The Perfect Babymoon to the Southwest

Are you hoping and dreaming for a little time away before the baby comes? A Babymoon, of sorts, to reconnect with your partner and celebrate your love and connection as a couple, before becoming a family? If you’re in the market for a posh location in the Southwest, where tradition meets luxury, look no further than the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado.

Santa Fe is the capital city of New Mexico, and it is America’s oldest capital city in the United States. The Spanish meaning for Santa Fe is “Holy Faith” and the city is rich with diverse cultures that collide into a true southwest experience. The architecture, Spanish and American Indian culture, and art scene is not to be missed, because it is truly one of a kind. Wandering Plaza Street will lend some unique shopping experiences, as well as a flashback into an older, more simple time.

Four Seasons Rancho Encantado:

Located a short drive away from the heart of downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado is nestled into the mountains, and allows guests to experience luxury infused with tradition and culture. The Four Seasons Rancho Encantado really is an all-inclusive experience. Complimentary Mercedes Benz transportation to and from the historical Santa Fe Plaza will allow you to take full advantage of resort living, as well as sightseeing and exploring.

Escape from your normal life, and head to the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado. You will find yourself getting lost under the infinite stars, and enjoying the stunning views everywhere you turn. From the moment you check in, you are immersed in southwest decor, from the exposed wood, to art sculptures placed strategically around the resort. They went out of their way to infuse the Santa Fe culture into every single aspect of the resort, all while making it luxurious and chic.

The high desert landscape is truly beautiful and you will be itching to catch all of it.  The sunrise opens up the light over the valley and the clouds roll off the mountains, and later, you’ll witness the amazing sunset disappearing into the mountains in the west. You will feel relaxed as you soak it all in, which is so important to do before the hustle and bustle begins of having a new baby and transitioning into a family.

 Casitas:

Rooms (called “Casitas” which is Spanish for small house) are truly nestled into the mountains and scenery, as you take a winding walkway to your room. No massive hallways, or typical hotel architecture here! With the option of having a duplex style room with no upstairs or downstairs “neighbors” to disturb your slumber, or the choice of booking a second story room with stellar sunset views, there is a lodging option for everyone.

Casitas at the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado are huge, and offer many luxuries aside from the inviting bed, pregnancy pillow upon request, and sprawling floor plan that opens into your personal, furnished balcony. The ultra-chic cement flooring (with gradient heating underneath to keep your feet toasty warm!) is paired with a huge ceiling height and drapes that open into an entire wall of windows. It brings the outdoors indoors, and transforms a room into your personal living space, complete with a walk in closet, wood burning fireplace, and deep tub. You’ll get lost in the luxury found just within your room at the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado.

You can wrap up in your robe and sip some tea on the terrace, or call a butler to come start your personal fireplace in the evening. Custom snacks, or “Cravings,” are delivered to your room prior to your stay, or you can order in-room dining and feast on the specialized southwestern menu options incorporating a Mexican flare, with traditional ingredients, as well as the New Mexico signature staple: green chilli.

Wander into the big bathroom to find double sinks, a large soaker tub, and a huge walk-in shower, boasting locally made pottery and baskets as decor. Stainless steel, stone work, cement and leather all mix together to form a perfect environment to relax as soon to be parents.

The Grounds

If you muster up the energy to emerge from your relaxing room, take some time to wander the grounds at the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado. There are many amenities on site that are available for you to enjoy, such as their pool and hot tub, yoga studio (with pilates reformers machines) cardio and weight room, and outdoor firepit and garden lookout.

Make sure to browse the activity schedule, and try to hit up one of the complimentary guided hikes, where you will step outside of the resort, and learn the rich history of the city of Santa Fe. Certified trainers are available on site to guide you through a workout, or try a yoga class to meditate and soak in the southwest.

Meet with one of the knowledgeable Adventure Center guides to truly customize your vacation experience by going on a hike of the Ghost Ranch Property, or going snowshoeing if you’re doing a winter babymoon. Year round, the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado has something to do that is perfect for you and your partner to experience.

Dining:

Four Seasons Rancho Encantado offers the Terra Restaurant that features organic, locally sourced ingredients prepared by top notch chefs. Dining in the Terra Restaurant is a treat, as it offers up majestic views of the desert and mountains and is the perfect location to book a sunset dinner to enjoy the sun sinking into the western mountains and casting gorgeous colors across the desert valley.

Nightly specials include quality items such as pan seared scallops made from celery root purée, poached pear, celery relish, and salsa verde, or a venison loin with sweet potato purée, fall vegetables, greens, chorizo,  and guajillo chile demi. Most items on the menu can be prepared gluten free and dairy free as well.

If you’re not in the mood to dine at the restaurant, anything can be ordered via in-casita (room) dining, and set up on your room’s table. Or, you can sip some warm tea while your partner enjoys a nightcap at The Bar Lounge, attached to the Terra Restaurant. You can sit indoors, or enjoy the terrace, and enjoy the views daily from 2pm-11pm.

The Spa:

The Spa at Rancho Encantado will make you forget your aching pregnancy-related woes, while also infusing culture into your personalized session. It features regionally inspired body treatments such as Blue Corn and Honey Renewal, Altitude Adjustment Massage, Sacred Stone Massage, and more! You won’t want to miss the Prenatal Massage, which is a gentle massage that will restore your body and circulation, and leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Your partner would love the Sacred Stone Massage, that begins with a sage smudging and then uses warm and cool river rocks combined with the masseuse’s hands to stroke away any and all tension that he may have about the upcoming change to your family dynamic.

While enjoying the same sex hot tub and steam sauna may not be in your cards as an expectant Mommy, your partner can utilize the facility to it’s fullest while you, instead, get an extended treatment, or maybe even a double treatment. You’re the one doing all the heavy lifting (or growing!) in the relationship- use that to your advantage while you can.

The Four Seasons Rancho Encantado is the perfect place to babymoon and immerse yourself in culture, experience, and beauty. It truly is an inclusive resort with all the best amenities that any expectant mother, and her spouse, is sure to adore and reminisce about for many years following. Take the time to enjoy America’s Southwest as your perfect getaway before you welcome your perfect bundle of joy into your life.

Photo Credits: The Memoirs of Megan & Four Seasons Rancho Encantado