The Place to Stay in Santa Fe

At the end of the oldest inhabited street in the country is tucked the most exclusive boutique hotel in the state:  it’s The Inn of The Five Graces, the only Relais & Châteaux property in New Mexico, and its historic location, Santa Fe, has just been named a Distinctive Destination for 2009 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, an honor it bestows on only a dozen communities every year.  

ccording to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the places on its annual list of Distinctive Destinations “offer cultural and recreational experiences different from the typical vacation destination.  From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitment to historic preservation, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.”  This is the tenth year that the National Trust for Historic Preservation has published its list, and of the 120 Distinctive Destinations located in 43 states throughout the country, only three are in New Mexico. 

Santa Fe was chosen for its remarkable natural beauty as well as its rich historical culture.  "Amid a spectacular setting of mountains and mesas, and basking in the magical glow cast by the high desert sun, Santa Fe is a dynamo for American art and culture," says Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. 

These same qualities surround The Inn of The Five Graces with an air of natural majesty steeped in ancient Native American serenity and Spanish Colonial grace, as well as a stimulating contemporary energy.  Within the hotel’s rambling compound of only thirteen accommodations, hidden courtyards are cooled by gurgling fountains, and mosaic tiles create breathtaking interior scenes.  Antique furnishings and textiles from the near and far of Central and South Asia mingle elegantly with native pieces and luxury linens, each suite a resplendent exotic retreat.  An enchanting spa space and dining at the adjacent historic Pink Adobe restaurant fulfill the promise of the property’s name, a Tibetan concept celebrating the five human senses.

The Inn of The Five Graces is operated by The Garrett Hotel Group, and is a west coast pendant to its renowned Adirondack resorts, The Point and Lake Placid Lodge.  So it is no surprise that this gem in the heart of Santa Fe has received top honors from such industry experts as Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and Zagat Top Hotels, Resorts & Spas.  And now, Santa Fe itself has been recognized by no less an authority than the National Trust for Historic Preservation:  a winning combination, indeed!