Out-of-Town Escapes

Not that central Santa Fe [1] is urban mayhem, but if you’re visiting New Mexico for the peace and quiet, you may prefer to lodge somewhere outside of the city. These more rural escapes are especially desirable if you’re visiting during a major event such as Indian Market — you can immerse yourself in the activity by day and then enjoy the silence under the stars by night.

Sunrise Springs

This resort (242 Los Pinos Rd., La Cienega, 505/471-6500, www.sunrisesprings.com [2], $200 d) emphasizes alternative healing and spiritual wellness, with herbal spa treatments, yoga mats in every room, even classes in pottery and Chinese calligraphy. The guest quarters are spare and soothing. Pond-view rooms ($125), each with one double bed, are perfect for people seeking a solo retreat, while the private casitas are a relative bargain compared with similar space in Santa Fe [1] proper. It’s about 20 minutes southwest of Santa Fe.

Rancho Jacona

Only 20 minutes northwest of Santa Fe [1], en route to Los Alamos [3], this working farm (277 County Rd. 84, 505/455-7948, www.ranchojacona.com [4], $150 d) is dotted with 10 separate casitas, each with a kitchen, laundry, fireplace, and private patio. With trundle beds, sleeper sofas, and the like, each place sleeps at least three people, and some sleep up to eight. You’ll likely get some fresh chicken eggs for breakfast, and kids can frolic in the pool. There’s a three-day minimum, but chances are you’ll want to stay longer.

Bishop’s Lodge

Set on the former country estate of Bishop Lamy, this country-style retreat (1297 Bishop’s Lodge Rd., 505/983-6377, www.bishopslodge.com [5], $399 d) is the closest to Santa Fe [1] — just 10 minutes’ drive north of the plaza. More than 400 acres have room for hiking and horseback riding, plus 15 separate lodges with a variety of styles. South Lodge rooms are the oldest, with creaky porches and thick adobe walls, while Chamisa Lodge is all new, with huge bathrooms and gas fireplaces.

The Galisteo Inn

Well worth the half-hour drive from Santa Fe [1], this stylish hideaway (9 La Vega Rd., Galisteo, 866/404-8200, $185 d) is in the quiet village of Galisteo, where the stars crowd the sky and the crickets buzz at night. The hip guest rooms are done in vibrant turquoise and orange with a few well-chosen paintings and Western-theme antiques — style that would cost you double anywhere inside Santa Fe city limits. Three small rooms are available for solo travelers for $135 or less. Admittedly, there’s not much to do in Galisteo after you’ve had your continental breakfast. But if you’re looking for a few days of beautiful solitude, this is the place to enjoy them.