Photo Credit: Bishop's Lodge
Just 10 minutes from Santa Fe’s historic city center is the city’s newest luxury resort, Bishop’s Lodge. The 5-star lodge is located on 317 secluded acres bordering the vast Santa Fe National Forest.
Over 150 years ago, Bishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy, Santa Fe’s first archbishop, built and resided in a modest chapel, which he surrounded with fruit orchards. The original chapel remains today, and its steeple can be seen throughout the Bishop’s Lodge grounds. (Bishop Lamy, by the way, presided over the construction of the city’s Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, found in the center of Santa Fe.)
(Photo Credit: Wendy Lee)
Anyone looking for spacious luxury accommodations combined with endless outdoor activities will find it all at Bishop’s Lodge, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection. Here’s why it’s perfect for a weekend getaway.
Note: This trip was hosted by the Tourism Santa Fe and Bishop’s Lodge, but all opinions are my own.
(Photo Credit: Bishop’s Lodge)
Luxurious Accommodations
I arrived at Bishop’s Lodge on a chilly winter afternoon, and the first thing I noticed was the quiet. Its location outside of town and next to a national forest provide a peaceful setting perfect for a restful stay.
Accommodations include guestrooms, suites, and casitas (small houses), all very spacious. I stayed in a resort-view king room that included a large terrace and a traditional kiva fireplace. The winter weather provided the perfect excuse to switch on the gas fireplace anytime I returned to my room.
The room decor features warm colors, woven Navajo rugs and throws, and artwork produced by local Santa Fe artisans. In a room filled with amenities, like robes, slippers, and a Nespresso machine, I admit being particularly fond of the bar cart. Half bottles of gin, vodka, and tequila were accompanied by a shaker and recipe card. Any recommended mixers were found in the mini-fridge. After a day of skiing, I returned to make myself a gin and tonic.
For many reasons, the past 2 years have seen a reduction of services at resorts and hotels, but that wasn’t the case here. Daily housekeeping and turn-down service were much appreciated. After an overnight snowfall, all paths were shoveled before I left my room for breakfast. And in the event I chose not to walk anywhere on the property, a golf cart shuttle could be requested.
Stream Dance Spa
It’s standard for any upscale resort to have a spa and all offer services like facials, scrubs, and massages. The Stream Dance Spa at Bishop’s Lodge certainly offers those popular services, but has also curated a wellness menu I’ve never seen elsewhere.
The spa menu has three categories; for the body, for the spirit, and movement and meditation. I had the opportunity to experience the first category with the one-hour CBD massage, something very much appreciated after 2 days of skiing. In the spirit category are intuitive healing, sound healing, and energy medicine sessions. Guests looking for something more active may opt for a yoga class or land dance, a movement-based practice that includes elements of formal seated meditation practice, walking meditation, and physical movement improvisation.
(Photo Credit: Bishop’s Lodge)
Boundless Outdoor Activities
While my room was so comfortable and attractive that I didn’t want to leave, I’ll admit that the beauty of the outdoors was equally compelling. There’s no doubt that this place was built for nature lovers.
The corral and stables are easy to spot from anywhere at the resort. Guests can enjoy trail rides through the nearby forest or a short horse clinic to learn more about these magnificent creatures.
On the property, as well, is the Fly Fishing Outpost, where guests can purchase gear and learn fly fishing basics at the Bishop’s Lodge stream. Full and half-day guided fishing excursions to nearby streams and rivers are also available.
(Photo Credit: forestpath / Shutterstock.com)
The adjacent Santa Fe National Forest, covers 1.6 million acres of land and provides a wide range of outdoor activities for guests. It offers 1,000 miles of trails and brims with cultural and archaeological sites.
For an easy hike, head to Tesuque Creek Trail, a relatively flat 3-mile loop especially popular with dog owners. If you’d prefer something guided, Bishop’s Lodge itself offers a 2-hour hiking experience that includes information about local flora and fauna.
Open during the winter, Ski Santa Fe is located 45 minutes from the resort. This family owned resort is perfect for skiers of any level. Ski rentals as well as private and group lessons are available.
(Photo Credit: Bishop’s Lodge)
SkyFire Restaurant
Santa Fe has a world-class food scene, so it’s no surprise that Bishop’s Lodge has an excellent restaurant called SkyFire. A large fireplace serves as a focal point of the main dining room, which features the colors and textures of the surrounding outdoors.
Executive Chef Pablo Peñalosa came to Bishop’s Lodge from some of the best kitchens in Mexico and Spain, and cuisine from both countries inspires SkyFire’s menu. He works with local farmers and purveyors in creating the restaurant’s menu.
The cocktail menu has also been created to feature local spirits and ingredients. While I was visiting, the featured cocktail included an apricot-infused tequila using fruit grown on the property.
I had the opportunity to dine here three times over two days and definitely recommend it for both guests of the resort and visitors to Santa Fe. On the breakfast menu, I highly recommend their huevos rancheros with Christmas chili (meaning both red and green peppers). For dinner, the halibut with crispy skin was delicious. And don’t pass up the s’mores for dessert. Guests are invited to roast their marshmallows over an open fire just outside the dining room doors.
The Bunkhouse
A family — or unrelated group — looking for a unique experience should consider the Bishop Lodge’s Bunkhouse. Crafted from reclaimed barn wood, 12 rooms surround a large living area and a two-story, stone fireplace. The decor blends Southwestern colors and textures with more classically Western furniture and rugs. With almost 10,000 square feet, a total of 24 adults and up to 12 children can be accommodated.
Pro Tips
Santa Fe is at 7,000 feet of elevation. If you’re coming from a lower elevation like I did, allow time to adjust. The resort staff regularly offers water in reusable, aluminum bottles, a far better alternative to plastic ones. Be sure to stay hydrated and proceed cautiously with alcoholic beverages.
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