August 2024 | Issue No. 51

hello august! 

Hello & welcome to my August newsletter. As the end of summer approaches, you may feel like the season got away before you had the opportunity to plan a dream vacation. Maybe a roundup of a few of our very cool staycation spots here in Albuquerque is just what you need? We have some unique & magical places right here that will make you feel like you're in a faraway location, minus the planning & headache of fighting the ongoing airport chaos. Do you have a favorite local place to book when wanderlust kicks in but a long-distance vacation isn't an option? I'd love to hear your go-to spot because this list is by no means comprehensive.

Destination: Staycation!

No Albuquerque staycation list would be complete without including Los Poblanos. You could visit this charming historic inn & farm for weeks & still have wonderful things to explore & experience. They have carved out a slice of heaven in the North Valley, where  luxurious accommodations, a renowned spa &  field-to-fork restaurant are just the beginning of the amenities. At Los Poblanos, you can engage in activities like visiting farm animals, meeting the beekeeper, witnessing their distillation process, taking a guided farm tour & enjoying afternoon tea service. Visitors have access to classes, a fitness center, saltwater pool (in-season), as well as dining experiences & tastings. They have just been awarded the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence for their fourth year in a row. In fact, excellence is exactly what they are known for, in all aspects of hospitality. Campo is a favorite for visitors & Burquenos alike because of the ever-changing, inspired seasonal menu. You're sure to find something new & wonderful each time you plan a visit to Los Poblanos. 

If relaxation is on your agenda, The Desert Compass may be just what you're looking for. Located in historic Old Town, the property consists of 6 private suites with access to lounge areas, a photo-worthy cowboy pool & a central fire pit within lush grounds. They offer privacy & tranquility if that's what you're seeking, but also create a setting where making new friends is encouraged. Conveniently located within walking distance to dining & shopping, this oasis in the heart of the city will make you feel like you're in a faraway place. Their focus on women & indigenous artists as collaborators in design can be felt both inside the suites & in the outdoor common areas. Each suite also features a private patio space, or if you want to spend time in the communal garden, there are hammocks, a hot tub, outdoor games & a fire pit perfect for making s'mores. The property is contained within a 6+foot privacy wall, so you can soak in the lush surroundings in peace while you pretend you are on your dream vacation.

Once known as the “Pride of Old Town” Bottger Mansion is now a boutique inn with a long & famed history. Constructed in 1911-12, it was one of the only true mansions ever built in Albuquerque, remains virtually unchanged architecturally & is on the Register of Historic Places. It has seen many incarnations over the years from art gallery to  restaurant to beauty parlor, just to name a few. A bed & breakfast since 1989, it has seen its share of famous & colorful visitors throughout the years, from the outlaw Machine Gun Kelly to Elvis Presley & Frank Sinatra in the 1950s. While staying at this historic inn will tug on your sense of nostalgia, you will find cozy & modern amenities surrounding you. In addition to the close proximity to all Old Town has to offer, you can also book an experience along with your stay. They partner with other Albuquerque businesses to offer packages including a bicycle tour along the Rio Grande, a wedding package, hot air balloon experiences & Best of ABQ City Tour. They will also accommodate other special requests to make the stay memorable. It's rumored that the property is haunted by a number of ghosts, if you're into a spooky staycation experience.

Located in the Sawmill district, Hotel Chaco is a AAA 4 diamond boutique hotel. It was designed by a world famous architecture firm & houses an extensive collection of contemporary Native American New Mexican art. The design of the building was intended to be reminiscent  of  Chaco Canyon. One of the many highlights of a visit to Hotel Chaco is the Spa at Chaco. They specialize in a wellness approach focused on functional plants & herbs native to our high desert region. If you are looking for a spot to refresh & rejuvenate, this is definitely it. After your spa service, you can lounge by the outdoor pool surrounded by lush gardens & dream of faraway places, with poolside food & beverage service available seasonally. Their Level 5 rooftop restaurant & lounge is a favorite hangout for locals & visitors alike. Even if you want to just hit the town for drinks, they also have a tasting room & the views of the Sandias are second to none from the rooftop viewpoint. This is the best seat in town to take in one of our famous New Mexico sunsets! 

Originally operated from 1937-2005 as one of the first New Mexico  motels to greet Route 66 travelers, El Vado Motel reopened in 2018 after a substantial renovation. The refreshed property features mid century modern furnishings, one of a kind artwork & retains the historic charm of the original motor lodge. The space is nostalgic, but also offers modern comfort & amenities for a relaxing staycation. Thoughtful touches like memory-foam beds & organic bath products ensure that your stay is restful. You'll find the 22 room lodging area tucked away in the back of the property, along with a pool & private outdoor fireplace. Just steps away in the public common area, they have created “micro pods” around a central courtyard, featuring many locally-owned  restaurants & retail shops. Their cozy taproom greets locals & visitors alike with offerings from New Mexico's finest breweries, wineries & distilleries. The courtyard is a favorite gathering spot for diners & you can often find entertainment in the evenings. Their sister property, Monterey Motel, is located not far away & offers another staycation destination opportunity. 

If your idea of the perfect staycation is to experience the ultimate in luxury resort amenities, The Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa is a short drive just north of Albuquerque. Located on 550 acres of the Santa Ana Pueblo between the Sandias & the Rio Grande, Tamaya offers a special opportunity to experience the land & culture steeped in history spanning over a thousand years. This expansive resort  includes 350 luxury southwestern rooms & suites. The Tamaya Mist Spa & Salon is a world class full service wellness destination, with fitness center, that will help you feel like a new person. But the spa is far from the only draw of staying at this inspiring resort. Some of the other amenities & activities include an 18 hole championship golf course, tennis courts, 4 pools, activities for kids, hot air ballooning, nature trails & horseback riding. They are home to the Tamaya Horse Rehab, with over 100 rescued horses. You can join a basket making class that embraces & celebrates the culture & history of one of the Pueblo's oldest traditions, handed down across generations. End your days at one of their 5 restaurants & lounges to take in the beauty of the Sandias & surrounding land from the patio. 

If you're up for a short road trip & enjoy hot springs (who doesn't?) Truth or Consequences offers the perfect opportunity to escape the city for a truly unique experience. Not for those seeking luxury like that at some of the previously mentioned resorts, Hot Springs Glamp Camp offers a healing space for adventure seekers to rest & unwind. Since 2021 this spot in the artsy town of  T or C has offered retreats & special events meant to encourage & inspire a sense of community. The main draw is of course the hot springs. The springs there are known as “sweet springs” because they have no sulfur (or smell). They are pristine, flowing springs, with trace elements of 38 different minerals. All guests have 24 hour access to 3 outdoor, fresh-air tubs & 1 indoor jetted jacuzzi tub. To enhance this memorable stay, accommodations are far from your typical hotel room. Lodging options at the Glamp Camp include remodeled vintage RVs, the yurt or the dome, in addition to camping sites that can accommodate an RV. All of their guests, including campers, have access to clean bathrooms, an outdoor lounge, drinking water, free wifi & unlimited hot springs soaking. 

Just an hour away, nestled 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe, is a retreat that will make you feel like you're in a distant country. Ten Thousand Waves sits on 20 acres of pinon & juniper & is inspired by Japanese mountain hot spring resorts. The “Japanese-adobe” aesthetic, marries the traditional with state-of-the-art technology & you will find everything you need for a tranquil getaway provided. What began as a small bathhouse with 8 outdoor hot tubs & one massage room in 1981, now offers 14 unique lodging rooms, private hot tub suites, bodywork & dining. For a transformative experience, you can book one of their spa packages. Their restaurant, izanami, serves izakaya-style small plates & offers an extensive selection of sake, with indoor & outdoor seating. Fresh ingredients & house-made fare are emphasized & they offer many gluten free & vegetarian options. Each morning, a complimentary, seasonally inspired breakfast bento is delivered to your room. This unique resort will calm your mind & body. Who doesn't want to spend the perfect staycation in a comfy robe in the most tranquil setting, at the end of  only a short road trip rather than after hours on an airplane?

Made  famous by Georgia O'Keeffe, Ghost Ranch located in Abiquiu sits on 21,000 acres of natural unparalleled beauty. This is not a destination if you are seeking luxury accommodations, but is perfect for soaking in the magic of the land. In fact, it's the place to unplug & unwind since there are no TVs, phones, or wifi  in the rooms & no guarantee of cell reception. Staying at Ghost Ranch is all about taking in the outdoors, so lodging accommodations are minimal & include the necessities. You will find several options including historical cottages, suites & camping, all with amazing views & opportunities to connect with nature. While you're there, make sure to take advantage of the range of multi-day programs & workshops offered throughout the year. You'll find a focus on subjects like fine arts, science, history, spirituality & social involvement. There are 2 onsite museums & 24-hour library access. If it's outdoor recreation that calls your name, you're in luck. You can explore archaeological sites that highlight the region's expansive geological history, or go on a hike or horseback ride. Guests also have 24-hour access to complimentary coffee, tea & snacks in the dining hall. 

If a roadtrip to Taos is on your mind & you're feeling like reconnecting with nature, a stay at Hotel Luna Mystica might be worth exploring. This vintage trailer hotel & campground on 12+ acres of mesa 8 miles on the outskirts of Taos is the place for amazing views, stargazing & tranquility. By no means a luxury hotel, this unique experience makes up in vibes what's missing in luxury. You’ll find 22 vintage trailers & 60 campsites on the sprawling site. The trailers each have their own deck, with restored, functional & comfortable amenities like a kitchen, bathroom & comfortable bed. There are fire pits & communal areas & the area is pet friendly, if you are traveling with a furry companion. While you may give up direct access to Taos in exchange for land & sky on the horizon, Taos Mesa Brewery is conveniently located just steps away. This unique destination is one that draws New Mexicans, as well as travelers from near & far. Make sure to take in the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge while you are in the area. 

August Special Features!

Did you know that there are special discounts & offers available at some of these establishments specifically for New Mexico residents?  Los Poblanos offers a 25% discount off their Best Availalbe Rate at the Inn, exclusively for New Mexico residents. The rate is available any day of the week for stays through September 30, 2024. Hotel Chaco offers NM residents & neighbors rates at both the hotel & spa & Ten Thousand Waves has a special club card available for New Mexicans that entitles you to discounts on many of their services. Visit their websites for more information, exclusions or to book your staycation.

Last week, the mortgage rates dropped for the first time in months! With available inventory levels continuing to increase, now is a good time to buy if you've been waiting from the sidelines. Give me a call if you'd like more information on how these changes could benefit you. I'd love to help you reach your real estate goals this year. 

Thanks for joining me this month. I hope you enjoyed this roundup of some of the magical staycation spots right in our backyard. It's so easy to overlook just how special Albuquerque & New Mexico really are in all of the noise of day to day life. The end of the summer is the perfect time to slow down for a minute, relax & re-center before we head into the busy fall season. I'd love to know if you learned something valuable from this newsletter or if I missed your favorite spot. Also, send over ideas for future newsletters. Are you a small business owner & have a special offer to share? Send me a message, I'd love to hear from you.

see you next month!