WHAT’S IT LIKE? A low-lying luxury complex in the high desert foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, this Leading Small Hotels of the World resort is comprised of 65 new-build casitas nestled among 23 hectares of sun-baked clay hillocks and shrubs of Russian sage, and serviced by a network of pathways and golf carts. Encantado, which means “enchanted”, opened in August 2008 and offers a very special hideaway for board retreats and exclusive corporate incentives.
The service is as good as it gets – expect your cases to be on a golf cart and a porter waiting to drive you to your casita before you have even finished checking in, highly professional reception staff, waiters and drivers who go out of their way to be of assistance, and a very helpful concierge and general manager. The facilities are also appealing, with an indoor and outdoor meeting space, a well-equipped gym and spa, and a signature restaurant that enjoys dazzling sunset views.
WHERE IS IT? About 11km from the centre of Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, and one hour from Albuquerque International airport. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service between 8.30am and 10.30pm that will drop you off and pick you up anywhere between the hotel and downtown. (Remember to tip though.) Encantado also has a fleet of six E-Class convertible Mercedes-Benz cars, two of which can be borrowed free of charge by guests.
ROOM FACILITIES Each casita features the same décor but higher category ones have better views and more space. My entry-level ground-floor Patio King casita was about 60 sqm in size with a private terrace (fitted out with a table, two chairs and two loungers) beyond a set of floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. A high coyote fence of split tree trunks surrounded it to stop animals coming in but also spoilt the view. Inside, there was a fully functional wood-burning fireplace – I had this lit for me one evening and fell asleep by firelight, which made a very pleasant change to the glow of a TV.
The décor was bordering on rustic with cement floors, plenty of wood, beamed ceilings, cow hide bench and white washed walls, but on closer inspection the quality of the upholstery and furnishings was top of the range. My only gripe was that the comfortable beds made up with Italian linens and down duvets had a plasticky undersheet that was rather unpleasant and seemed unnecessary.
Other amenities included a workdesk, flatscreen LG television, a DVD player and iPod dock, coffee machine and minibar with free soft drinks, as well as paid-for wine, beer, champagne and spirits. There was a large illuminated wardrobe (but no iron/ironing board), air conditioning and free wifi.
The large bathroom had a walk-in shower, deep soaking tub, heated floors, twin sinks, eco-friendly dispensers of soap and shampoo (more eco-friendly than the throw-away mini bottles), plus plenty of white towels, a shaving mirror, robes and slippers. As there was no door to the bathroom if you wanted privacy you would have to tell your partner to stay in the bedroom, and hope you had put the “Do not disturb” sign on the front door.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS Terra restaurant is a sleek affair, with a neutral colour scheme, dark wood chairs, white table cloths and a long outdoor terrace with a canopy that can be unveiled on warm summer nights to allow diners to view the stars. Breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner are served here, with a range of contemporary American and south-western à la carte dishes on the menu.
I tried the chilaquiles de la casa one morning, which was recommended as a good local item to try – chillis being the staple in this part of the world. It came with scrambled eggs topped with juicy Chimayo red chilli sauce, tortilla chips and Cotija cheese (US$15) so not the lightest of options but very tasty and not as spicy as one might have feared.
In the evening I enjoyed a very memorable meal thanks not only to the imaginative and delicious cuisine but excellent service. I went for the wild mushroom ravioli with truffle broth and Parmesan foam (US$15) to start, followed by rosemary-grilled seabass with Provencal vegetables and tomato vinaigrette (US$32) for the main, both of which were to relish rather than wolf.
Other options on the organic seasonal menu included warm pear and pomegranate salad with goat’s cheese and roasted pecans (US$14) to start, and grilled Texas antelope on a crispy polenta cake with roasted Brussels sprouts (US$34) for the main. Tasty sides – the way only Americans can do them – ranged from truffle pomme frites and sautéed garlic spinach, to macaroni and Asadero cheese, and Lili and Lucien’s cheese tots for US$6-9.
The on-site bar serves an array of cocktails – try the potent margarita Hernandez made from 100 per cent agave tequila, Cointreau and fresh lime juice (US$14) – and an extensive snack menu from the kitchen at Terra from 2pm until late.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILTIES The attractive Terra courtyard just off reception can be used for outdoor cocktail receptions and wine dinners – it also has a pizza oven, fireplace and fountain. Along the corridor on the same ground-floor level is the Sage boardroom (hosting 34 delegates for a meeting), which is fitted with sand-coloured ergonomic chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Aspen ballroom is the largest space holding up to 200 delegates standing and also features French doors that open on to a terrace that connects to the pool, as well as the Aspen foyer on the other side, which is handy for breakouts. There is a very small business centre with one PC and a printer, but the hotel also has a laptop it can lend to guests ad free wifi access throughout all the public areas and casitas.
LEISURE FACILTIES The spa, which is open 8.30am-7pm, has private soaking pools for men and women, steam, relaxation and wet rooms, a retail outlet for any gym-wear you might have forgotten, and 15 treatment rooms each with an outdoor shower and individual courtyard.
The menu specialises in Native American healing therapies such as “Luminous Crystal Chakra Balancing” (90 minutes, US$245), which uses quartz crystals and “Shamanic techniques of purification, toning and guided imagery” to “renew your vitality and restore balance and harmony to the body’s energy system”.
Nearby, a 111 sqm gym overlooking the outdoor pool is equipped with Precor machines and free weights, and a 74 sqm movement studio offers free yoga and pilates classes. The swimming pool area is lined with about 30 sun loungers and also features a bar and a hot tub.
A good option for a walk or jog is to follow the undulating trails that take you around the resort and out into the desert, where you can spot lizards and birds while navigating dried out riverbeds scattered with polished stones. Ask for a map at reception and take sun cream and water if it is hot. You should also look out for snakes.
VERDICT A faultless experience with impeccable service, excellent cuisine from the on-site restaurant, high-end spa facilities, top-class accommodation and housekeeping in the casitas and great natural surroundings for exploring. You will leave relaxed, indulged and inspired but not if you’re on a budget.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? There are 56 casitas including 16 ground-floor Patio Kings, 16 first-floor Patio Kings, eight first-floor Patio Queens, 16 top-floor Vista Casitas, and nine Encantado suites.
- ROOM HIGHLIGHTS The real open fireplace, free wifi, luxurious bathroom with walk-in rainshower and deep soaking tub, minibar with free soft drinks and minimalist but luxurious décor and fittings.
- PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in April started from US$395 for a Patio casita.
- CONTACT 198 State Road; tel +1 877 262 4666; encantadoresort.com
Jenny Southan
