SANTA FE, N.M., July 1, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Bordering on 1.5 million acres of Santa Fe National Forest, Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection opens its doors and begins welcoming guests today, just minutes from the city's historic plaza. Dating back to the 1860s, when Santa Fe's first archbishop built a chapel and lodge on the property, the resort pays homage to the past, while celebrating Santa Fe's vibrant cultural, art and culinary scenes and the spirit of adventure that epitomizes the Rocky Mountains. The first luxury offering of its kind in Santa Fe, Bishop's Lodge provides state-of-the-art accommodations, a destination restaurant conceived by Chef Dean Fearing, an array of outdoor adventures and transformative wellness experiences set against one of the most starkly beautiful backdrops in the Southwest.
Inspired by the notion of community, the resort unfolds much like a village, with its ranch-inspired structures – some restored, some new – overlooking sweeping lawns, a stream, horse pastures and forest-cloaked mesas. The Lodge stands at the heart of the property beside the restored chapel and The Hall, while the Turquesa Healing Arts Studio rests in a peaceful, shaded spot alongside the fitness center and the main swimming pool. Guests can stay in 100 guest rooms, suites and stand-alone accommodations and enjoy a host of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, fly fishing, hiking and horseback riding. Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection offers a pristine natural setting with panoramic views located only four miles from the rich cultural attractions of a UNESCO world heritage city.
"Bishop's Lodge is a tribute to the culture, spirit and adventure of 'the City Different', and we are thrilled to introduce a new Auberge Resorts Collection property in this beloved destination," said Craig Reid, president & chief executive officer, Auberge Resorts Collection. "We look forward to introducing the local Santa Fe community and discerning travelers from around the world to the unique experiences and stunning natural beauty of this exceptional property."
A Santa Fe Landmark Reimagined
Settled more than 150 years ago by Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy, the storied property once served as the western home to the Pulitzer family and hosted several United States presidents over the years. In collaboration with Dallas-based Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architects and the Hospitality Interiors Studio of global design firm HKS, Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection has been transformed for today's modern travelers through a $75 million renovation and restoration.
The resort's one-of-a-kind adobe structures are designed to flow with the land's contours in an organic interplay of buildings and nature. Following the sun's arc, their earthy hues complement indigenous vegetation, planted areas, creeks, fieldstone textures, natural juniper and pine treescapes.
"We decided to build upon an ethos and attitude that approaches Santa Fe architecture in a modern way," said Nunzio DeSantis. "The imperfection of the adobe walls is the perfection. They are deep, strong and created by people – not a machine. We aimed only to enhance the sense of place by adding new buildings, which bring comfort and technology, to dance alongside the old buildings."
Interior design was led by Mary Alice Palmer and Natalie Smith of HKS, who were inspired by the many creative cultures that have been drawn to this special place over the centuries – the native Navajo and Hopi tribes who have worshipped and settled here for thousands of years and the artists who have attempted for generations to capture the light. Of notable inspiration was international fashion muse Millicent Rogers, who settled in the region after discovering the genius of Native American artisanship.
"The spirit of Santa Fe is alive in every design detail," said Mary Alice Palmer, principal and global hospitality interior design director at HKS. "The creative spirit that dwells in this region cannot be compared to anywhere else in the world. We have created the future for adventure, relaxation and authentic inspiration that was and always will be the legacy of Bishop's Lodge."
A Refined Rustic Welcome
The beating heart of the resort is The Lodge, home to SkyFire, the signature restaurant of Bishop's Lodge, a bar lounge, living room and expansive outdoor decks with fire pits and breathtaking sunset views. Artworks from the property's original collection dating back to the 1940s adorn the walls and the centerpiece attraction is an oversized alfresco Kiva fireplace, where guests can gather in the evenings to toast the setting sun.
Located beneath the Main Lodge is NATHALIE at Bishop's Lodge, a boutique curated by former French Vogue fashion editor Nathalie Kent. NATHALIE's boasts a bespoke collection of turquoise jewelry, cowboy boots and western wear alongside handpicked Southwest objects and one-of-a-kind treasures from around the world. Adjacent is the Gerald Peters Gallery, which displays an array of local artwork and a collection of historic Navajo rugs and artifacts while also hosting a visiting artist program.
Bold Southwestern Flavors
Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection offers three distinct dining destinations. Drawing inspiration from the diverse ingredients and rich textures of New Mexico, the resort's signature restaurant, SkyFire, was conceptualized by Chef Dean Fearing, the "Godfather of Southwestern Cuisine." Featuring breathtaking views, it offers both indoor and outdoor settings and the unique services of a Chile Host to curate peppers and chili oil pairings based on each guest's palette. The element of fire is present throughout, informing the ambiance and menu as the wood-fired piñon and cedar grill imparts complexity to bright, vibrant fare.
The Bar is the atelier of SkyFire, boasting its own private terrace and open fireplace. The menu features inspired mixology creations such as smoky craft mezcal cocktails, as well as elevated Southwestern bar snacks. The hotel's casual eatery, Two Dogs Café, is a bright and relaxed cafe offering artisanal coffees, homemade pastries, hearty sandwiches, fresh salads and cold-pressed juices, as well as a small selection of curated general store retail goods.
With the resort's picnic offering, dining extends beyond the property's 317 acres and into the foothills of New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Unbridled Accommodations
The guest rooms, suites and casitas at Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection have a distinct yet modern Santa Fe aesthetic. Each of the resort's 83 guest rooms has its own private terrace and Kiva fireplace, as do the freestanding suites. These include six junior suites, three one-bedroom suites, one two-bedroom suite and three signature Kiva Suites. The latter is located atop one of the most scenic overlooks on the property and features outdoor soaking tubs, stone rain showers and indoor and outdoor kiva fireplaces. The Casitas are three- and four-bedroom abodes with ensuite bathrooms, living and dining rooms, a full kitchen and an expansive patio with an outdoor grill and lounge seating.
The 12-bedroom Bunkhouse is crafted from reclaimed New Mexican barnwood with vaulted 36-foot ceilings, and provides a one-of-a-kind experience for large families, multigenerational travelers, wedding parties and intimate groups. Featuring an expansive great room with an oversized two-story stone fireplace, this unique retreat is inspired by cowboy culture, featuring Western tack and images by Jim Arndt whose iconic photography tells the story of the American West.
The resort's distinctive 2,000-square-foot Chapel House is designed for smaller parties with one master suite, one king room and a double queen suite. Spacious indoor living areas open onto ample private outdoor living spaces and a private lawn with a view of the historic chapel.
Physical and Vibrational Healing Journeys
Opening this fall, the Turquesa Healing Arts Studio will tap into the restorative energy for which Santa Fe is known through immersive yoga, meditation, sound therapy, chakra balancing practices and spa treatments. Inspired by the healing powers of nature and the balancing properties of turquoise, Turquesa's wellbeing experiences will aim to align body, mind and spirit.
The Studio will feature five single treatment rooms and a standalone couples treatment room set in a fragrance garden. Here, guests will pick fresh herbs to be used in their healing treatments. A serene salt-water pool will sit at the center of the garden, revealing a meditation glade and an outdoor sauna and shower. The Movement Studio will offer complimentary group fitness classes each morning.
The signature Healing Art Therapy treatment will begin with a certified art therapist leading a guided meditation that connects guests to their inner child and identifies areas of the body that hold emotional stress. The experience will continue with the guest creating a piece of art that expresses the determined blockages in an empowering manner.
Currently, a robust in-room spa menu allows guests to enjoy customized treatments, such as special massages using ANTARA Organics's CBD products and an Ayurvedic facial utilizing a local skincare brand, Shankara Naturals, in the comfort of their accommodations.
Artistic Immersion
Inspired by Santa Fe's artistic legacy, the resort's Artist-in-Residence program offers sensorial outdoor painting sessions and ceramic classes and on-property, interactive experiences featuring chefs, vintners, songwriters, authors, naturalists and other passionate experts. For an opportunity to journey to town, the guided walking tour in partnership with Santa Fe Art Tours, Art of Adventure, explores the local galleries on Canyon Road. Other hallmark experiences include foraging classes, Native American drum- and rattle-making, a chocolate immersion with the renowned Kawaka Chocolate House and an introspective nature walk with an outdoor art class.
Destination Weddings and Events
As well as its dining venues, Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection offers multiple indoor-outdoor event spaces, including a 3,000-square-foot Hall with an adjoining garden, several lawns and the centerpiece of the resort: The preserved Lamy Chapel alongside a formal wedding garden.
Nightly rates start at $750 plus taxes and fees. To make a reservation or for additional information, please visit aubergeresorts.com/bishopslodge.
About Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection
A legendary landmark re-imagined, Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection is a soulful retreat steeped in the cultural and artistic heritage of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Set on 317 secluded acres bordering the Santa Fe National Forest, the 100-key resort invites guests to connect with nature just minutes from the city's historic plaza. Organic adobe architecture conveys a genuine sense of place, while thrilling outdoor experiences capture the adventurous spirit of the Rocky Mountains. Amenities include the Turquesa Healing Arts Studio, a Gerald Peters Art Gallery, NATHALIE at Bishop's Lodge boutique, horse stables, a fitness center, swimming pool and trout river. Dining venues range from signature restaurant SkyFire by Chef Dean Fearing, to a bar lounge and the casual Two Dogs Cafe. Expansive indoor and outdoor event spaces include The Hall and the historic Lamy Chapel, both with beautiful gardens and dramatic views of the Tesuque Valley. Accommodations range from guest rooms and suites to free-standing Casitas, while the restored Bunkhouse with its 12 king bedrooms and personal butler service is ideal for family gatherings.
For more information: aubergeresorts.com/bishopslodge/
Follow Bishop's Lodge on Facebook and Instagram @bishopslodgeauberge
About Auberge Resorts Collection
Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine, innovative spas and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 20 hotels and resorts across three continents, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world's most desirable destinations.
For more information: aubergeresorts.com
Connect with Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook Twitter and Instagram @AubergeResorts and #AlwaysAuberge
About The Friedkin Group
The Friedkin Group is a privately-held consortium of automotive, hospitality, entertainment, sports and adventure companies. These organizations include: Gulf States Toyota, GSFSGroup, US AutoLogistics, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Resorts Collection, AS Roma, Imperative Entertainment, 30WEST, NEON, Diamond Creek Golf Club, Congaree and Legendary Expeditions. The Friedkin Group is led by Chairman and CEO Dan Friedkin. For more information, visit http://www.friedkin.com.
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