This Inn Is The Best Place To Stay In New Mexico, According To Samantha Brown
As professional designers, Ira and Sylvia Seret found inspiration among exotic antiques, particularly artifacts from Afghanistan and Tibet. The exquisite craftsmanship and the vibrant colors encouraged the couple's vision for their own creative partnership. This artistic influence can be seen in every detail of The Inn of the Five Graces, located in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Travel expert Samantha Brown describes it as "one of the most romantic, tucked away places I've ever stayed." When the couple found a collection of forgotten adobe buildings in 1996, they converted them into this extraordinary inn that has been recognized by many publications, including Forbes, as one of the top hotels in the U.S. One reason that Brown has chosen this inn as her favorite spot to stay in New Mexico is because of how it embodies the "five graces" in its name, which represent sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste.
As the host of many travel programs over the years, Brown has journeyed around the globe and stayed in a wide variety of different accommodations. The Inn of the Five Graces is "truly an oasis," she says. "From the moment you enter your room, all your senses are engaged." She elaborates by describing this first impression. "Big, open windows allow you to hear the birds singing, feel the breeze against your skin, see the rustling leaves, and soak in the juniper-scented air," she describes.
Exquisite decor
The inn is decorated with the vivid colors of the East, with textiles and tapestries adorning each room that were selected personally by the Serets. The hand-laid mosaic tiles in the bathrooms are exquisite, creating a magical ambience that Brown says is reminiscent of "Arabian Nights." Guests can choose from 24 rooms, each of which has a wood-burning kiva fireplace, a sitting area, and "feather beds so comfy you never want to leave," says Brown. Every room at the inn also includes a complimentary breakfast and twice-daily housekeeping service. In addition to the guest rooms, there are a number of one- or two-bedroom suites available, many of which include a kitchenette and private courtyard or patio.
The Adobe Rose features a unique view of the San Miguel Mission, which is the oldest church in the U.S. The 950-square-foot suite offers a breathtaking collection of furnishings and decor, such as the Uzbek-embroidered headboard, 18th-century Mughal-embroidered tapestries, and Peruvian prayer blankets. The suite also includes a private steam shower inside the beautiful mosaic tile and marble bathroom. For an experience of true luxury, guests may also choose to stay at the Luminaria Villa. This 2,000-square-foot villa includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and five wood-burning fireplaces, making any guest feel like a true sultan. The bathrooms feature sinks made of pure lapis, specifically designed for the Luminaria. The full kitchen is styled with hand-painted tile and custom-carved wood cabinetry, and the hand-painted Tibetan ceiling captivates the cathedral living room.
Indulgent experiences
A lavish stay at the Inn of the Five Graces extends beyond the accommodations and into the heated courtyard, where guests can enjoy refreshments from the outdoor bar while listening to the calming sounds of the fountain and live music that is performed on certain evenings. The Pink Adobe is the inn's featured restaurant, which was established in 1944, and offers a distinctive New Mexican Cajun dining experience. Guests love to access this special venue through the secret passageway from the inn's courtyard.
Visitors will also enjoy The Spa of the Five Graces, a relaxing retreat that offers services that provide a sense of wellness and replenishment. Guests may choose from a menu of skin care treatments, massages, and body care in a soothing atmosphere that is enhanced by the beautiful decor. Beyond the steps of the hotel, the charm of Santa Fe with its shopping, restaurants, and art galleries is just waiting to be explored. As Brown points out, the location of the inn is unmatched. She says, "It's right in the heart of one of Santa Fe's most historic neighborhoods, just two blocks away from the Plaza and the Palace of the Governors. You can't beat that!" A stay at the Inn of the Five Graces is an indulgence that is a true delight for the senses. Once you step through the door, you may agree with Samantha Brown that you never want to leave.