Sharing Desert Karma

A Travelwriter finds an extraordinary hotel in the middle of a Desert 

by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

As a travelwriter, probably the most frequent question I get is what is your favorite destination. The more I travel, the more I have learned that the place you stay is almost as important as where you are.

Would you rather be in the middle of an exciting city in a rundown flophouse, or in a remote location in the latp of luxury? Because I am a city girl, early in my travels I would have picked the former. But as my experience and taste levels reach new heights, I now know that an extraordinary hotel is a destination in itself.

And no hotel is a better example of that than Rancho deSan Juan in Española, New Mexico.

I came to this realization when I was waiting to get a Mac computer repaired at TechServe in New York. The line was long, the wait was tedious. Luckily, I had been warned ahead so I brought a travel magazine along to read. After awhile, a sophisticated man next to me started talking to me. At first we compared our computer problems. Then we moved on to travel. He was one of the most well-travelled people I have ever met who was not in the industry. Ever the gentleman, he asked me about my favorite places. In most cities, we had stayed in the same hotels. So I asked him if he could pick the best hotel in the world where he had stayed.

He did not hesitate for a moment. He started to describe an elegant  property he had visited the month before. It is owned by two men--an architest and a designer. As he described it, I quickly said, "Rancho de San Juan." He was so impressed that I knew exactly where he was talking about. But coincidently, I had stayed there a month  before, too. We were probably there days apart. We shared praises for this most remarkable experience.

He thought the food was outstanding and each of us could remember exactly what we had for breakfast (The Greek Breakfast with olives, and cucumbers and fresh tomatoes I travel so much that not many breakfasts make a big impression on me. But if someone makes a breakfast that special, you can only imagine what is coming for dinner. Even the of the dinners were mouthwatering. We shared our raving comments.

I have reviewed restaurants for newspapers, magazines, and the internet for almost 20 years. I have eaten in Michelin star restaurants, and tasted the food of James Beard award-winning chefs. I am not sure I can remember any of those meals as well as what I ate in Rancho San Juan. And my new friend obviously had sophisticated taste. He asked me out to dinner the next time I was in New York. We went to a wonderful restaurant in the village which had the same kind of personal touch. I am not sure if I will see Gerald again--but I certainly hope to get back to Rancho de San Juan

Located in a stunning Northern New Mexico setting, Norteño traditions and four-star presentations create an unparalleled gourmet-getaway.

But I have to warn you. There is a single flaw in this paradise. When I was there, they  no internet access. (they have dial-up for their office but I don't think dial up counts) I have been told  they  now have high speed in the main building and a dedicated computer for guest use. There is still only dial-up in guest rooms

Cell phone reception is spotty. Even an aircard may not work. If you are cyber-person, more than one night make you go into withdrawal. Or want to find a nearby internet cafe (that means drive to Santa Fe).

Gerald said the only reason he did not stay longer is the internet access problem. But I heard they will soon have that resolved. If that is important to you, check when you make your reservation.

A Feast for the Eyes and the Palate

Chef/Owner John Johnson has established the international award-winning restaurant at Rancho de San Juan as the most creative restaurant in New Mexico.  Exploring the bounty of nature with creative sophistication and artistic presentation, he has taken an innovative approach to gourmet dining, offering an ala carte dinner menu (appetizer, entree, and dessert) with options that are changed weekly. 

Classical creations combining flavors, textures, and aromas from around the world are a delightful experience which enhance the memory of the dining event.

Fresh flowers, candlelight, hand-starched table linens, family sterling silver, custom designed French porcelain, Riedel crystal, soft jazz and classical music, award-winning service, and an unhurried atmosphere all combine to make for a memorable dining experience.

You will be Thankful for this

As a special incentive, for the first time in Rancho’s 15 year history, the owners are offering a discount on their luxurious rooms and casitas during the Thanksgiving holiday. Simply book for a minimum of two nights and make your reservations for Thanksgiving dinner and receive 25% off the published room rates.  Chef and co-owner John Johnson has prepared a sophisticated four-course menu.  Two seatings are offered, at 6:30 and 8:00pm and the cost for dinner is $55 per person.   

RANCHO'S "UNTRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING" - 2009  
 
Seared Day Boat Scallop with 
Peurano Bean Purée, Truffle Oil and Crispy Leaks  
 
Cornmeal Gnocchi with Sautéed Mushrooms &Red Wine Reduction 
 
Chipotle Marinated Roasted Tenderloin of Pork with Pumpkin Cognac Sauce,

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Kale 
 
Rancho’s Pumpkin Cheesecake with Pecan Praline, Cranberry Syrup and Whipped Crème 
 
Tax and Service not included 

Reserve early for best selection of rooms and casitas.  Reservations can be made by calling (505) 753-6818 or online at www.ranchodesanjuan.com.

Culture & Cuisine

Rancho de San Juan offers a terrific package for foodies who appreciate art and culture. The owners are friends with several local artists who are nationally recognized . They even designed a home for their nearest neighbor --a retired doctor who now has an art gallery.

• Three nights lodging in a Superior Suite with King bed, whirlpool tub, and separate shower
• Arrival night gourmet three course dinner for two with complimentary glass of house wine, or Champagne Split plus coffee or tea (additional alcoholic beverages are not included)
• Breakfast each morning <
• Private tour of Native American Artist Studio (with wine reception) <
• Georgia O'Keefe House Tour (based on dates and times available when reservation is booked- two months advanced reservations are required. Not available December through April; add $35 per person) <<
• Taxes, service and gratuities not included <<

<<<

$1250 per couple

April 1- Oct. 31 annually 

Restrictions- Subject to package availability at time of booking. Not available on holidays. Available for groups up to 3 couples. Additional nights may be included at regular rates plus applicable taxes, service and gratuities. May not be used in conjunction with other packages or Gift Certificates. Travel agency commissions will not be paid on already reduced package rates.

All I need to do is find someone to share this package with.

Rancho de San Juan
www.ranchodesanjuan.com
38 beautiful miles from Santa Fe 
ranchosj@windstream.net

Mailing Address
Rancho de San Juan
P.O.Box 4140
Española, New Mexico 87533
Phone/Fax  505 753 6818

Location
On US Highway 285 between Española and Ojo Caliente, 3.5 miles north of the junction of Hwys. 84 and 285

Directions from Santa Fe

North on US Highway 84/285 to Espanola.

Follow signs for Hwy. 84, northwest towards Chama and Abiquiu.

The last traffic light in Espanola on Hwy. 84 is at Fairview Drive. From that junction, drive  northwest (6.5 miles) to the junction of Hwys. 84 and 285.

On the right, you will see a Chevron gas station. Turn right onto US Hwy. 285 heading towards
Ojo Caliente and Antonito, CO.

Drive approximately 3.5 miles to mile marker 340. The entrance is on the right, just after the marker.

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who loves the Southwest. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com