By Noreen Kompanik
D. H. Lawrence once described Taos as a “state of mind.” As one of New Mexico’s most fascinating towns, Taos fittingly embraces the state’s motto as the “Land of Enchantment.”
Life forces flow down from its high peaks and well up from its deep canyons. Blessed with clean air, rich spiritual traditions, natural beauty and a unique blend of cultures, Taos’ mystical magic draws visitors like moths to a flame.
El Monte Sagrado, “The Sacred Mountain” is one of the places I’ve had on my wish list for years. I finally made it – and oh, what an experience it turned out to be. This exquisite luxury pueblo-style retreat embodies the very best of the culture, spirit, and tradition of New Mexico. Featuring world-class relaxation, meditation, and rejuvenation experiences, El Monte Sagrado isn’t just a “place to stay.” Rather, it’s a place to escape, unplug, and reconnect with both nature and ourselves. A place that has stories of its own to tell. Yes, it’s luxurious, but it’s unassuming and unforgettable.
History of the Resort
The magnificent award-winning, four-diamond resort was constructed in 2003 and underwent a renovation in 2007. The verdant green space in the heart of the retreat surrounded by several hundred-year-old cottonwood trees represents the “Sacred Circle,” a relaxing site where Native Americans held rituals and celebrations. When El Monte Sagrado was constructed, architects consulted historians on the placement of buildings so as not to disturb those specific locations perfect for meditation and relaxation. When the land was first purchased, religious leaders from all over the world including the Dalai Lama came to bless these sacred grounds.
Design of the Resort
Each and every aspect of the resort was thoughtfully planned and designed with special meaning, respectfully paying homage to great cultures of the world. The spectacular circular lobby with its high-domed ceiling takes it inspiration from Kivas, the sacred underground ceremonial structures of the Pueblo Indians. The ceiling swirl represents the journey of life. The crystal in the center of the ceiling is a 90-pound Citrine, a topaz-like semiprecious gem from Brazil.
Panes of glass above the entryway are perfectly aligned to reflect the light of the crystal throughout the day. A sun mosaic on the floor features a combination of sandstone from India and New Mexico limestone. The same goes for floors, tables, bars, and chandeliers – each artfully constructed and carefully selected from a specific region for a specific purpose.
Magnificent Peaceful Grounds
Water from a spring-fed creek meanders throughout the 11-acre resort adding to the peaceful calm and serenity. Three monolithic rock sculptures frame spectacular views of the pools and waterfalls, serving as a monument to water, the precious liquid upon which all life depends.
A natural freshwater Cenote winds its way throughout the resort and past its international casitas. Even the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the distance remind us that nature is a precious commodity to be revered. Biolariums, the resort’s elegant “greenhouses” located alongside the saltwater pool and spa are filled with a myriad of flowering plants and trees.
Globally-Inspired Rooms
Accommodations at the resort include 48 Taos Mountain rooms, 18 Native American Suites, six historic Casitas and 12 luxurious Premiere or Global Suites. Suites are internationally-themed featuring two opulent bedrooms, two baths, spacious living and dining area, gas fireplace, and a private courtyard. Our stunning well-themed Moroccan Global Suite even included an outdoor jacuzzi. It was like taking a journey to the famed European principality itself.
The Living Spa
I must say that over the years I’ve had amazing spa experiences, but nothing like the one at El Monte Sagrado. The Living Spa is an eco-conscious, world-renowned rejuvenation center. Treatments are focused on healing the mind, body and spirit. Proof of this occurred after I’d sustained a leg injury on the way to Taos, two days before my massage. After the massage, the pain miraculously disappeared.
Though the spa features a menu of treatments, each health intervention is individualized. Natural and organic products are used in conjunction with highly trained therapists to give guests a relaxing, revitalizing, rejuvenating, and healing experience. Treatment rooms blend harmoniously with the resort’s natural surroundings.
One unique spa experience features Native American musician, composer and artist Patrick Shendo. This artist draws his music from cultural experiences and has been performing indigenous music for over 20 years. His personal one-on-one soul ceremony utilizes four Native-American instruments to connect the four sacred elements within each person, creating and holding their spiritual place of meditation to bring balance and healing to the soul.
Dining in the Gardens
The peaceful serenity of this breathtaking property carries through to its elegant signature restaurant, De La Tierra. With a Zen-like garden setting and relaxed ambience, it’s the perfect place to enjoy award-winning cuisine. Inspired by New Mexico’s seasonal offerings, their dishes artfully meld Southwest culture with European, French and Asian influences.
Everything here is simply delectable. Regional standouts were the mouthwatering Taos Bison Burger and the slow-roasted Carne Adovada Burrito, both shared by friends. My light and healthy Pecan Pear Salad was an ideal choice. A splendid Whiskey Cured Salmon starter with tender cured salmon with marinated vegetables and horseradish cream was almost too good to share.
In the lovely artsy town of Taos, a sign in one of its charming boutiques read “Magical places are always beautiful and deserve to be contemplated…Always stay on the bridge between the visible and the invisible.” That’s exactly what it felt like to be in Taos and drink in the magic and mysticism of El Monte Sagrado.
If You Go:
El Monte Sagrado is a Heritage Hotel & Resort
Website: https://www.elmontesagrado.com/
All photos by Noreen Kompanik
1 comment
I love your wonderfully detailed article on Taos. I’ve had this magical place on my own wish list for years. Travelled through the area with parents when I was a child and it made a big impression.
May I respectfully suggest something. The lightness of the type in the article is a bit hard to read especially in a long article. Could it be a bit darker? Just a thought.
Thank you again for this. Your descriptiveness brings back memories that can’t be forgotten. Be well.
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