Bishops Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection

Bishops Lodge is Santa Fe's resort in the hills. It stands in the Tesuque Valley, a few miles north of the Plaza, on a large property of piñon and juniper woodland, with the Sangre de Cristo foothills rising behind. The site has a long story: the archbishop who built the Cathedral Basilica kept a retreat here, and a small chapel from that era survives on the grounds. Later it became a guest ranch and lodge popular with artists and travelers, and it has been reborn as a luxury property in the Auberge Resorts Collection. Accommodation ranges from lodge rooms to suites and casitas, many with fireplaces and private patios, decorated in a refined Southwestern style that mixes local craft with contemporary comfort. The resort has a spa, restaurants, a bar with views, and a pool, and activities include hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding on the property and the nearby trails.

The trade-off is distance from downtown. It takes about ten minutes by car to reach the Plaza, so you will want a vehicle or to arrange rides, and in the evening you may prefer to dine at the resort. In return you get quiet, big skies and a sense of retreat that no downtown hotel can offer. It is the best choice for travelers who plan to rest, hike and enjoy a slower pace, or for couples marking a special occasion.

The property is also close to the Santa Fe Opera, so it works nicely for summer performance trips, with dinner at the resort before the show. The Tesuque Village Market and the nearby pueblo are small additions for those who want to explore the neighborhood. Winter trips combine skiing at Ski Santa Fe in the mountains above with the comfort of a fireplace and spa at day's end.

Rates are higher than at city hotels, and seasonal demand is strong around holidays, summer opera weeks and fall color, so book early. Policies on pets, resort fees and parking vary, so check the details when you book. Ask about activity reservations such as riding or guided hikes when you reserve, since popular times fill.

For most first-time visitors, a downtown base is easier. But if you have visited before or want a romantic, restful stay with nature at the door, Bishops Lodge is hard to beat, and it still lets you reach the Plaza in minutes for dinner or a gallery walk.

Pack layers, because evenings in the foothills are cool even in summer, and bring good walking shoes if you plan to explore the trails and the grounds around the property.