Inn of the Five Graces

Inn of the Five Graces is a whimsically over-the-top Relais & Chateaux property that offers true Santa Fe charisma paired with lavish accommodations and surroundings.

• The edibles available throughout the day, ranging from warm apple cider and coffee in the lobby, homemade chips and salsa made fresh daily and delivered to rooms during the afternoon, traditional biscochitos cookies placed bedside at night and breakfasts that include spectacular huevos rancheros.
• The hand-laid tile mosaics, double sinks, deep soaking tubs and wood-burning kiva fireplaces in guestrooms
• Pull-out beds in smaller second bedrooms, which make many rooms ideal for families, and the Lavender Suite’s large, well-stocked kitchen.
• The funky, ornate and colorful décor, which is the complete opposite of the minimalist Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado (and may not appeal to everyone).

On a trip to Santa Fe, visitors will often be struck by seemingly incongruous combinations: a high desert, which in winter brings snow to rest on cacti; cowboys who moonlight as conceptual artists; cathedrals that were built by prominent Jewish families; and all in a 400-year-old city that only recently celebrated its centennial of American statehood. It’s only natural that one of its great hotels is located in a series of 19th-century pueblo buildings, filled with Southeast Asian, Moroccan and South American furnishings. But just as the city represents a cross-section of the world’s cultures – relishing and hosting facets of religion, art, architecture, design, cuisine and lifestyle – so too does the Inn of the Five Graces welcome those exploring this enchanting region.

Long before becoming hoteliers, Five Graces owners Ira and Sylvia Seret were members of Andy Warhol’s Factory. The 1970s were a time of adventure for many of their crowd, and the Serets put Afghanistan in their sights. Ira became the major importer of the hugely popular sheepskin vests and coats while he began working with artisans creating kilims and other textiles. Seret sold these items and encouraged people to use them as upholstery for furniture, bedspreads, wall hangings and cushions. The hotel’s guest rooms, all unique in design and decor, are outfitted with the Seret’s collection of antiques, fabrics, tiles, doors and carved walls sourced from around the world.

Named for the five gifts that Tibetans believe God gave to man (sight, sound, taste, touch and smell), the Inn captivates each of the senses in unexpected and authentic New Mexican ways. It’s located in an oasis of calm, just on the edge of town, basking in a peacefulness aided by the quiet serenity of the city. Four-foot-tall Balinese carved marble elephants interspersed with cacti and wagon wheels greet guests at the hotel’s adobe entrance. Dispersed around courtyards, most rooms are set back from the street, so the only sounds come from the in-room music systems. Staff members, too, exude tranquility; while always available and helpful, they remain discreet. A week prior to arrival, the concierge will call guests to help coordinate meal reservations, guides or treatments in the small, specialized spa.

Owing to the pueblo architecture, the twenty-three rooms and suites – with names such as Citrine and Tamarind – remain cool in summer and cozy and warm in winter. Each sumptuous room has an adobe fireplace and a basket full of logs, piñon (a wood that releases a piney smell), perfectly sized kindling and pre-wrapped newspaper, for girl and boy scouts who like to build their own fires. (City slickers can call the front desk for assistance.)

Visitors who would like to stay in town but off the main drag and surrounded by authentic Santa Fe atmosphere will like it here.