Santa Fe Charms its way into the Hearts of Couples
for Valentine’s
Day
edited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady
Romantic Getaways for Couples Seeking Romance and Relaxation
Travelers seeking a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day can enjoy a
winter wonderland experience right in the heart of Santa Fe, one of
America’s most celebrated destinations. Properties throughout Santa Fe are
offering romance-themed travel deals, blending in the area’s rich cultural
heritage, world-class spas, famed Southwestern cuisine and winter activities
in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Below is a sampling of romance specials being offered throughout Santa
Fe:
La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa
The La Posada de Santa Fe, a AAA Four-Diamond hotel located in the heart
of the city and a haven of Adobe-style architecture, colorful gardens and
cozy outdoor fireplaces, has debuted the “Retreat Your Sweet This
Valentine’s Day” package. The romance package includes nightly
accommodations, two 50-minute massages per reservation, $40 daily breakfast
voucher and a complimentary bottle of champagne and chocolate dipped
strawberries upon arrival. Rates for this two-night package begin at $229
per night, based on double occupancy, available through April 28, 2011. For
more information, call (505) 986-0000 or visit
www.laposada.rockresorts.com
Hotel Santa Fe, The Hacienda & Spa
Hotel Santa Fe is Santa Fe's only Native American-owned hotel, providing
luxurious accommodations and a superb location in the heart of Santa Fe’s
historic district. Guests are invited to experience the city through
the eyes of the people who know it best, the Picuris Pueblo. The
Hacienda’s “Romance Package” offers a third night free in a Hacienda
Fireplace Room, when booking two-nights’ accommodations, along with
complimentary chocolate dipped strawberries and champagne, breakfast for two
each morning, dinner for two in Amaya and two one-hour spa treatments.
Additionally, a hotel butler will contact the guest prior to arrival to
assist in coordinating the romantic visit. Rates for the package start at
$429, based on double occupancy, available February 1-28. Guests must
mention promotional code: VAL11 when booking. For more information, call
(800) 210-6444 or visit
www.hotelsantafe.com
Inn and Spa at Loretto
  This
pueblo-inspired hotel is offering two-nights’ accommodations, dinner for two
in the Inn’s signature restaurant, Luminaria, or in room; a day of pampering
and relaxation for two at The Spa at
 Loretto including a ritual
rose petal bath, sacred stone massage, instant radiance facial and spa
manicure; FIRE in-room amenity – essential oil in red glass vase; honey
vanilla Godiva chocolate liquor; and a 30-minute concierge consultation with
the “Corazones en Fuego” package, also known as “Hearts on Fire.” Rates for
the two-night package start at $898, based on double occupancy, available
February 11-15. For more information, call (866) 582-1646 or visit
www.innatloretto.com.
La Fonda on the Plaza
La Fonda is steeped in history, filled with art and offers authentic
Santa Fe hospitality while continuing to intrigue and charm guests.
With a little food, a little wine and a lot of relaxation, La Fonda debuts
“Your Chance for Romance” package which includes two nights in a traditional
room, champagne and chocolates upon arrival, dinner for two in the La
Plazuela restaurant, breakfast for two each day and a half-hour massage or
spa treatment for each guest. Rates for the two-night package start at $635,
plus tax, depending upon room type selected. Offer valid based on
availability. For more information, call (800)-523-5002 or visit
www.lafondasantafe.com.
Inn on the Alameda
 Romantics can enjoy
two-nights’ accommodations; “Breakfast of Enchantment” each morning; a
complimentary wine-and-cheese reception each afternoon; a pair of
hand-crafted sweets from Todos Santos, creator of unique Santa Fe
chocolates; two 50-minute massages as well as one disposable camera to
capture the memories with the Inn on the Alameda’s “Best Friend’s Package.”
Rates for the two-night package start at $322, based on double occupancy,
available year-round. This is the place I stay at most often. Relax in
tranquil courtyards tucked behind adobe walls, nestled between the historic
Plaza and Canyon Road. Convenient parking. For more information, call (888)
984-2121 or visit
www.innonthealameda.com
Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa
 Bishop’s Lodge is
offering the “Valentine’s Day Wow Her Package” including deluxe
accommodations with a romantic fireplace, chilled champagne and
chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival, one couples massage at the
award-winning ShaNah Spa, Valentine’s dinner for two at Las Fuentes
restaurant and daily breakfast for two. Rates for the package start at $599
per night, based on double occupancy, available February 11-15. For more
information, call (505) 983 6377 or visit
www.bishopslodge.com
El Paradero Bed and Breakfast Inn
 This is one of the most
romantic places I have ever stayed at. Great location and a homey feeling.
You get the feeling of old Santa Fe while being located right in the middle
of new Santa Fe.
www.elparadero.com
866-558-0918
505-988-1177
Gourmet breakfasts and an afternoon tea of
home baked goodies
Where to Eat
Luminaria
211 Old Santa Fe Trail
505-984-7915
www.luminariarestaurant.com
Must Try: Dine on the patio—best outdoor dining in Santa Fe. Quesadillas,
sweet potato fries, Chocolate Turtles. For breakfast try the pumpkin waffles
with pine nuts and pumpkin butter. Wake up to fresh ginger pear juice. A
blend of old Santa Fe and contemporary American cuisine with a little
Southwestern heat.
Rio Chama
414 Old Santa Fe Trail
505-955-0765
www.riochamasteakhouse.com
Must Try: curried Talus Wind Ranch lamb wontons with rice wine
vinegar reduction and soy sauce. Wagyu is American style Kobe beef (that
expensive stuff from Japan). It has been bred for American habitat,
and is very tasty. It costs a lot, but I think it's worth it. Near the
Capitol and the Governor has his own chair in their legendary cigar bar
Amavi on Shelby
221 Shelby Street
505-988-2355
www.amavirestaurant.com
Must Try: Chicken with house cured lemon, bouillabaisse, Strawberry
Panna Cotta with Baklava and Grand Marnier Caramel. If you are in town for a
class by soon-to-be-master sommelier Mark Johnson, sign up. Creative
Mediterranean Cuisine
 Restaurant
Martin
526 Galisteo Street
505-820-0919
info@restaurantmartinsantafe.com
WWW.restaurantmartinsantafe.com
Osteria d’Assisi
55 South Federal Place
505-986-5858
www.osteriadassisi.net
The Italian chef/owner Lino Pertusini is one of two Cavalieres in
the United States certified by Ciao Italy. Must Try: the Funghi
Tartufo, a Mozzarella, fontina, wild mushrooms and truffle oil pizza. I
loved the gnocchi di Patae e Funghi al Pestoro, a house-made potato and
porcini mushroom dumplings in a sage butter reduction.
La Plazuela on the Patio in La Fonda Hotel
100 E. San
Francisco
505-989-330
505-982-5511
www.lafondasantafe.com
Must Try: A gorgeous enclosed courtyard with skylights, carved
furnishings and hand-painted windows exudes Old World charm. Their guacamole
is legendary but I would return in a minute for their chocolate desserts
 Flying Stars
flying star
500 Market Street in the Railyard
505-216-3939
www.flyingstarcafe.com
Must Try: Just try to walk by the dessert case. Bet you can’t
do it. Order the Budda Bowl so you won’t feel guilty
Shopping
Everyone suggests Canyon Road and the Indian market on the Plaza. Finding
a bargain is a little tougher. I needed a strap for my sunglasses (very
necessary) and I stopped in to Dressman’s Gifts on the Plaza. Family owned
and operated since 1952 they sell authentic Indian jewelry and curio., I
bought a colorful woven strap for two dollars. I saw them other places for
five dollars and more. I would trust them for small souvenirs.
I think the Inn and Spa at Loretto might be the true epi-center of
shopping. There are gorgeous stores with unique but pricey items, but if you
step outside the door, you will find vendors selling many craft items.
Probably not authentic, but the prices are realistic. Since they are just
off the square, even the indoor shops nearby are less expensive
I always go to the Tesuque Flea Market and found some treasures at the
newer flea market at the Downs. My best purchase this trip was an antique
button necklace for $20.
Want to be an Artist?
Artists flock to Santa Fe for the light and cultural inspiration.
Internationally known clay artist Heidi Loewen offers classes for all
levels, including beginners. Her specialty is wheel throwing. Heidi glazes
your work and ships it back to you. The best souvenir-schedule a private
class for $150 an hour per person. She will teach anytime you want to
schedule. Near the O’Keeffe Museum. 315 Johnson Street, Santa Fe.
www.heidiloewen.com
Marvelous Museums
If you are a museum lover, buy a pass to all the museums for significant
savings
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
217 Johnson Street
www.okeeffemuseum.org|
505-946-1000
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
12,000 years of
Southwestern Native American cultural history
710 Camino Lejo on Museum
Hill
505-476-1269
www.IndianArtsandCulture.org
Museum of International Folk Art
Regularly voted Santa
Fe’s “Favorite Museum”, it houses the largest collection of traditional folk
art in the world.
706 Camino Lejo on Museum Hill
505-476-1200
www.InternationalFolkArt.org
New Mexico Museum of Art
Celebrating the diverse arts of
New Mexico
107 West Palace Avenue
505-476-5072
www.NMArtMuseum.org
New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors
The
stories that made America’s West come alive in New Mexico’s newest museum
113 Lincoln Avenue
505-476-5200
www.NMHistoryMuseum.org
When to go
There are four distinct seasons in Santa Fe including snow during the winter
in the city. The hottest month is June when temperatures reach into the mid
to upper nineties. The daily temperature typically changes 30 degrees due to
the city's elevation and cool evenings. Normal rainfall is 14 inches a year.
I often try to coordinate my visit with one of the many festivals going on.
Santa Fe Wine and Chile Festival
http://travellady.com/Issues/June07/4229SantaFeWine.html
International Folk Art Market
http://travellady.com/Issues/April05/827FineArtofShopping.htm
Art Feast
http://travellady.com/Issues/December04/592EnjoyfoodfromSantaFe.htm
How to get there
American Eagle’s non-stop service to and from DFW and Los Angeles to Santa
Fe uses the 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140 jet. The $20 million aircraft cruises at
500+ mph and 40,000 feet..
“We are very pleased to connect Santa Fe, the New Mexico Airport of the
Year, to the network of 250 cities in 40 countries of American
Airlines and it’s oneWorld alliance partners”, according to Daniel Heath,
Managing Director of Marketing & Sales for the American Airlines Regional
Network.
The Santa Fe Municipal Airport was recently upgraded to handle regional jets
like the Embraer and was voted "Airport of the Year" by the New Mexico
Airport Managers Association in 2009. The airport is located on the
southwestern edge of the city, about a 20-minute shuttle ride into historic
downtown. Rental cars are also available.
Santa Fe Information
http://www.santafe.org
For further information about visiting Santa Fe and for a complimentary
Santa Fe Visitors Guide, call the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau at
800-777-2489.
Madelyn Miller is a
travel and food writer who thinks of Santa Fe as one of her favorite
places to visit. She wrote this while planning her next trip and it brought
lots of great memories and made her decide to stay longer this time.
Read her stories in www.travellady.com,
www.carladynews.com,
www.yogayaya.com,
www.chocolateatlas.com,
www.cocktailatlas.com,
www.coffeeatlas.com,
www.teaAtlas.com,
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