Santa Fe Slowdown: Art, Adobe, and a Stay at Bishop’s Lodge
- Sonia
- Aug 2
- 3 min read
There’s something about Santa Fe that makes you breathe a little deeper. Maybe it’s the altitude (fun fact: it is the highest state capital). Maybe it’s the light. Either way, this city invites you to move slower and makes you glad you did.
I was there in July, enjoying extended time with family and scouting a stay at Bishop’s Lodge. Santa Fe is a destination I send clients to for a long weekend, especially those who want a mix of culture, nature, and somewhere to just be.
Art Everywhere
Santa Fe’s art scene is one of the city’s calling cards, but it never feels pretentious. I love that art isn’t confined to museums here—it’s just part of the landscape. Galleries line Canyon Road, sculptures are tucked into courtyards and public gardens, and even hotel lobbies feel curated. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is a big draw, but there are also lesser-known galleries and outdoor sculpture spaces that make just walking around feel like a visual experience. Whether you’re actively gallery-hopping or just wandering through town, you’re surrounded by creativity at every turn.
Our Favorite Meal: Paloma
Paloma is tucked into Santa Fe’s Railyard District and feels like the perfect mix of casual and thoughtful. Chef Nathan Mayes leans into fresh, seasonal ingredients with a made-from-scratch menu that really shines like house-made tortillas, bright salsas, and bold flavors. The short rib barbacoa, topped with pickled nopales, the tlayuda de hongas (a mushroom tostada), local rice and beans were standouts.
Their mezcal collection, with many small-batch and women-owned brands, is another draw that will impress spirit connoisseurs. There’s also a cozy natural wine bar attached if you want to sip something funky and different.
An Evening at the Opera
Highlighting our trip was a night at the Santa Fe Opera. Even if you’re not drawn to opera, this venue is unique and special. Set against the open desert with views for miles, it’s part world-class performance space, part architectural gem. You can picnic on the grounds or tailgate in the parking lot up to 3 hours in advance, and parking is free! The amphitheater is partially open-air, so you can watch the sunset as the show begins. The company brings top-tier productions to town each summer, but the setting alone is worth the ticket.
Bishop’s Lodge
Santa Fe has no shortage of beautiful places to stay—there are several excellent 4- and 5-star properties in and around the city. This time, I chose Bishop’s Lodge for its location just outside the main plaza and for the expansive, peaceful grounds that offer a real sense of escape without being far from town.
Tucked into the foothills just outside Santa Fe, it's a beautiful balance of design and nature. As part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, the setting alone - 317 acres in the Tesuque Valley - is worth the stay. The rooms are spread out across the property, many with terraces and fireplaces, and the vibe is warm and grounded. Earth tones, woven textures, a real sense of place.
It’s elevated, yes, but not in a flashy way. It's the kind of place where you start the day with a coffee on your balcony or from the cafe and end it around a firepit with a glass of wine. There’s horseback riding, an excellent restaurant on site (SkyFire), a spa that’s tucked away, and hiking and walking trails that start right from the property.
And while it feels peaceful and private, Bishop’s Lodge genuinely welcomes families. There’s plenty of open space for kids to run around, lawn games and activities set up on the grounds, and a pool that hits just the right note between chic and family-friendly. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, it’s the kind of place that makes everyone feel at home.
If you're not sure which hotel is right for your stay, I can help you narrow down based on your travel style and budget, and make sure you get access to VIP perks like upgrades, daily breakfast, and resort credits along the way.
Curious about the American Southwest and Santa Fe? I’d love to help you find the right fit in Santa Fe or building it into a longer Southwest itinerary.
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