At first glance, the Inn and Spa at Loretto is reflective of traditional adobe pueblos of the area located in the epicenter of historic downtown Santa Fe, just one block from the Plaza. It is comprised of 136 beautifully appointed guest rooms and 5 suites immersed in the culture and tradition of the Southwest. The two-story penthouse is over 3,000 square feet complete with in-room spa and dining services and 5 balcony terraces offering spectacular views of the city. The Inn is adjacent to Loretto Chapel, built on the former site of the Loretto of Light Academy.
We had a chance to tour the chapel with its famed “miraculous staircase” named because the identity of its builder is unknown and for the physics of its construction. The chapel, which was completed in the latter half of the 1800’s, had no access to the choir loft perched more than 20 feet above the ground floor. Because of the small area below, there wasn’t enough room to build traditional stairs. One day a carpenter offered his services to resolve the issue by constructing a spiral type staircase to minimize its footprint. When the work was completed, he disappeared without payment or goodbyes. The magnificent staircase has two 360-degree turns, no support connections to any wall, and no use of nails – wooden pegs were utilized instead.
The Inn boasts on-site art galleries, shops, and a garden. The modern and sophisticated rooms are decorated in Native American Santa Fe style – many with a red, black, and tan color palette. Our bed was plush with luxurious bedding and traditional woven fabric accents. Other amenities you might not expect are a heated pool, concierge services, fitness room, 24-hr business center, laundry and dry cleaning services, complimentary daily newspaper, valet parking, and outdoor firepit. The critics agree the Inn and Spa at Loretto is one of the top places to stay in Santa Fe with a AAA Four Diamond Rating. Travel and Leisure World Ranked them #11 in Top 50 Large City Hotels in the Continental U.S. in 2013, and a 500 World’s Best Award in 2014. Condé Nast included the property on the Traveler’s Gold List for The World’s Best Places to Stay in 2012–2013.
The hotel’s Luminaria Restaurant and Patio serves innovative Santa Fe cuisine with ingredients from local farmers markets in an outdoor setting during the warmer months. Try the Red Chile Braised Short Rib Egg Rolls, Tortilla Soup, or the Green Chile Cheeseburger “McMuffin”.
The Living Room, aptly named for its comfortable “at home” feel has oversized leather chairs and couches, exposed wooden beams and posts, a fireplace, local artwork, and a Southwest flair. They offer custom craft cocktails, delicious food, flat screen TVs and occasional live music in a warm and sociable bar setting. Signature cocktails include the Taos Sidecar, the “Smoking Nun” and the Ancho Blueberry Margarita.
Set aside some time for yourself and book a treatment at the award-winning Spa at Loretto with its holistic approach to well being, implementing similar techniques used by Native American healers. The Spa is beautifully appointed with stone and wood to immediately soothe your soul. They have amazing treatments that are invigorating after a long day of exploring Santa Fe. The Sacred Stone Massage and OxyGeneo facials are hard to find anywhere else and among the best. Be careful not to fall asleep as you are pampered with a manicure or pedicure while relaxing in comfortable chairs. They even offer couple’s massages and intuitive readings.
The Inn’s sustainability program, “Destination Earth” recognizes a need to preserve the world in which they operate. The parent company, Destination Hotels & Resorts, is dedicated to practices and programs that pay respect to and lessen their footprint on our changing environment. Become a member of the Destination Delivers Legacy Club free of charge to receive special offers and happenings in Santa Fe and at The Inn and Spa at Loretto.
Submitted by Dr. Diane Hayden