Cliff River Springs

Set on an absolutely magical and pristine 1,200-acre tract of high-desert wilderness about an hour's drive north of Santa Fe, this wonderfully relaxing little compound of comfy and cheerful casitas is about as far off the beaten path as you'd want to stay if you're planning to spend a lot of time exploring local museums, restaurants, and shops. But if you don't mind doing a bit of driving (along beautiful, scenic roads) and you appreciate nature and quiet, you'll feel right at home here. The host is charming and helpful, and there's a lot to see and do both on property (hiking up to dramatic mesas, swimming in a crystal-clear pond) and nearby (spa treatments at Ojo Caliente resort, exploring Georgia O'Keeffe Country).

YOU SHOULD KNOW This rural retreat is far from the nearest large town and not a great choice if you want to be close to attractions or prefer not to do a lot of driving.

room

Accommodations are in seven rooms set among five charmingly furnished casitas set around a pretty lawn with plenty of areas to sit, relax, and soak up the scenery. The casitas vary a bit in configuration and size, all with plenty of windows and tasteful, contemporary furnishings (including very comfy beds and linens). All of these units have well-equipped full kitchens, and three of them have fireplaces.

This is the perfect property for a group of friends or a family to plan a retreat together, as it's possible to rent out all or some of the casitas together and have the entire property to yourself.

Photo: The master bedroom in Upper Stream House.

Photo: Looking from the living area to the kitchen in Plaza House.

Photo: Cliff East, one of Cliff House's three connecting casitas. All of our seven casitas have full kitchens and private baths.

Photo: Wood House. You can see the Sangre de Cristos from its south-facing deck.

bathroom

Each casita at Cliff River Springs has a modern and nicely decorated private bathroom.

Photo: Wood House. You can see the Sangre de Cristos from its south-facing deck.

Photo: Cliff House after a dusting of snow.

lobby

This inn has no lobby or common interior spaces, but the casitas are all quite sizable and have plenty of room to spread out and relax, and the outdoor spaces—including patios or decks off of each room—are wonderfully inviting.

Photo: Cliff House after a dusting of snow.

Photo: Guests can grill and eat together in the breezeway. Maps and guides to hikes on the land are located here, too.

dining

As this property consists of self-contained casitas that each have extensive full kitchens, guests take care of their own meals. There's no restaurant on the property, nor are any meals included.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There aren't many grocery stores in this part of the state. Your best bet for gourmet groceries are in Santa Fe and Taos, although you'll find some large general grocery stories about a 30-minute drive south in Española.

Photo: Guests can grill and eat together in the breezeway. Maps and guides to hikes on the land are located here, too.

drinking

There's no bar on-site, but each casita has a full kitchen, so there's plenty of room to store beer and wine and prepare cocktails. Be sure to pick up supplies before you arrive, as this location is quite remote.