El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa

New Mexico
United States

The Experience

Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, this designated Dharma Living resort and spa has offered green, near guiltless luxury since its inception in 2003. Its many faces include elaborate, one-of-a-kind suites with art and global decor inspired by countries as disparate as Japan, Morocco and Argentina, as well as adobe-style casitas and mountain suites with a distinct Native American and Northern New Mexico sense of place. The fantastic, furturistic Biolarium and Living Machine, recycling water and generating geo-thermal heating and cooling, are hidden seamlessly among the sustainable landscaping.

The Rooms

The Native American suites with kiva-style fireplaces, stained-wood bathrooms, stone tiles and views over the waterways of the Sacred Circle are pleasantly minimalist--compared to the 11 Premier and Global Suites with theatrical theme interiors that pay homage to the world's cultures. The newest additions are the Mountain Rooms with Taoseno artisan decor including hand-painted walls and custom-made furnishings, corner gas fireplaces, and of course, stellar views out to the Rockies. Don’t let the New Age focus on harmony with nature intimidate you—all the five-star mod cons are on offer, including heated floor tiles, pillow-top king beds and a signature plush natural-cotton, hooded, terry robe that weighs about 20 pounds.

The Service

Staff here have the best of intentions, but are so Zen, no one would dare rush you or any other guest. Which is lovely if you want a tour or to recover from the spa, but sometimes borders on languid when trying to check-out or get your car from the valet. Also, the resort doubled in size in 2007, so there’s a bit more sprawl. Keep that in mind when wandering to dinner or the pool.

The Highlights

Any treatment at “The Living Spa” is a minor rebirth, and dinner De La Tierra is anything but generic, delivering the spicy, savory, smoky Southwest regional flavors that are without peer. The swimming pool is ample, as is the Fitness Room, but a trip into progressive, sophisticated Taos—the oldest original art colony in the United States—is more rewarding. Llama treks and whitewater rafting are also popular local pursuits, but be careful of over-exposure to the desert elements.

 

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