Four Seasons has added the 87th property to its expanding international portfolio with the rebranding of New Mexico’s only AAA Five Diamond resort to Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. Guests and staff will be celebrating doubly at the opening of the Santa Fe Opera season gala sponsored by Four Seasons on June 29.

“It’s a time of superlatives for everyone at the Resort as our guests and employees celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in the storied history of Rancho Encantado,” says Cindy Racco, the recently appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado. “We are excited and proud to be part of this community and support its world class artists.”

Located just outside Santa Fe on 57 acres (23 hectares), Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado is an intimate 65-casita property that includes the popular Terra restaurant, a serene spa sanctuary, resort pool and sunlit event spaces that are a favourite choice for weddings and corporate retreats.

In addition, the Resort has an outpost 10 minutes away in downtown Santa Fe. Here, Resort guests can take a break from shopping and gallery hopping in air-conditioned comfort, enjoy some refreshment, safely stow the day’s purchases, and chat with a Four Seasons concierge about what to do next. A complimentary Mercedes-Benz shuttle takes guests to and from the main Resort nearby.

“The transition to Four Seasons has been essentially seamless, because it’s already a beautifully conceived, well-built resort.  But one thing we are changing right away is the arrival area,” says Racco, noting that a hallmark of the brand is that special moment when one pulls into a Four Seasons after a long journey and gets their first glimpse of the experience to come. The current parking lot will be replaced with new indigenous landscaping that blends in with the surroundings, and a new valet parking area is being created out of view of the casitas.

“The Spa is particularly spectacular, with its private courtyards and outdoor relaxation areas allowing guests to rejuvenate in the fresh desert air,” enthuses Racco.  Newly appointed Spa Director Emily Richey will oversee an expert team of therapists offering both modern therapies and indigenous treatments. The Resort’s fitness program includes a dedicated movement studio, gym and pool.