Four Seasons Rancho Encantado, Santa Fe, Review

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There are two things that tend to inspire enthusiastic debate in Santa Fe: where to find the best green chile (more on that below), and where to get the best views of the city’s famously fiery sunsets. Regarding the latter, the Cross of the Martyrs, an overlook above downtown, comes up a lot. As do many of the hiking trails sprinkled around the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. But nice as they are, these are not the sort of places where you can sink into an Adirondack chair with a mezcal margarita in hand. For that you have the [Four Seasons Rancho Encantado](https://www.fourseasons.com/santafe/), which benefits from its hilly perch away from the bustle (and light pollution, since those sunsets tend to be followed by excellent stargazing) of downtown—and yet is only a 15-minute drive away (the house SUV will shuttle you back and forth).

The 65-room property has merits beyond its panoramic vistas, of course, especially the comfortable casita-style accommodations with their Southwestern-inflected decor and indoor and outdoor fireplaces (with fireplace butlers on call to light it up for you—and bring s’mores kits). And the very nice spa. And the curated collection of paintings and sculptures sprinkled throughout the property, many of which are also (dangerously) for sale. And the restaurant, where you will ask for continuous refills of its addicting focaccia. And the proximity (and free rides) to the Santa Fe Opera, with its singular open-air architecture and charming tailgate picnics and yes, more of those magical sunsets.

Below, we asked general manager Shannon Schwier for her intel on the Four Season’s best rooms and room service musts.

Our Rancho Suite offers the best views of the surrounding mountain vistas from it’s elevated perch on property. And it’s more than 1,000 square feet of rustic luxury, with authentic, tasteful Southwestern touches. I especially love the indoor and outdoor fireplaces—perfect for crisp fall evenings or cozy winter nights in.


The best thing about our rooms is that they are not rooms but casitas. Our Deluxe King Casitas are the largest in the region, measuring at more than 600 square feet. I love the spacious bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and heated flooring.


Build your own piñon wood fire—or call the fireplace butler (he comes bearing s’mores).

You can never go wrong with chicken tortilla soup. Our version is made in-house and offers just the right balance of heat. I also love our Terra Burger, with smoked gouda, candied bacon, and, of course, green chile!

The property has a relaxed, authentically Southwestern feel. We want our guests to be welcomed like family to our home [in northern New Mexico](https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/travel-guide/a68854748/taos-new-mexico-luxury-travel-guide/), and to feel the sense of place, from the adobe-style casitas and regionally inspired spa treatments to the art on the walls and cuisine in the restaurant.

> > “There is a mysticism and energy to Santa Fe that is truly unique.”

Our complimentary guided Camino Encantado hike on property. It’s a great way to orient yourself to the destination and to see beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges. Also, the drive to Ski Santa Fe is gorgeous year-round—whether you are skiing, hiking among the aspens in the fall, or simply visiting the scenic overlook. Nambé Falls is another gem for views and a picnic. Or you can head to El Santuario de Chimayó in Chimayo. Pilgrims visit the site to collect “holy dirt” from a small pit; the dirt is believed to have healing properties. While there, be sure to make time for margaritas and chile rellenos at Rancho de Chimayó, an authentic, pueblo-style restaurant offering simple, delicious New Mexico cuisine.