The Luminary at The Inn of The Five GracesA Space of One’s Own in Old Santa FeEdited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady
Originally built in the mid-1980's for the Inn's longtime neighbor, the gracious house adjacent to the rambling compound of the Inn has undergone extensive renovations that have brought it back to the impeccable level of the rest of the property. The earth tone colors of the stucco and local river rock exterior make a quiet backdrop for the lovely shade trees and native plants that partially shield the patios from the heat of the sun. Inside, in addition to the two bedrooms [one queen and one king, both with large baths and separate dressing areas] there is a fully fitted kitchen, a dining room area, and a dramatic living room with a cathedral ceiling and custom built seating-in-the-round. The house features four fireplaces inside, and one outside, as well as the two upper decks and two separate ground-level patios. If sheer luxury and pampering is what you’re after, take advantage an offer exclusive to residents of The Luminary: an evening butler and/or private chef. Imagine an unforgettable 5-course meal for four, five different wines, and ‘hand-and-foot’ wait service, all in the confines of your home away from home. Each is available for $500 per night, or command them both for $1001. For that extra dollar, your pet will be treated to a special course of his or her own, so everyone shares in the splurge. The per-night rate for The Luminary is $2000, which brings luxury and a deep sense of the romantic middle-eastern style mixed with a traditional touches of Sante Fe design. Like the rest of The Inn of The Five Graces, The Luminary is richly decorated in an eclectic exotic blend of textiles and furnishings. Vibrant reds, golds, and blues of quilts, carpets, cushions and kilim-upholstered chairs punctuate the neutral, soothing palette of the honey-tinted stucco walls and the deep terra cotta tiled floors. Hand-carved wooden headboards, doors, and cabinetry complement the rustic timber ceiling beams, and carefully positioned windows in the deep traditional walls allow in just enough of the bold southwestern sun light to keep it a cool, comfortable refuge. Why “The Luminary”? Because during the day, it is awash with natural light; at night, it glows with the warmth and light of its fireplaces. The lyrical name refers to the festive lanterns, also known as farolitos, displayed throughout the region to enliven special occasions, especially Christmas. From the paper-bag-weighted-with-sand version to the more permanent terra cotta models used at Five Graces, they evoke gracious hospitality. The Luminary is an elegant home-style accommodation in Santa Fe for families and friends [even pets!] who want to be together in spacious comfort, with plenty of privacy from the rest of the traveling public. Stay up late in your pajamas, sipping margaritas and laughing around on of the five fireplaces, and then retire to your respective chambers for a restful night’s sleep. In the morning, wake to the fresh juices, mouth-watering pastries and frittatas offered for breakfast at the Inn of The Five Graces. The Luminary is ‘oh so grand’ in not one way, but five – spacious, private, exclusive, convenient, and most of all, luxurious. IF YOU EVER WANT TO LEAVE YOUR ROOM, HERE ARE MORE WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN SANTA FE:The Inn of the Five Graces WHERE TO EAT Inn of the Anasazi, 505-988-3236 Amaya at Santa Fe Hotel Geronimo’s 505-988-5531 The Restaurant at the Inn and Spa at Loretto 505-988-5531 The Compound Restaurant, 505-982-4353 The Old House, Eldorado Hotel, 505-988-4455 Fuego Restaurant, La Posada Resort, 505-954-9670 be sure to try the foie gras SantaCafe, 231 Washington Ave. 800-252-8570 or 505-984-1788. Café Pasquals, 505-983-9340 (if you are traveling alone or in a hurry, ask to sit at the community table) Bumble Bee’s Baja Grill 505-820-2862. Healthy fast food, made fresh. Truly where the natives eat. BEST VIEW OF THE CHEFS WITHOUT THEIR CLOTHES ON 1. Order Online: www.taoscooking.com 2. Email Lisa Cancro, Director of the Taos School of Cooking at: leela@newmex.com 3. Call: 505-751-4419 4. Mail: Taos School of Cooking, 4100 NDCBU, Taos, NM 87571 BAR WITH THE BEST VIEW BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH BEST GUACAMOLE BLACK BOOK FOR CHOCOLATE LOVERS (maybe I should say dark semi-sweet brown book) Café Paris Bakery, 31 Burro Alley, (505) 986-1688 Gourmet Fudge and Wedding Favors Bumble Bee’s Baja Grill 505-820-2862 Try anything baked by Katalyna Weil. She does a mean cowboy crunch and Mexican espresso brownies. I love the cowgirl kisses Kakawa Chocolate House, Mark Sciscenti, Chocolate connoisseur, Pasty chef and Certified Herbalist. 505-438-3402. sunsilver@earthlink.net Try his chocolate truffles and authentic historic chocolate drinks. My favorite was the chocolate chilli drink. FAVORITE FLAVORS OF SANTA FE Pear Mascapone Soup at Fuego in La Posada. RANDOM THOUGHT Why does it seem that everyone is Santa Fe is either a chef or a massage therapist or has a family member who is? Maybe that is why you get such great food and massages in Santa Fe. WHAT TO DO Browse Canyon Road. This gallery row features an amazing assortment of fine art, crafts, antiques, jewelry, clothing and restaurants. Santa Fe School of Cooking Take the taste of Santa Fe home by enjoying cooking classes featuring Santa Fe’s top chefs whipping up everything from traditional Northern New Mexican cuisine to contemporary Southwest. 505-983-4511 If you can’t get there, buy the book. THE SANTA FE SCHOOL OF COOKING COOKBOOK by Susan Curtis. Gibbs Smith, Publisher Santa Fe Opera. One of the most famous in the world. www.santafeopera.org. FLEA MARKET. If you are there on a weekend, check out the flea market by the Opera. Tesuque Flea Market is the official name, but no one calls it that. The land it is on is owned by the Indians. Only open in warmer weather. GET A MASSAGE The Bishop’s Lodge Resort and Spa Avanyu Spa La Posada de Santa Fe 10,000 Waves, 505-982-9304. Indulge in an outdoor massage while nimble fingers soothe out any stress. Call ahead because this is a very popular place. If you are adventurous, have an underwater Watsu massage. SHOP FOR ART AND COWBOY BOOTS ART BROWSING Minkay Andean Art The Turquoise Trail leads to Hotel Santa Fe... GREAT TIMES TO VISIT Souper Bowl Project Wine and Chile festival Annual Santa Fe Market, a free public celebration of the colorful arts, crafts, jewelry and cultures of Native Americans and the American Southwest. Usually the first weekend in April GREAT GUIDEBOOKS HIDDEN PICTURE-PERFECT ESCAPES SANTA FE & TAOS CULINARY NEW MEXICO THE NEW MEXICO GUIDE Hidden Southwest LET’S GO ADVENTURE GUIDE SOUTHWEST USA 2003 Ski America and Canada has the best and most detailed overview of Santa Fe from a winter tourist/skier/snowboarder's perspective. MORE ABOUT NEW MEXICO THE OLD WEST MOON HANDBOOKS NEW MEXICO BEST SOUTHWEST COOKBOOKS ON THE CHILE TRAIL SEASONAL SOUTHWEST COOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION SANTA FE: 800-777-2489 BEST FREEBIE BEST WAY TO GET THERE SOUTHWEST AIRLINES: 800-435-9792 |
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Imagine, on your next visit to Santa Fe, staying not in a hotel, but in a handsome and comfortable place of your own, in one of the oldest neighborhoods of the historic city, just steps from the picturesque promenades, restaurants, and galleries. A grand stucco home with private sun-drenched decks and patios, whose spacious interior is carefully appointed with antiques and exotic artifacts, fireplaces and extensive seating; luxurious bedroom suites and the convenience of its own kitchen. Now, you no longer have to imagine: The Inn of The Five Graces has re-opened its separate luxury accommodations, The Luminary, in 2006, three years after the colorful property was acquired by The Garrett Hotel Group. This private domain welcomes visitors looking for their own distinctive lodgings in the heart of the old city.