Set amidst a realm of endless blue skies, rock formations that have inspired artists and spiritual seekers for decades, and spectacular flaming sunsets, Encantado evokes the Desert Southwest's raw natural allure without compromising on luxury. In August of 2008, the professional luxury crew at Auberge Resorts renovated the original 1932 ranch structure with an eco-friendly design, creating a sanctuary for renewal, meditation, and creativity.

Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de

Set amidst a realm of endless blue skies, rock formations that have inspired artists and spiritual seekers for decades, and spectacular flaming sunsets, Encantado evokes the Desert Southwest's raw natural allure without compromising on luxury. In August of 2008, the professional luxury crew at Auberge Resorts renovated the original 1932 ranch structure with an eco-friendly design, creating a sanctuary for renewal, meditation, and creativity.

Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, just ten minutes from the downtown of artsy Santa Fe (and within an hour to Albuquerque's international airport), Encantado breathes a new brand of luxury into the expansive New Mexico desert. Just a short trek from ski slopes, whitewater rafting, and world-renowned craft markets and galleries, guests no doubt have plenty incentive to get off-property. However, immerse yourself in the understated solace of the resort—painting the nearby Jemez Mountains and Rio Grande River, hiking in Santa Fe National Forest, soaking in the pool, or inhaling the spicy scent of burning pinon wood by the central fire pit—and you'll soon feel a sense of total serenity wash over you.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by an able-bodied caretaker—think masseuse rather than overbearing mother—who will escort them to their private one-bedroom casita or suite, past exteriors that exude rustic luxury. But don't be fooled by the adobe-style stucco walls and dark chocolate trim. Walk inside and you'll be enveloped in a world of clean lines—square-cut wood beams, polished cement flooring, stone detailing, and kiva-style fireplaces—and soft touches throughout. Think Italian linens, down bedding, thick pillows, and original artwork. To top it off, the radiant heated bathroom floors and meditative soaking tubs (which boast a fine line of natural botanical bath products) help the outside world instantly evaporate. Plus, each casita has a private terrace with fireplaces and plush furniture; all the better for sipping a glass of New Mexico-grown and -bottled Gruet champagne and drinking in the never-ending horizon.

If you can tear yourself from your luxe den, the 57-acre property spirals around a central circular couch and fire pit, perfect for sunset cocktails. A dramatic white cabana-lined pool and hot tub beckons on a warm afternoon. And a stroll around the resort's original paintings and sculptures (all available for purchase) might inspire you to request an easel and watercolors, or even participate in one of the resort-sponsored photography trips. To appease your hunger (as opposed to your visual yearnings), a trio of ceviche and a dry martini on the patio or by the pool will remind you why this new kid on the block is raising eyebrows in this neck of the woods. The service is outstanding and includes trips into Santa Fe so you don't have to deal with parking.

Kim Grant has been writing about the best places to stay in North America since the day after graduating college in 1984. Since then she has written over 35 guidebooks and for countless websites and print publications. She is also the editorial director of a forthcoming website on the best places to stay and the travel acquisitions editor for Countryman Press.