If you are looking to add flavor and spice to your relationship, Santa Fe is the place. Las Palomas and the Inn of the Anasazi have formed a partnership to offer the best of this Southwest destination for couples seeking romance and excitement.

Las Palomas

Patrons of Las Palomas are greeted with a smile in the cozy lobby. They are offered freshly baked cookies and cappuccinos by the staff, or sometimes even by the proprietor, famed Tenor, Neil Rosenshein. The lobby leads into the bistro, where complimentary breakfast is served every morning.

Las Palomas, located within easy walking distance to the Plaza, is an intimate and comfortable inn. The lodging choices are casitas, in either territorial or pueblo style. They each offer living areas with oversized leather couches, a kitchenette, full bath, and sumptuous bedrooms. The décor is Southwest Rustic with Native American artwork throughout by well-known artist Doug Coffin.

I enjoyed exploring the grounds of the property, with its nooks and crannies meant for romantic interludes. Handmade wood bistro sets are set near each casita for couples to enjoy the solitude and peacefulness of Santa Fe. Couples can also greet a new day on the balcony decks, reveling in the morning breeze. During the winter months, couples can request flannel sheets to snuggle in while enjoying their fireplace. Las Palomas has on site a library offering cds, movies, and books for a relaxing getaway.

If only love could sustain the romantic travelers! Sustenance can be found at many local restaurants if you feel the need to leave Las Palomas. Here are a few places I visited during my stay.

Anasazi Restaurant
113 Washington Ave. Downtown Santa Fe
New Mexico's only Mobile Four Star (505) 988-3236

The Anasazi is the place for that “special” dinner. They offer dinners in the wine cellar for some occasions. A wonderful starter is the signature Tortilla soup, which has a savory flavor and spice that will give you that little something extra. Other appetizers to try are the scallops or even the calamari, which is truly the best I have eaten.

I was able to sample each entrée and found it easy to believe why this is Santa Fe’s best establishment for fine dining. The Anasazi offers an extensive wine list. Many fine cuisine restaurants I have frequented only offer one ice wine for dessert, if any. The Anasazi makes available a variety of this type of wine, which gets high points in my book. It was definitely my most memorable dining experience while in Santa Fe. They also offer a Sunday Brunch with the entertainment of Native American Flutist Ronald Roybal. Reservations are recommended.

Cowgirl BBQ & Western Grill
319 Guadalupe Downtown Santa Fe
Western and Southwestern food (505) 982-2565
The Cowgirl Hall of Fame Grill offers casual dining, both indoors and out. It is known for its BBQ and Quesadillas. This was a frequent hangout for Adam Sandler while filming The Longest Yard.

Horseman's Haven Café
6500 Cerrillos Rd. South Santa Fe
Hottest chile in Santa Fe. (505) 471-5420
The locals claim this is the best place to get a burger. It also offers the hottest chiles in town.

Il Vicino
321 W. San Francisco
Downtown Santa Fe Wood oven pizza (505) 986-8700
This almost hidden establishment is the perfect place to grab lunch while shopping in the Plaza or perusing the sights of downtown Santa Fe.

Jinja Noodle Saloon
510 North Guadalupe, DeVargas Center
Asian (505) 982-4321
Jinja Noodle Saloon offers a funky atmosphere that satisfies the romantics, as well as the families. The seating arrangements offer privacy and the menu is sure to please. Champagne Woo Woos, anyone?

Gabriel's
4 Banana Lane Southwest and Old Mexico Cuisine.
Guacamole made fresh at your table. (505)455-7000
Gabriel’s is located outside of the city and exudes the aura of old Mexico. I thought I was actually out of the US while eating here. The Guacamole is to die for and is not to be missed. The margaritas aren’t half bad, either.

Fine dining is not the only activity in this city. Santa Fe Mountain Adventures is a local company that can put together any activity a couple desires. They offer spa packages, yoga, hiking, rafting, and many cultural activities and tours. Also, Historic Walks of Santa Fe offers historical and ghost tours of the downtown area.

For couples looking to broaden their horizons and experience local arts and culture, Ronald Roybal offers a weekly concert on Wednesday nights at 7:30. All proceeds from these weekly concerts are donated to The San Miguel Chapel to assist in the preservation of this 400 year old church. It is a beautiful event in a beautiful setting and one that is not to be missed if in town.
http://www.ronaldroybal.com

Overall, Santa Fe is a peaceful city that any traveler can fall in love with, or fall in love in. Las Palomas and The Inn of the Anasazi are excellent representatives of this Soutwest destination.