Santa Fe is one of the great American cities — ancient, artistic, and completely unlike anywhere else. Here's how to experience it the way Scott does: skipping the tourist traps and going straight to the places that matter.
01
Get above the Plaza
The best Santa Fe is above 7,000 feet. Start from Casa Colibrí and you're already there — pristine air, enormous skies, golden hour that lasts forever.
02
Go to Canyon Road on foot
A mile of galleries, gardens, and studios. Saturday afternoons most galleries host receptions — you'll meet the artists and get wine.
03
Book Ten Thousand Waves early
The best Japanese mountain spa in the US, 10 minutes from Casa Colibrí. Private tubs book weeks ahead in summer — reserve before you arrive.
04
Eat New Mexican, not Tex-Mex
New Mexican cuisine is its own thing — red or green chile on everything. When in doubt, order "Christmas" (both). The Shed and Café Pasqual's are essential.
Eat & Drink
Where to eat in Santa Fe.
Scott's top picks — from legendary New Mexican institutions to the best contemporary spots. All within 20 minutes of Casa Colibrí.
The Shed
Historic downtown adobe — legendary red chile, posole, and margaritas since 1953. Cash only at lunch.
New Mexican
Café Pasqual's
James Beard-recognised. Organic, local, and eclectic. The best breakfast in Santa Fe — expect a wait on weekends.
Breakfast / Brunch
Paloma
Contemporary Mexican in a gorgeous courtyard. Creative cocktails, excellent ceviche, and one of the best patio atmospheres in the city.
Contemporary
Geronimo
Upscale American on Canyon Road — special occasion dining in a beautiful 1756 hacienda. Reservations required, worth every effort.
Fine Dining
Tesuque Village Market
A short drive from Casa Colibrí — great coffee, fresh pastries, and the best morning routine for a slow Santa Fe morning.
Coffee / Casual
Izanami at Ten Thousand Waves
Japanese izakaya at the mountain spa. Combine dinner with a soak in a private tub — one of the great Santa Fe experiences.
Japanese
Arts & Culture
Canyon Road to Meow Wolf.
Santa Fe has more art per capita than anywhere in the US. Here's where to spend your time.
Canyon Road
A mile-long corridor of 100+ galleries, studios, and gardens. Walk the whole thing on a Saturday afternoon for gallery receptions.
Galleries
Meow Wolf House of Eternal Return
An immersive psychedelic art installation unlike anything else in the world. Book tickets in advance — always sells out.
Immersive Art
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
The world's largest collection of her work, in the city she called home for decades. Intimate, beautifully curated, essential.
Museum
New Mexico History Museum
On the Plaza — covers 400 years of New Mexico from Indigenous cultures to statehood. The building alone is spectacular.
Museum
Santa Fe Farmers Market
Saturday mornings at the Rail Yard. Local produce, Native crafts, live music, and the best people-watching in town.
Market
Hike & Explore
Mountains, trails, and river.
The Sangre de Cristo mountains are your backyard. From a gentle morning walk to a full-day Taos rafting trip — the outdoors here are extraordinary.
Camino Encantado Trail
Starts literally steps from Casa Colibrí. A beautiful foothills trail with mountain views — perfect for a morning run or leisurely hike.
Steps Away
Atalaya Mountain Trail
The classic Santa Fe hike — 7 miles round trip to a 9,000 ft peak with panoramic views of the entire Rio Grande valley.
Hiking
Rio Grande Gorge
One hour north — walk across the gorge bridge and look down 600 feet to the Rio Grande. Pack a picnic for the drive.
Scenic Drive
Taos Rafting (Rio Grande)
Half or full-day rafting through the Rio Grande Gorge. Several outfitters run excellent guided trips — Best of Taos and Far Flung are the best.
Adventure
Taos Ski Valley
One of the great ski mountains in North America — 90 minutes from Santa Fe. In summer, excellent hiking and mountain biking from the base.
Ski / Mountain
Spas & Wellness
Unwind at altitude.
Santa Fe has some of the finest spas in the American Southwest. At 7,000 feet, a massage and hot tub soak takes on a different quality entirely.
Ten Thousand Waves
A Japanese mountain spa 10 minutes from the villa. Private hot tubs, world-class massages, and the Izanami restaurant. Book ahead — always.
10 min away
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs
Ancient hot springs 45 minutes north — geothermal pools of varying temperatures and minerals. Stay overnight or just come for the day.
Hot Springs
Four Seasons Spa Encantado
Literally across the street from Casa Colibrí. Non-guests can book spa services and pool access. Exceptional quality, outdoor setting.
Across the Street
Sunrise Springs Spa Resort
A serene wellness retreat south of Santa Fe in a historic property. Day-use packages available for spa treatments and meditation walks.
Wellness Resort
Getting around
Everything you need to know.
Rent a car
A car is essential for exploring Santa Fe. All major rental companies are at the Santa Fe Airport, 20 minutes away. Enterprise and Hertz have the best availability.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are available in Santa Fe but supply is limited — especially late nights and peak season. Book early and tip well. Metered taxis also operate downtown.
Ask Scott
Scott can arrange transportation for your arrival or help with day-trip logistics. Just message before your stay — he knows all the best drivers and services in town.
