by Rachel Lorenz
Four exceptional lodging options in the soul of the Southwest
With its majestic landscapes, artistic heritage, access to outdoor adventure and laid-back vibe, Taos draws visitors from around New Mexico and the world. But the most memorable trips to Taos start with extraordinary accommodations. Whether funky, homey, historic or upscale, here are a few places that will make your stay unforgettable.
Nature and nostalgia at Hotel Luna Mystica
hotellunamystica.com
Twenty-two renovated vintage trailers, situated eight miles from the heart of Taos and surrounded by 360-degree views of the mesa, make up Hotel Luna Mystica.
It’s a unique lodging experience that allows visitors to detach from their day-to-day and immerse themselves in the beauty of Taos, says Patrick Nechvatal, general manager and co-owner of the hotel and campground.
Guests also get to experience the nostalgia that comes with staying in a hip, mid-century Airstream or Spartan. Each travel trailer features a deck, climate control, bed, bathroom, and a kitchenette complete with coffee roasted by Nechvatal.
Start the day watching the sun rise over the Taos mountains and end it at a campfire under the stars. And in between, whether it’s fly fishing, hot air ballooning or taking a dip in a hot spring, there’s plenty of adventure to be had in northern New Mexico.
Calming casitas from Taos Lodging
taoslodging.com
If a home away from home is your bliss, a casita in Taos Lodging will provide the comfort you crave with the Taos feeling you fancy.
Originally built by the Garcia family in the 1940s, the eight little houses with wooden floors and adobe walls are a nod to the culture of Taos. A reminder of who and what the town is, says Celina McFadden, office manager and caretaker of Taos Lodging.
Located just off Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos’ main street, guests can explore nearby shops, art galleries and museums. But when ready to get away from the hustle and bustle, it’s just a short walk back to the peaceful, tree-dotted, manicured lawns of the property.
“It lowers your blood pressure, staying here,” McFadden says of the quiet compound.
Antiquity and art in Historic Taos Inn
taosinn.com
Taos’ past — particularly its history as an art destination — is tangible at the Historic Taos Inn.
“Staying at the Taos Inn is a step back in time,” says Front Desk Agent Janaý Hair.
What is now the lobby was once an open-air plaza and a central well ringed by family homes dating back to the 1800s. The buildings were bought by Taos residents “Doc” and Helen Martin and rented to the writers and artists that flocked to the area at the beginning of the twentieth century. Helen Martin, an artist herself, had the plaza enclosed and the buildings turned into a hotel which opened in 1936.
Nicknamed “the living room of Taos,” the boutique inn offers a restaurant, bar and giant kiva fireplace that runs all day in the winter. They have a tradition of displaying art throughout the hotel. Some pieces are featured as part of a partnership with Taos Center for the Arts. Others are the work of local artists. Copies of Helen Martin’s own art can even be found hanging in some of the guest rooms.
Four diamond fun at El Monte Sagrado
elmontesagrado.com
For General Manager Matthew Troche, it’s the details of El Monte Sagrado that continue to astound– the elaborate iron work; the 90-pound citrine crystal hanging in the main entry; the opulent bar, elegant restaurant and extensive wine cellar that promise an extraordinary experience for one’s palate.
With 84 guest rooms on 13 acres, the resort offers a variety of luxury lodging options from rooms with private balconies and fireplaces to 1,100-square-foot, globalthemed suites. A natural freshwater system, complete with turtles, koi fish and migratory birds, runs through the lush property. Guests can find rejuvenation with a facial or hot stone massage at the resort’s award-winning, eco-conscious spa. Or soak dreamily under kumquat and banana trees in the salt-water pool and hot tub.
Not far from the ski valley and just a quick shuttle ride away from downtown, those vacationing with El Monte Sagrado are well situated for an entertaining visit.
“If you’re not coming to Taos to relax or have fun,” Troche says, “then you’ve missed what Taos is all about.”
