Where to Stay in Taos: Explore Nature & Indulge in Luxury Hacienda

Discover Taos: A Luxury Retreat for the Adventurous Soul

I recently returned from an unforgettable stay in Taos, New Mexico—a destination that beautifully blends natural beauty, rich culture, and high-desert luxury. My home base was the Gem Hacienda, an exquisite, private estate and one of the best luxury vacation rentals in Taos, NM. It’s perfect for a large group looking to settle into an elevated home-away-from-home while exploring everything this enchanting mountain town has to offer.

With expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, breathtaking views, and meticulous design, Gem Hacienda is an ideal setting for family reunions, retreats, or luxury milestone celebrations.

Taos Beyond the Snow: A Year-Round Destination

While Taos is best known as a winter haven for skiers—thanks to nearby resorts like Taos Ski Valley, Red River, and Angel Fire—spring and summer unveil a different kind of magic. The warmer months are a dream for adventure travelers. With sunny days and cool evenings, the landscape invites you to hike alpine trails, cast a line into wild rivers, or gallop across high-desert plateaus on horseback.

For the Adventure-Seeker

If you’re drawn to the thrill of the outdoors, Taos delivers. Fly fishing in Taos is exceptional—expect to catch brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout in the Rio Grande, Rio Pueblo, and Red River.

River rafting in Taos offers Class III–IV rapids in the Rio Grande Gorge during spring, with gentler float trips available in summer. Guided e-bike tours through the Enchanted Circle Scenic hi Byway are an exhilarating way to take in the raw beauty of Northern New Mexico without too much effort.

For hikers and wildlife lovers, Carson National Forest is a wonderland of rugged terrain and serene meadows. You may spot elk, mule deer, black bears, bighorn sheep, and even a bobcat if you're lucky.

Where to Eat in Taos

Taos has a surprisingly sophisticated food scene that goes far beyond what you'd expect from a small mountain town. Some of the top restaurants in Taos include:

• Lambert’s of Taos – Elevated American cuisine with a rustic twist

• Suchness Spa Café – Nourishing, wellness-forward meals

• Gutiz – French-Latin fusion brunch worth waking up early for

• De La Tierra – A refined, farm-to-table dining experience at El Monte Sagrado

• Doc Martin’s – A beloved classic located in the historic Taos Inn
  

Prefer to stay in? Treat yourself to a private chef experience with Chef Casey Eason of Anada. Her globally inspired, locally sourced menus are a favorite among luxury travelers and are perfect for special evenings in your villa.

Wellness, Culture & Soulful Travel

Taos isn’t just for thrill-seekers—it’s also a haven for those looking to reset and reconnect.

Pamper yourself with aerial yoga at Taos Aerial Gym or indulge in healing treatments at local wellness hubs like El Monte Sagrado Living Spa, The Love Apple Wellness Room, and Questa Healing Arts. Massage therapists, energy workers, and alternative healers abound in this soulful town.

For culture lovers, the UNESCO-listed Taos Pueblo is a must. It's one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America and offers a profound glimpse into Indigenous history and resilience.

In addition to cultural and wine tours, don’t miss the Enchanted Circle Scenic Drive, a breathtaking loop through forests, mountains, and adobe villages—each with its own unique charm.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for where to stay in Taos, Gem Hacienda sets the gold standard for luxury, comfort, and style. Whether you're rafting whitewater, exploring Native heritage sites, or enjoying a private chef’s dinner under the stars, Taos will surprise and delight you at every turn.

This magical high-desert town truly offers something for every traveler. I can’t wait to return.

– Molly McMillen, Founder of Blue Planet Pro