Tucked at the foothills of Sangre de Cristo, New Mexico’s capital Santa Fe is famous for its strong art scene, unique adobe-style architecture, and distinct but delicious cuisine. What’s more, the gorgeous New Mexican capital is also famous for textiles and Native American artwork too. If that wasn’t enough, the city also has a hint of luxury in the form of many options for a 5 star luxury hotel in Santa Fe. However, luxury hotels in Sante Fe feature a lot more than just great ratings. Imagine experiencing a true taste of old Southwest living without roughing it! Many luxury hotels are built in adobe-pueblo style and incorporate Southwestern elements into their design and architecture. Think gnarly handmade furniture and adobe, kiva-style fireplaces.
So, part of you wonders, “So, this is was it was like,” while the other part looks forward to how that margarita is coming along! Add to that the typical large puffy leather chairs that bring out the railroad tycoon in all of us! The best bit is that if you want to stay away from the bustle, then there are many destination mountain resorts around where decadent amenities include lavender fields and Japanese onsen spas! Add to that the fact that Santa Fe is one of the Best US Winter Vacation spots, and you know why these resorts are popular throughout the year! To that end, here are the 11 best 5 star luxury hotels in Santa Fe.
Table of contents
- Inn and Spa at Loretto
- La Posada De Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa
- Ojo Santa Fe Resort
- Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
- Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
- The Inn of the Five Graces
- Inn on the Alameda
- Hotel Santa Fe, The Hacienda and Spa
- Hotel St. Francis
- Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa
- Inn of the Turquoise Bear
- Recommended Restaurants/Bar in Santa Fe
- Recommended Things To Do in Santa Fe
- Where To Stay in Santa Fe
Inn and Spa at Loretto
11
The Inn and Spa at Loretto is an excellent luxury hotel in Santa Fe. Located in the heart of Santa Fe, this boutique luxury hotel lies a stone’s throw from Santa Fe’s famed museums, galleries, and Canyon Road’s “Artist Row.” The hotel’s iconic adobe architecture and pueblo dwellings are authentically western and hark back to the days of the old Southwest. Choose from 136 excellent rooms and suites, including the only Penthouse suite in Santa Fe. Stay in a splurge-worthy manner in this premier luxury suite, which has two massive bathrooms with deep-soaking bathtubs and five terraces. What’s more, the second story boasts a full gourmet kitchen, a formal dining area, and a huge master king bedroom. Furthermore, there’s a sunroom, a library, in-room spa services, and a wood-burning kiva fireplace, in-room spa services, and in-room dining service.
But, that’s not all. The award-winning Spa at Loretto is a sea of calm, complete with antique furnishings, natural and stone surroundings, and calming hues. This is pampering and old-school relaxation at its best. However, what’s really special is that the spa has created its own custom-crafted aromatherapy and essential oil blends called “Spirit of Loretto.” The outdoor pool is heavenly and makes this one of the Best Hotels with Pools in Santa Fe. Finally, the elegant cuisine at the onsite restaurant is what makes this resort the epitome of bespoke luxury.
La Posada De Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa
10
From its roots as an 1880s brick mansion to its subsequent expansion and renovation, the historic La Posada de Santa Fe is one of the most unique destinations in the Southwest. The exclusive resort features Pueblo Revival-style adobe casitas peppered around an existing carriage house and Staab Mansion. Today, they feature 157 restored casita-style and swanky rooms and suites, some of which date back to more than 230 years! Just like other luxury 5 star Santa Fe hotels, these have kiva-style fireplaces, garden views, and lots of space to unwind and relax. The rest of the hotel is equally indulgent, especially a heavenly massage or a body treatment at the full-service spa and salon.
However, the highlight is the see-and-be-seen lively lounge of Staab House Bar, complete with viga ceilings and kiva fireplaces. In fact, Travel+Leisure calls it the “coziest bar in Santa Fe!” Sip on evening drinks here before moving over to the restaurant Julia for an indulgent Southwestern meal.
Ojo Santa Fe Resort
9
Does your idea of luxury include being in the lap of nature at a wellness destination? Then the Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort is the best luxury hotel in Santa Fe for you. Fed by natural springs, the luxury hotel sits on lush green acres and boasts a sacred and nurturing destination spa. Their wellness program, in fact, comes with health counselors and even a Reiki Master! However, nature lovers will love the refreshingly pure and cold waters of the artesian springs on the property, which fills the soaking tubs and pools at the resort. Plus, they’re even a continual source of nutrients and water for the verdant gardens. Indulge in the Repose Pools that relax the mind, body, and spirit for the ultimate in relaxation. Nestled beneath towering cottonwoods and on the edge of a tranquil pond, these pools are perfect for blissful soaking under the blue sky.
But, that’s not all. The resort even has a “Puppy Patch” for bringing guests happiness in the form of lovable puppies! Besides the joy that you’ll feel from the playful and cuddly pups, they’ll even lower your anxiety and stress levels. Finally, the onsite Blue Heron restaurant serves delicious farm-to-table meals made from local ingredients.
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
8
The Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado is a secluded, 5 star resort tucked away on sprawling acres in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. With just 65 casita–style rooms and suites, it boasts the intimacy of a boutique hotel. You’ll love that every room, even entry-level casitas, has its own terrace and fireplace, making for a very romantic atmosphere. What’s more, the patio casitas have both indoor and outdoor fireplaces! However, even the rest of the resort is equally indulgent, especially because there are personal guides who take you on guided hikes in the desert.
After a long day of hiking, enjoy a refreshing dip in the divine swimming pool or soak your sore muscles in the hot tub. If that doesn’t do the trick, we’re sure that a healing massage or a body treatment at the spa using local ingredients is sure to soothe the body. As the day winds down, nosh on delectable Southwestern cuisine at the onsite restaurant. After dining on the patio, kick your feet up by the fire pit and enjoy late-night drinks under a starry sky.
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
7
No list of luxury hotel in Santa Fe options is complete without mentioning Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, which is Santa Fe style done with a smile. Nothing says relaxation, rest, and living the pueblo life better than this boutique luxury hotel in the heart of the town. Choose from just 58 rooms and suites, with each featuring traditional ceilings, handcrafted furnishings, and crackling Kiva fireplaces that are perfect for unwinding after a long day. When you want to unwind in the comfort of your digs, book in-room massages or aromatherapy treatments for you and your beloved. When you want to get out, the hotel boasts 24-hour fitness facilities, including Peloton bikes for exploring the town. The onsite restaurant embraces the inn’s Native and Southwestern heritage and serves innovative fare. Moreover, the chef can even arrange for private dining in the library if you’re celebrating something special.
However, the standout here is the Tequila Table, the only dedicated one in Santa Fe. A tequila expert comes in to share the process and history, finishing off with a unique menu sampler, of course! It’s no surprise that the hotel has earned many accolades, including a four-star rating on the 2109 Forbes Travel Guide. Furthermore, it’s been awarded the Readers Choice Awards from Conde Nast Traveler in both 2017 and 2018.
The Inn of the Five Graces
6
Worldly style and seclusion come to Santa Fe in the form of The Inn of the Five Graces in Barrio del Analaco, which is considered the oldest neighborhood in the country! There’s nothing understated about this luxury hotel. Think far-flung finds such as wood and ironwork from India, Peru, and Mexico, Pakistani and Uzbek tapestries and rugs, and Navajo bedspreads. All in all, the 5 star hotel is the epitome of East-meets-West. A collection of 17th- and 18th-century adobe structures connected by a maze of courtyards make up this swish hotel. Later on, this Relais and Chateaux property was renamed to reflect the eastern idea of the five graces, namely taste, smell, touch, sound, and sight.
Arabian nights meet the American Southwest in the rooms and suites, complete with dazzling tile mosaics, patinaed wooden doorways, and lavish kilim rugs. It’s like being transported straight into a fairytale. What’s more, rooms range from one-bedroom suites to the opulent two-bedroom Luminaria Villa, which is designed like the inside of a seashell! Despite being a bed and breakfast, the hotel boasts a host of indulgent amenities. These include hidden courtyards all over the property and a 24-hour fitness center right across the street. Aside from a world-class breakfast, the highlight here is the spa treatment room, complete with therapists onsite.
Inn on the Alameda
5
A riverside luxury hotel in Santa Fe is Inn on the Alameda, which sits on lush, riverside acres just on the edge of downtown. The inn takes the inspiration from historic pueblos a step further, with rooms and suites arranged around serene courtyards. The stucco walls with flowering vines only add to the serene and romantic vibe. Moreover, all rooms feature rustic-chic Southwestern decor; think local artwork, Mission-style wood, and Native American textiles. Going further, the hotel impresses even outside the amazing digs. For instance, the well-stocked library features a roaring fireplace perfect for curling up with a book on chilly desert nights. Plus, the romantically candlelit lounge patio is perfect for date night right on the property.
Blending traditional and modern worlds, the inn’s philosophy is embodied in its dedicated and yet understatedly superlative service. Think a free shuttle around the town, cheese, and wine every evening, and a delicious free breakfast. Finally, there’s a perk that makes you feel even more like a local; it’s the closest hotel to the gallery-lined Canyon Road.
Hotel Santa Fe, The Hacienda and Spa
4
It’s hard to outshine the cultural experience at the 5 star luxury Hotel Santa Fe, the Hacienda and Spa. Tucked in the hip Railyard District, the high-end pueblo-style hotel is the first of its kind. Plus, it’s the only luxury stay to be owned and run by a local Native American tribe – the Picaris Pueblo! Now, that’s what we call special. There’s no top-tier amenity that’s been left out. For instance, the restaurant and lounge are one of Santa Fe’s most acclaimed, and the spa is amongst the best in town. Moreover, there’s even a free shuttle into town, and the gym offers yoga classes, too, making staying here an experience unlike anywhere else.
The Native American heritage is evident all over the hotel; think handmade local furniture and a private Native American art collection. Furthermore, the hotel’s gift shop is the only tribally owned store in all of Santa Fe and is an education in the Picaris Pueblo culture. And, as if this all weren’t impressive enough, the hotel boasts a rigorous environmental policy, with its rooms being completely powered by solar energy! On the inside, the rooms and suites all feature distinctly native decor, with warm rugs and soothing stone statues. For an even more luxurious experience, book one of their four-diamond Hacienda suites, and don’t forget to order an in-room hot stone massage.
Hotel St. Francis
3
Just one block south of the Plaza lies a luxury hotel in Santa Fe that’s also its oldest hotel, Hotel St. Francis. Described best as haute-monastic, this stately three-story hotel retains its historic 1924 California Mission Revival design and charm, albeit with a modern flair. The hotel might be inspired by St. Francis, the founder of the Franciscan order and patron saint of Santa Fe, but the resort is anything but frugal. Think dim, candlelit romantic common spaces and wood furnishings complemented by flatscreen TVs and Frette linens. Bathrooms are sexy, with Sister Sky aromatic sweet grass–scented bath products. The rest of the resort is equally impressive, as it’s home to two of the most acclaimed drinking spots in town. That, along with the restaurant, is all connected by a stunning lobby illuminated by candlelight. The best bit? There’s even a gym!
Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa
2
Combining luxury with the charm of the Old West is the Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa. The brainchild of miner James Thorpe, Bishop’s Lodge is New Mexico’s very first resort, with its history dating as far back as the 1850s. Today, the property spans a whopping 450 acres, complete with an outdoor pool, tennis courts, a decadent spa, and even stables! The bucolic setting at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains makes it feel worlds apart from Santa Fe’s Plaza, which is just 10 minutes away! Outdoor activities abound, including trapshooting, tennis, skeet shooting, horseback riding, and hiking – cowboy boots are definitely de rigueur here. Moreover, rooms and suites feature Southwestern furnishings, with many offering patios or balconies with spectacular mountain vistas. Finally, dig into delicious and inventive Nuevo Latino fare at the Las Fuentes Restaurant & Bar, which also serves an excellent Sunday brunch.
Inn of the Turquoise Bear
1
The Inn of the Turquoise Bear is, without a doubt, the most gorgeous 5 star luxury hotel in Santa Fe. The historic estate and adobe villa was where American poet Witter Bynner entertained celebrities and artists in the 1920s and 1930s. Even today, it evokes a high sense of style and hospitality, thanks to its overflowing amenities. Snacks and wine served at 5 pm act as a gathering call of sorts, and when guests can swap stories and experiences. The innkeepers know everything, right from what to do in Santa Fe to where to get the best margarita in town. Bibliophiles will fall in love with the library that’s filled with Witter Bynner works, hard-to-find Santa Fe history books, and updated guidebooks. Moreover, the outdoors are gorgeous; the rock-lined garden beds bloom through October, with mature Chinese and Siberian Elms providing shady respites.
Besides other meals, you’ll love the bountiful breakfasts here. But, the best of them all are the rooms and suites, which are decked out in native Puebloan pottery, textured rugs, and Southwest art. Moreover, most rooms feature private terraces or balconies, while others have traditional viga ceilings. Bathrooms come with deep-soaking bathtubs, while rooms have romantic wood-burning fireplaces, plush robes, and ice buckets. Need we say more?
Recommended Restaurants/Bar in Santa Fe
- Maria’s New Mexican Kitchen: Do you want to spend all your money drinking in Santa Fe? Head to Maria’s, which has been a Santa Fe institution since 1950. Serving humble, home-cooked New Mexican classics in an upscale setting, they’re perhaps most famous for their menu of more than 170 tequilas and 150 margaritas!
- Paloma Restaurant: Are you looking for an excellent restaurant for date night? Head to the upscale Mexican restaurant of Paloma, which makes its own tortillas from local landrace blue corn. That’s what elevates Paloma’s tacos, complete with complex flavor, cauliflower, sea bass, and carne asada, to one of the best in town.
Recommended Things To Do in Santa Fe
- Savor Santa Fe Wine Pairing Dinner: If you’re looking for a unique and splurge-worthy romantic experience in Santa Fe, when head on this upscale tour. Not only does it serve an eclectic progressive dinner, but also dessert and wine. What’s more, the tour also provides a history of Santa Fe, as well as its culture and food.
- Immersive Art and Chocolate Tasting Tour of Santa Fe: This interactive art gallery and museum tour takes you to three exciting Santa Fe galleries. It concludes with a truly sensory chocolate elixir tasting at Kakawa Chocolate House.
Where To Stay in Santa Fe
Santa Fe might be the “City of Enchantment,” but locals have an inside joke – it’s the “City of Entrapment.” That’s because once you arrive, you’ll find it very hard to leave. It lies midway between the capital Albuquerque and Taos, one of the Best Mountain Cities in USA. So, where should you base yourself in Santa Fe? To begin with, the Historic District is Santa Fe’s oldest part. The centralized Plaza area sees the strictest preservation regulations, relaxing as you go outward. Moreover, all structures follow clay-like, pale-brown tones, which are beautiful in their own way. What’s more, the Plaza is home to some of the most important historical sites around, as well as art galleries, bars, and restaurants. Secondly, there’s the Railyard District, where travelers and locals mingle. This arts and entertainment district is all about indie boutiques and bohemian stores, and art galleries.
Are you someone who loves walking? Canyon Road is where you should be. It’s home to Santa Fe’s oldest bar, El Farol. Couples and young travelers interested in nightlife will love the Historic District, which has an excellent local craft beer scene and lively restaurants and bars. Moreover, there’s even a “Margarita Trail” that features some 40 restaurants and bars. Lastly, there are Midtown and Museum Hill, which are eclectic and romantic neighborhoods. While the former is a buzzing and bustling area, the latter is quietly romantic and tranquil.
