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7 New Mexico lodges perfect for a romantic getaway

Abiquiú Inn The Abiquiú Inn in O’Keeffe Country. | Photo courtesy Abiquiú Inn

New Mexico’s getaways are romantic any time of year, but especially so for Valentine’s Day. Cozy kiva fireplaces, sumptuous meals crafted from local ingredients, organic Southwest designs, and the state’s sweeping winter landscapes make New Mexico irresistible to couples. Here are just a few lodges around the state that are great for an idyllic weekend.

1. The Abiquiú Inn

Abiquiú Inn kiva fireplace

An intimate casita with a kiva fireplace. | Photo courtesy Abiquiú Inn

The Abiquiú Inn, surrounded by crimson mesas, nestles into the rustic beauty of O’Keeffe Country. Kiva fireplaces accent intimate casitas, gardens and art complement the grounds, and horses and cattle graze the property’s fields.

During your romantic retreat, you can take your significant other to visit the O’Keeffe Welcome Center next door to learn about artist Georgia O’Keeffe and to tour her adobe Abiquiú home, which inspired more than 24 paintings.

For some outdoor adventures, hike or horseback ride through the surreal plateaus of nearby Ghost Ranch and immerse into quiet contemplation at Christ in the Desert monastery along the Chama River. Cap the day with dinner at Café Abiquiú before strolling back to your casita under a star-filled sky. Rates start at $170.

Pro tip: Ask about the romance special, which includes breakfast and dinner, available through February.

2. Cañon del Río

Cañon del Río’s lily pond

Cañon del Río’s water lily pond in the outdoor courtyard. | Photo by Katy Zweifel

Tucked along the burbling Jemez River on 3 cottonwood-covered acres, quiet Cañon del Río is just 50 miles from Albuquerque in Jemez Springs. The Southwest-style property with sinuous adobe walls opens to an inner courtyard with a water lily pond. Eight guest rooms with patios line the courtyard. The inn’s great room has leather couches with books about the Jemez area, anchored by an ornamental kiva fireplace. Relax in the hot tub or lounge by the outdoor pool with towering canyon cliffs as a backdrop. Indulge in a massage by appointment. Enjoy house-made gourmet breakfasts at the socially distanced communal kitchen table or take the food back to your room for breakfast in bed. Rates start at $159.

Nearby, walk or hike through the Jemez Mountains, go wine tasting at Ponderosa Winery, and learn about the area’s history at Walatowa Visitors Center and Jemez National Historic Landmark. Guests at Cañon del Río receive a discount to use the hot springs at nearby Jemez Hot Springs.

3. Bear Mountain Lodge

Bear Mountain Lodge

Bear Mountain Lodge has TV-free rooms with Southwest Mission–style furniture. | Photo by Linda Brewer

With some 180 acres next to the Gila Wilderness, Bear Mountain Lodge near Silver City caters to lovers who love the outdoors. Bear Mountain has long been a destination for birders and hikers. The main lodge has 6 rooms with New Mexico themes and names like O’Keeffe and Gila. Southwest Mission–style furniture, plush bathrobes, Jacuzzi tubs, and balconies perfect for morning coffee are among the amenities. Books detailing local wildlife are in the lodge’s grand library, and binoculars are available for wildlife viewing. Leather couches and stone fireplaces add warmth and coziness to the room. Guests won’t find TVs on the property, although WI-FI is available.

For families or couples who’d like to bring their dog, 4 additional rooms are available in Myra’s Retreat, a building named for the lodge’s former longtime owner, and the Wren’s Nest, a separate pet-friendly house on the property. For a more adventurous experience, consider a stay in the Mongolian-style yurt on the property. The lodge’s Café Oso Azul provides complimentary breakfasts for guests, and other meals can be ordered as well. Rates start at $190.

Hiking literally begins out the lodge’s front door, and charming downtown Silver City is only 3 miles away. The historic Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a scenic trip via NM 15.

4. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs & Resort Spa

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa

A contemporary Southwest suite with a wood-burning fireplace. | Photo by Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs

With mineral-rich hot springs, extensive spa treatments, and cozy casitas, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa makes for a romantic getaway any time of year.

The Ojo Caliente retreat is known for its red-rock cliff views and its public and private soaking pools, which are available at a range of temperatures and mineral content. Signature spa treatments incorporate local clay and herbs, and the Artesian Restaurant serves plates using greens from the on-site Ojo Farm.

The resort’s contemporary Southwest suites have wood-burning fireplaces. Guests can wake up with a complimentary daily yoga class and, later, hike to the ancient ruins of Posi-Ouinge atop the cliffs that overlook the resort. Rates start at $169.

5. La Castañeda Hotel

La Castañeda Hotel

This former Harvey Hotel has preserved the building’s Victorian architecture and period furnishings. | Photo by Daniel Lutzick

This former Harvey Hotel built in 1898 in Las Vegas captures the romance of rail travel and welcomes travelers with antiques-filled rooms and upscale dining.

La Castañeda Hotel’s 20 rooms are named for other historic Fred Harvey properties, such as La Fonda in Santa Fe, which were known for well-appointed stays during the heyday of rail travel. Amtrak passenger trains still stop at the Las Vegas Depot next door. Guests who appreciate New Mexico history will enjoy the preservation of the hotel’s Victorian architecture and period furnishings and the wraparound porch.

Bar Castañeda serves fun cocktails such as the Conductor’s Tea (Jack Daniels Single Barrel and house-made hot apple cider), local New Mexico beers, and a large selection of wine. The bar menu includes salads and burgers, and the Bottle Shop has casual food available for takeout. Rates start at $109.

6. The Lodge at Cloudcroft

The Lodge at Cloudcroft

Large stained-glass windows overlook the surrounding forest. | Photo courtesy The Lodge at Cloudcroft

Surrounded by the Lincoln National Forest at 9,000 feet above sea level, the historic Lodge at Cloudcroft is a romantic winter getaway above the desert of southern New Mexico.

Bavarian and Craftsman-style elegance graces guest rooms and the main lobby with its large stone fireplace. Stained-glass windows overlook forest views in Rebecca’s, which serves meals such as its Ruby Red Trout crusted with locally grown pistachios and blue corn chile rellenos.

Nearby, ice skate at the James Sewell Ice Rink, hit the slopes at Ski Cloudcroft, or stroll throughout the Lodge’s grounds. Rates start at $145.

7. El Monte Sagrado

El Monte Sagrado’s eco-conscious Living Spa.

El Monte Sagrado’s eco-conscious Living Spa. | Photo by Tom Reid

El Monte Sagrado in Taos embraces romance and wellness with its luxurious rooms and suites, eco-conscious Living Spa, and celebrated De La Tierra restaurant. Guest rooms fuse New Mexican and global decor and offer options such as kiva fireplaces and private hot tubs and patios.

De La Tierra restaurant sources ingredients locally for dishes such as bison short ribs and lemon fruit tart with prickly pear sauce. The Anaconda Bar, with its shimmering anaconda artwork and a relaxing aquarium, is a local favorite.

Complimentary yoga classes are offered to weekend guests, and the indoor garden pool is open year-round. The Living Spa has sunlit showers and candlelit suites for couples’ treatments. Ask about El Monte Sagrado’s Romance Package, which includes room upgrades, sparkling wine, chocolate amenities, and late checkout. Rates start at $299.

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