Fodor's Expert Review Rancho Gallina Inn

A secluded, solar-powered "eco-retreat" on the far south side of Santa Fe, this five-room inn abounds with charming features, from rustic-luxurious rooms kiva fireplaces and access to lovely courtyards and portals to fabulous organic breakfasts served in the converted adobe barn. It's one of the only accommodations close to the Turquoise Trail scenic drive between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Although named for Arroyo Gallina, which trickles through the property, the inn does have chickens roaming its grounds--they're just one more aspect the owners' commitment to ecological practices (as they help cultivate soil and provide eggs).

Cyclists should consider bringing a bike, as the inn is located close to some outstanding, scenic areas for riding, and the owners have created a page on their website describing some of the best routes for cycling in the area.

room

The five warmly appointed accommodations range from a standard but still spacious room to larger suites with separate sitting areas to a pair of detached casitas with kitchenettes. The large unit, the Silverado Suite, has eight big skylights, a living room–art studio, and extra beds and futons that can accommodate up to seven guests--it's a great choice for families. Some rooms open to the main ranch house, where guests enjoy shared use of a large kitchen and a comfy living room. Rooms are filled with interesting decorative elements, from antique writing desks to Moroccan inlaid doors, and all have kiva fireplaces.

Photo: Lone Butte Casita with kiva fireplace, kitchenette and sunset views / Liz Wuerffel

Photo: Moroccan Room / Gabriella Marks

Photo: Kiva Suite with queen bed, ensuite twin and bath with clawfoot tub / Gabriella Marks

bathroom

The bathrooms are all charmingly decorated and range greatly in size and configuration. Handsome tile showers or tubs and colorful hand-painted sinks are among the features. Water-saving showers, toilets, and sinks are among the inn's eco-friendly features.

lobby

The common areas are set in the converted barn and in the main ranch house and provide plenty of space for guests to spread out, relax, and mingle. They include a common guest kitchen in the ranch house, and a breakfast area in the barn. The property also has courtyards and gardens that on warm days feel a bit like a serene outdoor lobby.

Photo: Silverado Suite "yoga studio" for meetings, yoga, or as an extra bedroom / Gabriella Marks

Photo: The barn and grounds lit up for a summer party / Gabriella Marks

Photo: Shared courtyard and patio, complete with grills, fire pit and koi pond / Gabriella Marks

pool

There's no pool, but the grounds do include a beautifully crafted cedar hot tub that's a wonderful spot to soak and stargaze at night.

dining

Rates include delicious cooked-to-order full breakfasts with dishes that nearly always feature eggs from the happy resident chickens, perhaps quiche with green chile or Middle Eastern shakshouka. The inn also has occasional pizza nights and offers cooking classes.

Photo: Barn set up for a summer feast / Gabriella Marks

Photo: Dining room in the barn / Gabriella Marks

Photo: Home-baked organic wild leaven bread / Gabriella Marks

Photo: Bedroom in the Silverado Suite / Gabriella Marks

drinking

There's no bar, but guests have access to a common kitchen as well as kitchenettes in the casitas, making it easy to store beer and wine and prepare cocktails. On weekends, the owners even offer a light happy hour with adult beverages and snacks.

Photo: Bedroom in the Silverado Suite / Gabriella Marks