fireplace. The bathrooms offer a serene retreat for warming up, too, as they're outfitted with deep soaking tubs with separate showers, and some even have steam showers.
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