by Jeff Voth

The second architectural style is designated as Territorial. A total of 19 studios and one-bedroom casitas surround the original property home on the resort first built in the early 1800's. Each studio offers the romantic ambience of a gas-light fireplace and original artwork. The one-bedroom casitas add hand-woven rugs and feather beds to the gracious living space that includes a large bathroom, two TV's, comfy couch and a large kitchenette.

Breakfast is served in the Bistro, located in the main lobby. The gracious staff at Los Palomas stands ready to cook up something special, or pack a lunch for the road. On the not-so-rare occasion that you find yourself indulging in one too many waffles, (personal experience talking) a first-class fitness facility is located on the property. It features a full line of Matrix cardio and strength training equipment in a comfortable and roomy setting.

Much of the charm of Las Palomas stems from the charismatic personality of its owner. Neil Rosenshein has captured both critical and popular acclaim in North America and around the world. His career includes performances at the Metropolitan Opera, Paris Opéra, Hamburg's Staatsoper and San Francisco Opera to name only a few. Never one to miss an opportunity to share a story, Neil regaled us with tales of his life as an opera star, even sharing past experiences with composer extraordinaire Leonard Bernstein. Neil is proof that the life of an opera star is anything but boring!

Leaving the city, we drove 40 miles to Rancho de San Juan, a luxurious Four-Diamond award winning resort located in the low-lying mountains between Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. A member of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux association of hotels and resorts, Rancho de San Juan is rated one of the top 75 hotels in the USA on Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List for 2006.

The unassuming entrance to Rancho de San Juan from US Hwy. 285 belies the luxury of this resort. A dirt and gravel road winds through the rocky foothills, crossing a dry stream bed before ending at the front walkway of the main building. So wonderful is the integration of the resort with the surrounding countryside that it blends into the mountainous region as if being part of the natural geography. (CONTINUE...)