We’re calling it: Santa Fe, New Mexico, is officially the hottest travel destination in the country. Need proof? Look no further than this year’s Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards (No. 1 favorite city) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards (No. 2 best city). With its picturesque landscape and relaxed lifestyle, the Southwest state certainly lives up to its name: the Land of Enchantment. Its capital city — the oldest in the nation — is a mecca for artistic inspiration, Indigenous design and nature-driven wellness. And the most inspired accommodations in this desirable destination are undoubtedly at Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Collection.
Photography provided by Bishop’s Lodge
Setting
Set upon 317 serene, secluded acres just outside town, Bishop’s Lodge is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and abuts the 1.5-million-acre Santa Fe National Forest. The historic, culture-rich property got a $75-million makeover from the acclaimed Auberge hospitality group in 2021, ushering in a new era of unassuming elegance. That makes for an utterly restorative retreat (which was in fact the property’s origins — more on that later).
Vibe
The property balances the best of both worlds over and over again: Rustic meets state-of-the-art. Outdoor adventures meet opulent accommodations. Intentional design meets spur-of-the-moment spontaneity. Inspired by the dwellings of this place’s original peoples — the Hopi and Navajo communities — adobe structures mingle with reclaimed-barnwood buildings. The property simply begs to be explored, with ample hiking and horseback riding trails. The interiors, meanwhile, invite guests to relax, rejuvenate, refresh. This is sophisticated Southwest style at its finest.
Claim to Fame
Bishop’s Lodge became a local landmark in the late 1860s, when Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy created a private spiritual retreat here. (The preserved Lamy Chapel is living proof of that legacy.) Since then, it has hosted celebrities, moguls and even U.S. presidents; at one time, it served as the Pulitzer family’s Western home.
Amenities
If you can dream it, the Bishop’s Lodge team can make it a reality. The extensive experiences list reflects the destination’s most popular pursuits. Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in horseback riding, fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, stargazing and so much more. Artist aficionados can try their hand at ceramic making, silversmithing and painting en plein air. Foodies can take their pick from tamale-making classes, agave and tequila tastings, and a chef’s tasting menu (or all of the above). Culture lovers will enjoy folklore storytelling, Tewa hoop dancing and elder-led Pueblo community visits. And there’s always the pool for lounging after a day of adventures.
The Rooms
The resort’s 98 guest accommodations range from cozy guest rooms to standalone suites (including adult-only options) to expansive casitas to the 12-bedroom Bunkhouse primed for bringing together friends and family. In other words, there’s something apropos for every type of traveler. Special touches such as local snacks, artisan textiles and Southwest art are tucked around every corner. Many accommodations also boast private terraces and kiva fireplaces.
The Spa
With a decidedly spiritual focus, Stream Dance Spa features tranquil treatments intended to nourish and nurture the body, mind and spirit. That includes everything from massages, facials and acupuncture to sound baths, breathwork sessions and more. For duos looking to reconnect, the Sacred Connections offering involves a lemongrass and seaweed body treatment, a ginger root body massage, a hibiscus and marine botanical facial, and a couple love journey with local spiritual wellness practitioner Marina Pirkle.
Dining
The culinary program at Bishop’s Lodge is about so much more than just food. A meal here is a multisensorial experience that invites diners to slow down and bask in the moment. Flagship eatery SkyFire serves up inventive Southwest fare — think a smoked beef tartare tostada, salmon ceviche, pan-seared halibut and wagyu striploin with green chili — in an inspired setting. Meanwhile, Two Dogs Cafe keeps guests amply caffeinated every morning. And for those who prefer breakfast in bed, there’s always room service.
