Before there were art galleries in Santa Fe, there was La Posada. Built as a private home in the 1880s by wealthy local merchant Abraham Staab for his beloved wife, Julia, the elegant pueblo-meets-Spanish-style complex expanded in the 1930s, when new owners added adobe casitas to the six acres of lush, high-desert gardens—and then invited artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Will Shuster to stay and work. When La Posada became a hotel shortly thereafter, the walls were already lined with works by the many artists who continued to pass through. Even now, the lively lounge—a see-and-be-seen spot for artists of all kinds—and the high-ceilinged rooms—with their kiva fireplaces and traditional viga ceilings—are adorned with works by some of the foremost contemporary American artists. All works are available to buy, too, for guests who want to take home a piece of their trip. Or, you can make like most guests, and just keep returning to this refined retreat that has offered respite from the world for more than a century.
La Posada de Santa Fe
La Posada de Santa Fe
La Posada de Santa Fe
La Posada de Santa Fe
La Posada de Santa Fe
La Posada de Santa Fe
La Posada de Santa Fe
La Posada de Santa Fe
La Posada de Santa Fe
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The Perfect Escape To La Posada De Santa Fe
Wanting to get the most out of an art-focused trip, I decided to stay at La Posada de Santa Fe a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, which has become known as the Art Hotel of Santa Fe, New Mexico. It’s set up inside a former 1880’s mansion that later became an art colony where famous artists like Georgia O’Keefe stayed before it was turned to a resort. I usually can’t wait to hit the ground running after checking into a hotel, but here I decide to take my time walking around the property, looking at art for purchase displayed all over the buildings main corridor. It feels like a more interactive gallery than most and allows guests to discover nation wide right off the bat from more than 50 different artists. The hotels art curator, Sara Eyestone, works with artists from across the nation, giving them a chance to showcase their talent. Guests who purchase a piece of art end up with a perk from the property too: an extra nights stay at half the rate with resort fees waived. Outside the hotel and resorts main corridors, guests will find adobe casitas, each of which are uniquely designed with a southwestern style, making me feel like I am in a village instead of a typical hotel. Some of the 157 rooms date back more than 200 years with many featuring original adobe walls and kivas, a southwestern style fireplace. The onsite Spa Sage, a full service spa and salon, offers a list of treatments unique to the region and that are locally inspired. If you go: La Posada is two blocks from the historic plaza where you will find several cultural attractions like the Santa Fe Opera House and Georgia O’Keefe Museum. It’s an hour drive from Albuquerque International Airport and 20 minutes from the Santa Fe Airport. https://vimeo.com/171893773
