resorts

Santa Fe, New Mexico is unforgettable! We loved our stay so much that we extended to a total of nine enchanting nights. After all, New Mexico is the “Land of Enchantment” and Santa Fe certainly fulfilled that appelation! It’s a unique destination rich in history and heritage. One thing certain about Santa Fe, you can’t fit everything into a first visit – but we certainly gave it our best shot! I’ve decided to share more than one post on this intriguing area. It deserves an in-depth review!

I’ve traveled from the Pacific coast to the Eastern seaboard more times than I can count. On all my visits through Albuquerque and even on a trip to Taos, NM in the late 6os, somehow neither HB or I had ever made a trip to Santa Fe. After hearing about what a great dog-friendly place Santa Fe is, we decided another road trip was in store for the two of us and our Australian shepherd, Emmy. As we arrived in town, we began to see dogs everywhere. Emmy could hardly restrain herself!

This is the entryway to La Posada de Santa Fe, our home for the next nine marvelous days. Upon arrival, Emmy felt like a rock star. She was given a welcome like none other she’d ever received in our 10,000 -plus miles we’ve traveled with her. As we entered the registration area, several of the employees clustered around Emmy asking about her breed, petting her and spoiling her with some of her favorite treats. She was in doggy heaven – and we were just along for the ride! Seriously, La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa goes out of there way to make your stay perfect. The staff is always available to meet every need. I will be posting more about La Posada, but in this post, I want to concentrate on how pampered this hotel made our Emmy feel.

This darling gift of doggy treats was waiting in our room… and for her human consorts, a plate of cheese, crackers and fruit, a lovely bottle of wine and a personal letter of welcome from Jennifer Riek, Leisure Sales Manager.

The staff set up this special bed for Emmy.

Our first morning, we had a breakfast of southwestern omelets, delivered hot and piquant to our private patio.

On several mornings, we enjoyed a lovely breakfast at The Patio at La Posada. Emmy was always welcomed as well as other canine guests. Of course she loved the attention she received from the courteous staff. Chef Juan Ruvalcaba was eager to please with any special orders. I happen to love caramelized bananas with my oatmeal and he was more than happy to fulfill my request on more than one occasion. He did an excellent job!

Mudgy, a three-legged rescued Border Collie became one of Emmy’s many friends. We were impressed by the number of Santa Feans that own rescue or animal shelter dogs. It speaks volumes of the great love for animals that is felt everywhere in Santa Fe. A worthy note about Mudgy’s owner: he is John Coveny, writer/producer of A&E’s new series, “Longmire”. We highly recommend this program; we have been enjoying it and find it to be well worth the time. It can be seen on Sunday evenings at 10 pm MT.

Even when La Posada Resort was at full capacity, there were always intimate walkways and beautiful grounds that could be enjoyed as if we were the only guests. It was relaxing and peaceful in its tranquil setting!

The adobe structures surrounding the grounds at La Posada de Santa Fe complement the unmistakable ambiance and historical influences that make Santa Fe such a special destination.

If you’re looking for a getaway where your beloved pet is welcomed in nearly every establishment, Santa Fe should be high on your list. More posts will follow expressing my love for this wonderful place! Please visit me again soon.

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One of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited is just outside Moab, Utah at the Sorrel River Ranch. It is expensive, but fabulous! Need some real R&R? Then Sorrel is the place to be. It’s located off of Highway 128 just about 17 miles northeast of Moab. Those visiting Moab, generally go to see Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Of course you don’t want to miss seeing those beautiful vistas, but hidden off the scenic highway of 128 is a new world of striation and hidden canyons.

The captivating panarama of Sorrel River Ranch. Our room was the building on the far left of this picture. The deck is huge and faces the Colorado River. Except for the occasional sound of the horse’s whinnying, the peace and quiet is perfect. Every now and then you’ll see a blue egret or the deer grazing beside the banks of the meandering river. We were there the beginning of October; a perfect ending to our month long road trip. Just an interesting side note: when Spielberg filmed “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” he booked the entire ranch for most of the cast and crew.

The over sized Adirondack chairs on the front porch are a perfect place to enjoy the scenery of this magnificent place and sit back, relax and in my case, finish my book du jour. Several of the guests we met were enjoying the comfortably warm evenings with a glass of wine, before heading to bed. Readying themselves, as they plan for another full day of incredible mountain biking, river rafting, hiking, climbing or horseback riding on the many equestrian trails surrounding the ranch. All of these activities can be arranged through the helpful staff.

Another view of Sorrel River Ranch from the hills on the southern side of Highway 128.

A view of Castleton Tower which is seldom seen from this particular angle. This picture was shot while driving the La Sal Mountain Loop Road which runs into Highway 128. It had been a rainy day and I was able to capture this great image of a low hanging cloud as it was passing by the tower. This part of Southern Utah should be on everyone’s bucket list!

In just a matter of moments, the clouds lifted and the blue sky against the red rock was picture perfect (no pun intended…well, maybe a little). This grouping of rocks is called: on the left, The Priest and Nuns and on the right, another view of Castleton Tower, just below Castle Valley driving toward Highway 128.

Another great shot of the Colorado River. It doesn’t really matter that the water is a muddy color from the surrounding eroding sediment. The feeling of serenity is ever present here!

If you’re looking for a peaceful part of the world where you can leave all the hustle and bustle of your normal busier-than-crazy life behind, with the added luxury of a four star resort, Sorrel has my vote. Our Australian Shepherd was welcomed with open paws! She was one happy canine and so were her owners. We actually embraced the 17 mile distance from Moab as we enjoyed the solitude of this beautiful resort. They also have a lovely spa on the property to help release those tired muscles after a busy day of physical exertion. As for us, we just sat back and soaked in all the surrounding glory!

Have you visited this area? I’d love to hear about your travel adventures!

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