Four Seasons raises the flag on acclaimed property as it celebrates the Opening Gala of the Santa Fe Opera

Four Seasons has added the 87th property to its expanding international portfolio with the rebranding of New Mexico’s only AAA Five Diamond resort to Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. Guests and staff will be celebrating doubly at the opening of the Santa Fe Opera season gala sponsored by Four Seasons on June 29.

“It’s a time of superlatives for everyone at the Resort as our guests and employees celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in the storied history of Rancho Encantado,” says Cindy Racco, the recently appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado. “We are excited and proud to be part of this community and support its world class artists.”

Located just outside Santa Fe on 57 acres (23 hectares), Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado is an intimate 65-casita property that includes the popular Terra restaurant, a serene spa sanctuary, resort pool and sunlit event spaces that are a favourite choice for weddings and corporate retreats.

In addition, the Resort has an outpost 10 minutes away in downtown Santa Fe. Here, Resort guests can take a break from shopping and gallery hopping in air-conditioned comfort, enjoy some refreshment, safely stow the day’s purchases, and chat with a Four Seasons concierge about what to do next. A complimentary Mercedes-Benz shuttle takes guests to and from the main Resort nearby.

“The transition to Four Seasons has been essentially seamless, because it’s already a beautifully conceived, well-built resort. But one thing we are changing right away is the arrival area,” says Racco, noting that a hallmark of the brand is that special moment when one pulls into a Four Seasons after a long journey and gets their first glimpse of the experience to come. The current parking lot will be replaced with new indigenous landscaping that blends in with the surroundings, and a new valet parking area is being created out of view of the casitas.

“The Spa is particularly spectacular, with its private courtyards and outdoor relaxation areas allowing guests to rejuvenate in the fresh desert air,” enthuses Racco. Newly appointed Spa Director Emily Richey will oversee an expert team of therapists offering both modern therapies and indigenous treatments. The Resort’s fitness program includes a dedicated movement studio, gym and pool.

At Terra Restaurant, with its mission-style architecture, stone hearth fireplace, glass-encased wine room and outdoor firepit, local ingredients are featured in such favourites as guajillo prawns with white chocolate mole, classic southwestern red rice and mango salsa; and regionally-inspired bistro fare including mezcal-steamed mussels and clams, diver scallops and pork belly, and heirloom tomato carpaccio.

The Bar at Encantado, affectionately known as “Betty’s Bar” after the original owner of Rancho Encantado, is oriented to the techni-colour drama of the sun setting over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains each evening. From rich leather couches and cozy chairs, guests wash down the famed Smokin’ Nachos with local beers and tequilas.

Terra and the Bar are also the perfect place to begin the evening during the Santa Fe Opera season, this year from June 29 to August 25. Considered the second best company in the US after New York’s Metropolitan Opera, the Santa Fe Opera attracts fans from around the world to its unique outdoor venue every summer. It’s also an accessible experience for those new to opera, with screens offering English translations so that everyone can follow along. As part of its relationship with the Opera, Four Seasons guests can book the Opera Lovers package, valid throughout the season.

Long before the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century, the area now known as Santa Fe was home of Pueblo Indian villages built along the river more than a thousand years ago. “Santa Fe is rich in Native American history, and the culture continues to thrive today,” says Concierge Candace Martinez, who is a member of the San Ildefonso Indian Pueblo. “People who come to visit often become so interested in the way of life that they adopt the culture and celebrate it with us. We are happy to help guide our guests on this journey of discovery as they get to know the people and traditions of Santa Fe.”

Guests interested in meeting local artists and purchasing their wares will want to plan their visits around the city’s numerous art fairs. Santa Fe is the second largest art market in America, drawing thousands of collectors and buyers from around the world annually to its flourishing arts community, including 200 art galleries and a dozen museums. In addition, the performing arts thrive in the city, and the area is also home to countless artists, performers and writers.

In the coming months, Martinez recommends: Art Santa Fe, the Santa Fe International Folk Art Marketing, the Santa Fe Wine Festival, the Traditional Spanish Market and the Contemporary Hispanic Market, all in July; Whitehawk Antique Shows, the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival in August; the Santa Fe Renaissance Fair and Santa Fe Wine and Chile Festival in September; and looking ahead to October, the Santa Fe Film Festival.

For outdoor adventurers, Four Seasons will soon announce an expanded program of activities. “There are so many ways to enjoy the area’s pristine wilderness, from hiking and mountain biking to white water rafting, not to mention some excellent golfing. In the winter months, we’re adding snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling to the list, and I personally plan to be among the first to go hot air ballooning above this beautiful landscape,” promises Racco.

Also high on her to do list: buy a telescope. “Guests often say that the sky is so clear here that they imagine that they can almost reach up and touch the stars, so we’re going to bring them a little closer with complimentary stargazing on the terrace.”

There’s nothing like fresh air and wide open spaces to encourage creative thinking and enhance productivity. At Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, groups of up to 300 can take advantage of naturally lit meeting spaces with floor to ceiling windows exposing panoramic views, adjacent open air terraces, and myriad group activities in the surrounding countryside.

The Resort will continue to offer the Land of Enchantment meetings package, and is also introducing Four Seasons Greening Meetings program, offering sustainable and environmentally responsible options for today’s meeting planners. Also available: full property buyouts, allowing groups run-of-the-house fully supported by Four Seasons staff.

In addition to the Opera Lovers package, the Resort is introducing two popular Four Seasons packages: Experience More, which includes a USD 75.00 Resort credit per night’s stay, and Stay Longer, offering a fourth night free for every three consecutive nights booked.

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado also offers a special incentive package for Mercedes-Benz owners as part of its ongoing partnership with the luxury vehicle brand. In addition to a complimentary shuttle between the Resort and its downtown outpost, guests have access to Mercedes-Benz SUVs and convertibles for private use on a first come, first serve basis.