On the road again to Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital and oldest city in the United States, nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills! This was a bucket list trip where I was only there once before when driving across the country to move from Philly to Phoenix, Arizona and since we were tethered to Optimus, the red Kia car via a U-Haul cab, I was only able to really enjoy that vivid, deep purple sunset at the hotel which is still engrained in my brain and I was determined to watch again. Because of the summer from hell 2025, I now bookend most long haul road trips with hotels to rest my body, this time using Wyndham points I had accumulated from my many credit card points from said debacle. I left from Phoenix on a Sunday which is a less traffic congested timeframe heading through Scottsdale which worked well on my way out but with a lot of traffic lights. On my way back, I went the Northern Arizona route through Flagstaff which is great if you’re looking to get out of the city as soon as possible. But according to Google Maps, I was on the fastest route which is always part of the plan. Not even really thinking about it or even noticing, I was gaining altitude along the way which usually affects my body deeply (read my Tahoe, Nevada blog for that scary experience). The drive itself – once out of the city limits – is a pretty straight shot with cruise control and the closest I’ve gotten to really exploring Route 66 so far. Gas was way cheaper in that area too and I’m glad I stopped at this store Bluewater Outpost to grab some gas and get some vibes first!
If I had room for more ceramics, this cat would have come home with me at Bluewater Outpost.
I planned a restful overnight in Grants, New Mexico to grab some good sleep with a full itinerary the next day and also considered Gallup however now I’m glad I chose Grants. And if I had more time, there’s a couple of cool places there that I’ll mention below if you have the time and energy to stay and play. I arrived wired, tired and ready to rest at this tiny town and online, Days Inn Grants looked perfectly acceptable to spend 15,000 Wyndham points. However, upon arrival, experiencing the creepy gym and after the minuscule breakfast, I think it was worth more like 7,500 Wyndham points. But the bed was comfy and the water was scalding hot. You can decide for yourself in the video below! In an ironic twist, it turned out my mother had stayed at the same hotel on her last drive across the country unknown to me until afterwards. If I had time, there’s two breweries in town that peaked my interest: Junkyard on 66 Brewery which has food and Elkins Brewing Company which does not. Also, explore the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano, “The Land of Fire and Ice,” located right on the Continental Divide. It looks amazing to be in two climates at once!
After getting maybe five hours of sleep total, a basic breakfast and the weakest coffee ever (always pack extra caffeine for this exact reason), I was up and at ’em at 6 a.m. to drive to town and grab my welcome bag at the welcome center. Santa Fe is the earliest European settlement west of the Mississippi River, it’s renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture and as a creative arts hotbed. Some say it is even more new age woo-woo than Sedona! So I was on a mission to find out on Historic Route 66. Founded as a Spanish colony in 1610, it has at its heart the traditionally colorful plaza. The surrounding historic district’s crooked streets wind past adobe landmarks including the Palace of the Governors, now home to the New Mexico History Museum. Santa Fe is famous for its unique blend of rich history as the oldest U.S. capital, vibrant Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures, world-renowned art scene with numerous galleries and museums, distinctive Pueblo-style adobe architecture, and exceptional New Mexican cuisine, all set against a backdrop of stunning high-desert landscapes. Its reputation as “The City Different” comes from this fusion of ancient traditions, artistic innovation and natural beauty.
Where to Stay in Santa Fe, New Mexico
After arriving to a freezing cold morning, it was a full day of exploring the city by foot and shedding layers as I walked and the sun came out. Soon it was time to check into the hosted, hipster hotel. Step back in time at funky El Rey Court! This iconic adobe roadside motor court was originally built in 1936 in Santa Fe, New Mexico and has been lovingly reimagined and renovated with 86 rooms for the modern traveler. Now sprawling over five acres along the original Route 66, it’s a whole vibe on its own if you’re tired and weary from traveling. Check out Portal Fest in the lobby and La Reina Bar, Tuesday tarot cards night at $2 a minute and enjoy a live band like Christina Gomez Music on Wednesdays while enjoying delicious food from on-site food truck and restaurant La Reina Mesita. I’m giving you two solid options here: one for budget travel and one for luxury travel but both unique only to Santa Fe.
Located five blocks from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design and 2.7 miles from the Santa Fe Plaza, it makes a good, short getaway from the downtown scene. With mostly gravel roads and parking is first come first served, the uniquely decorated, Southwestern-style rooms feature local artwork and exposed-beam ceilings, and offer mini-fridges and electric kettles. Even further upgraded rooms have kitchenettes, fireplaces and/or patios or balconies. One homey lodge offers a full kitchen and a glass-enclosed porch near the guest greenhouse where you can purchase a plant baby of your own. Parking and Wi-Fi are included as well as strong, fresh coffee each morning in the lobby. The expansive and winding gardens surround a seasonally heated hot tub style pool with an outdoor fireplace attached to the seating area with open air looking up into the stars. Even with the humming sounds of traffic zipping by, I barely noticed and slept very well here – with or without ear plugs. Just try to book away from the street if you are noise sensitive. Also, people complain about a resort fee which seems rather excessive given the pricing so keep that in mind. They do offer a Hey Neighbor special where residents of New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Texas receive up to 20% off their best rate as well as food gift card discounts on the website.
I pulled in alongside the parking at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This sign shows vacancy but it was packed some nights!Into the lobby I went and it was fortunately empty for photos at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.A peak out towards the busy road at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.I love the adobe style fireplaces at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.The bar at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico that reads Where Fast Lives Slow Down minus me who was zooming around town!The restaurant space at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.A nice view of the bar at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.The outside seating area at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.Even the lobby has vibes at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.Directly behind the check in counter at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.To the left of check in, a small store for unique finds at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.A reflective past of El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.These tiles adorned many places at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.If you build a delicious food truck, they will come to El Rey Court Santa Fe, New Mexico. And that they – and I – did!The center park, reading and smoking area at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.The sun wanted to play with my Nikon at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I like the matching orb!My comfy bed with a variety of pillow fluffiness is my new favorite thing at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.The desk at El Rey Court Santa Fe, New Mexico which was used for work charging and gear lineup purposes. Rarely do I sit, I’d rather lay down in bed and work.The bathroom sink was outside the door at El Rey Court Santa Fe, New Mexico. I couldn’t find the light the first night as I was running on fumes.The bathtub and toilet at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.I had high hopes for the shower and a hot bath but alas it is an old building with no vacancy at El Rey Court Santa Fe, New Mexico. My last morning was the warmest it got.The lady who lived in my room, I wondered about her story often at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.I took a walkabout to explore and spotted this lovely patio at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.I’m pretty sure this is the house you can rent at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.A shadow of me with camera bag is accurate at the greenhouse at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.Inside the greenhouse at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Plants were for sale!If you keep walking past this other sign at the entrance, a whole other area exists at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.Another nook to explore at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.This had a whole line of rooms too at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.Look for the sign and ice cubes at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.The gate is usually open at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.The hot tub pool at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico was usually crowded. One morning I woke up way too early and tried to get in with more than six children in there and did a fast pivot turnaround. Not without coffee first!I’m not sure what’s going on with this but it was hot enough for me in the sun at El Rey Court Santa Fe, New Mexico.A little sunset sign action as the night went on at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.These little casitas also interested me at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.The last morning, I found this amazing staircase that would make for great modeling photos at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.A peek at the top of the stairs at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.Another great modeling space at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico by the food truck.A medley of activity happening at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico. You can see they focus on community here and sister hotel!At the top of the stairs, a communal room at El Rey Court Santa Fe, New Mexico.Looking out the balcony at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.And looking down the stairs at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.Lots of photo opps here at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.This gentleman kept looking at me at El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico.And let’s not forget about the food at El Rey Court Santa Fe, New Mexico. I loved this breakfast bowl so much I got it twice with a big, fresh orange juice!For dinner one night during the live music, I enjoyed these shrimp tacos immensely at El Rey Court Santa Fe, New Mexico.Because I didn’t want to tempt the altitude sickness with alcohol, I paired the spicy tacos with sweet Mexican hot chocolate… it was heavenly! But they have a great cocktail menu and NA options too.
Luxury Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico
For something completely opposite, very pricey and carefully curated, this is a bucket list option for you – and where most celebrities go. It also dawned on me while driving that I had chosen Spring break mixed with Mercury Retrograde to travel which always produces a comedy of errors and unusually packed streets for off peak season. But one thing that worked out really well was reaching out to Five Graces the previous week and also having a rare half hour to kill before check in at my hotel. The timing worked perfectly for me to squeeze in a tour before new guests arrived! When Googling the area, this place spoke to me and my jaw dropped online at the sheer beauty of the space. Now imagine going in person, the photos and the video don’t do it justice because you’re not getting all the energy. I hope to stay some day and explore more, maybe do some modeling photos too!
There’s nothing like it in the world at The Inn of The Five Graces! Owned and operated by Ira and Sylvia Seret since 1996 in the historic Barrio de Analco area of Sante Fe, New Mexico, the duo developed the hotel as a showcase for their extensive collection of Asian and Middle Eastern textiles, rugs and furniture. The Inn of The Five Graces is the ultimate canvas and showroom for their distinctive design aesthetic, a vision they meticulously crafted through their downtown retail experience, Seret & Sons. Five Graces sits in the oldest neighborhood in the United States and is a Relais & Châteaux luxury resort and spa where history, beauty and artistry converge. Each uniquely designed suite resides within authentic adobe buildings dating back to the 1600s and is whisper quiet, adorned with sacred and tribal art, precious stone mosaics, and custom textiles from all over the world. It’s in an excellent place to park and play while getting your steps in from Santa Fe’s restaurants, galleries and boutiques. It feels like an intimate sanctuary with 5 star signature amenities and outstanding service that is dubbed one of the world’s most distinctive luxury destinations. This tour was like drinking wine with your eyes, delicious flavors and designs everywhere overwhelming all your senses at once. I hope to experience it sometime soon myself, perhaps in an off peak season – it was Spring break after all. It’s also a hot, secret spot for celebrities! Take the video tour of the property above and absorb the eye candy photos below. None of it does it any justice honestly.
I was finishing up exploring the smallest house in Sante Fe and saw this calling me from down the street at The Inn of The Five Graces.The lobby and restaurant area at The Inn of The Five Graces was calling me so I went inside and asked politely about a tour.Immediately the front desk reception was so helpful and kind, telling me the story of the owners at The Inn of The Five Graces.After I was cleared to take photographs, I began going shutter wild at The Inn of The Five Graces. I would love this every week!Immediately upon walking into the lobby at The Inn of The Five Graces.The living room area of the lobby at The Inn of The Five Graces with the book from earlier.To the right of the fireplace in the lobby of The Inn of The Five Graces. There was fresh cider and cookies too!Down the hallway where the restrooms were at The Inn of The Five Graces.A medley of items to learn more about The Inn of The Five Graces and products for sale.The restaurant with patio at The Inn of The Five Graces.Once we were good to go, our lovely guide Sarah showed me around The Inn of The Five Graces. Once upon a time, the Barrio was considered the ghetto. Now look at it shine!Facing the street I came from at The Inn of The Five Graces.Right across the street, the famous San Miguel Church at The Inn of The Five Graces.Not only do they have rooms, they have casitas and a whole house for rent at The Inn of The Five Graces.Into the courtyard gate that drew me in at first at The Inn of The Five Graces.A lovely and inviting patio for guests at The Inn of The Five Graces.Small accents mean everything at The Inn of The Five Graces.Depending on the time of the day, there is always a shaded spot to rest at The Inn of The Five Graces.Looking back to the outside patio at The Inn of The Five Graces.Taking a quick peak at the pool, you’ll see more later at The Inn of The Five Graces.Each archway carefully styled at The Inn of The Five Graces.Looking back through the archway at The Inn of The Five Graces.Perhaps a whimsical little swing for a while at The Inn of The Five Graces?We were lucky enough to explore the Silktree two bedroom at The Inn of The Five Graces during turnover.How the first room looks to the naked eye at The Inn of The Five Graces.I turned on the flash so you can see the fine details and fabrics from around the world better at The Inn of The Five Graces.It’s amazing to me that Sylvia herself designed these mosaic bathrooms at The Inn of The Five Graces.Down to the sink and mirror at the The Inn of The Five Graces.Even the toilet is a whole experience at The Inn of The Five Graces.Down the hallway, some amazing international artwork at The Inn of The Five Graces.Into the dining and living room area of The Inn of The Five Graces.The coffee and tea lineup at The Inn of The Five Graces.Even the thermostat had it’s own decor at The Inn of The Five Graces.The living room sofa at The Inn of The Five Graces.A very fast photo of the fireplace and front door at The Inn of The Five Graces.The second bedroom at The Inn of The Five Graces was a little tighter.Another even more amazing mural in the bathing area at the The Inn of The Five Graces.The sink also with its medley of colors at The Inn of The Five Graces.The front entrance of this apartment suite at The Inn of The Five Graces. The light washed out the tiger above!Your own foyer at The Inn of The Five Graces. We joked if you put the children in the back bedroom you can escape this way.Down the street and across the spa, a whole house for rent at The Inn of The Five Graces.And into the spa we went at The Inn of The Five Graces.It’s a definite zen vibe when you walk into the spa at The Inn of The Five Graces.Once you check in, you choose a side to explore at The Inn of The Five Graces. Ours was to the right because women always are!My eyes couldn’t grasp these were marble murals at The Inn of The Five Graces.Even the toilet had amazing artwork at The Inn of The Five Graces.Looking back toward the sinks, I loved the deep lapis blue at The Inn of The Five Graces.I tried to get some close-ups so you can see the detail at The Inn of The Five Graces.Even the window lights had little marble birds at The Inn of The Five Graces.Always look up at the spa at The Inn of The Five Graces. Whimsy abounds everywhere here!Virtually impossible to grasp this lounge space without a wide angle lens at The Inn of The Five Graces.This was the best I could get with the skylight too at the spa at The Inn of The Five Graces. The video shows it best!The hallway to spa and massage rooms awaits at The Inn of The Five Graces. It’s so much dreamier in person!One of the many rooms for relaxation at the spa at The Inn of The Five Graces.A detail carved into the wall at the spa at The Inn of The Five Graces.The yoga and meditation room we saw earlier on a sign at the The Inn of The Five Graces.A fitness center across from it at the spa at The Inn of The Five Graces.The lounge right outside the yoga room at the spa at The Inn of The Five Graces.And the pool at the The Inn of The Five Graces is heated to 80 degrees all year long.
Ira Seret was deep in the pop art scene of New York in the 1960’s and made his first trip to Afghanistan in 1968 in search of the embroidered sheepskin coats. After falling in love with Afghanistan, Ira stayed for 10 years. Sylvia joined him in 1974 in Kabul, and together they established a carpet factory in the northern region of Balkh. In 1977 their son, Isaiah, was born and the following year the family left Afghanistan after a Russian backed coup took over the Afghan government. Drawn to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the high desert landscape and traditional architecture resembled that of Kabul, Ira and Sylvia established Seret & Sons to showcase their impressive private collection of textiles and furniture amassed during their years abroad. So all of the beauty above, you can also purchase and take home with you!
Seret & Sons now houses one of the largest and most unique collections of central and south Asian imports and antique Tibetan furnishings in the world.The whole building goes down the block at Seret and Sons.Somehow I ended up out back and found a whole new area to explore at Seret and Sons.And there’s a whole back entrance and warehouse at Seret and Sons. No inside photos allowed though, you’ll just have to see for yourself!
