It’s not often you can be a tourist in your own city, but when it’s possible, the experience can reveal what you’ve been missing. Nestled in the heart of Santa Fe’s historic downtown district sits La Posada de Santa Fe, a resort steeped in history with a rich artistic tapestry, coupled with a top-notch spa, spacious grounds, and a delectable culinary experience.
Established as a hotel in 1941, La Posada was originally known as The Staab House, built in 1882 as a wedding present for Julia, from her husband, Abraham Staab. The house was a replica of Julia’s French Empire-style family home in Germany. It is here that Julia and Abraham, one of the wealthiest Jewish merchants of the West, built a life together, welcomed artists from near and far, helped spawn a new merchant mentality, and were driving forces in Santa Fe’s economic development.
A Historic Background in Art
It is here, at La Posada, that Georgia O’Keefe first sold her works in New Mexico. It is here in the 1930s where art was first sold publicly in New Mexico and explains why this property has always been recognized as “The Art Hotel of New Mexico.” The hotel remains an art mecca today—with curated art for purchase throughout the lobby, bar, and restaurant areas, as well as metal sculptures tastefully placed throughout the grounds.
Having owned and operated a resort in Mexico for years, the opportunity to be a guest is always a welcome invitation. La Posada is a dog-friendly resort so having my four-legged Bear join me made a staycation even more sublime.
Paintings line the walls at La Posada
Something at La Posada de Santa Fe for Everyone
After arriving, we strolled downtown like all good tourists and then settled into our suite. Not one for a big evening meal, I was happy to find healthy snacks (quinoa salad and the freshest fruit salad) in the lobby snack bar which was all I needed. A nod to the chef for these wholesome options.
Luckily, a staycation encourages us to indulge our senses and I did just that for the next few days. No lengthy travels, missed flights, or overly talkative seatmates. Just an overnight bag filled with freedom and no responsibility.
The suite featured a large bathroom and a bathtub that beckoned me to relax deeper. Thankfully, the water was hot enough for a full half-hour soak. I quickly fell asleep that night and woke up feeling refreshed and grateful for the 6 a.m. lobby coffee service. An early riser, the resort gym was grooving at 6:30 a.m. If you aren’t the gym type, Spa Sage Yoga is every Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. Or, you can hit downtown, stroll Canyon Road, cruise down Alameda, or perambulate Paseo de Peralta—the walking options are endless.
Outdoor Patio at La Posada
Don’t Just Stay Inside, Explore the Outdoors
The outdoors is one of the reasons we love New Mexico, and La Posada’s outdoor seating is all throughout the property. The pool has plenty of lounge chairs for lounging and a hot tub for relaxing. The outdoor patio dining attracts guests like bees to flowers. Another gathering spot is the Staab House Bar, built in 1882, where a fireplace is the center of the room. Top-notch wines by the glass and cocktails await you in this cozy, dark wood bar.
Staab House Bar
Treat Yourself Well Beyond the Amenities
Breakfast and dinner take place in the restaurant Julia, named after the Staab matriarch whose ghost “haunts” the property. Hailing from Mexico City, Chef Israel Castro sprinkles flavor, creativity, and history into every dish. Poke nachos is one of his spins on the classic Mexican and New Mexican nacho. Poke tuna tops crispy wonton chips and then a generous drizzle of sriracha-chipotle aioli and garnishes of cilantro and jalapeños take this simple dish over the top.
La Posada Spinach Salad
The Green Chile Posole is another brilliant combination of Mexican and New Mexican flavors. Add all the toppings—tostadas, dried oregano, radish, red cabbage, microgreens, pickled red onions, and lime—and this soup transforms into a hearty and healthy meal.
Chef Israel is passionate about weaving history into the food he creates. There are fruit trees throughout the property—pears, apples, and apricots—which were brought here from Germany by the Staabs. These fruit trees have deep, historical roots and the chef feels privileged to share this delicious history with his guests. During fruit season, the spinach salad features dried pears from the property. This sense of place is an important part of La Posada’s charm.
Chef Israel at La Posada
The Not-to-Miss Spa Sage
Another exceptional sense of place is Spa Sage. Here you can dive deeper into a tranquil state of bliss with a Desert Scrub then followed by a deep-tissue massage. My practitioner was Amy whose strong hands amplified this staycation with an experience that I will return to more frequently now that I know all that La Posada offers.
Spa Sage at La Posada
At 4 p.m. on Friday afternoons, guests gather in the lobby for an art and history lesson by American artist and curator Sara Eyestone. She read from the Staab family’s collection of letters dating from 1850 to 1980. She also entertains guests with stories from the letters, blended with discussions on art and artists, while guests sipped glasses of wine.
Those lucky enough to visit La Posada de Santa Fe roam where talented artists, successful merchants, and leaders have shared their own memories. It is our happy responsibility to maintain history by doing the same. And what a lovely trip it is!
Story by Heather Hunter / Principal Photography by Tira Howard
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