The Cultural Southwest

Rugged green mountains, Spanish colonial and native American culture, outdoor activities, top-notch restaurants, world class arts, and a Japanese spa. Where are you? Why in New Mexico, of course. More specifically, you are in the towns of Santa Fe and Taos. If the description above sounds like your cup of tea, read on...

Upon flying into Albuquerque, you will...

pick up your Jeep Cherokee and head for the hills. First stop is La Posada de Santa Fe, a sophisticated hotel that sits quietly behind Adobe walls, only a few blocks off the central plaza. Its Spanish colonial style will transport you to a different place, and its facilities will make it easy to relax -- you can unwind by the pool or get a southwest-inspired spa treatment at the Avanyu Spa. What sets La Posada apart from many hotels, however, is its high level of service and its range of complimentary activities (one or two offered per day). These include guided walking and biking tours, classes in watercolor painting and local history, and wine tastings.

While you may find it difficult to pull yourself away from La Posada, Santa Fe has a remarkable number of attractions for a town this size. With authentic southwestern architecture, incredible shopping and a confusing maze of small streets, the best way to orientate yourself is on foot. Don't worry if you get a little lost - that's half the fun! When your legs start to tire, stroll over to the Plaza, grab a drink at a sidewalk cafe and watch the people go by.

For those into the arts, you will find an incredible array of...

options, from private galleries to major museums. One of the newest additions is the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Santa Fe OperaIf the culinary or visual arts are more your style, you can participate in a cooking or painting course, respectively. Finally, let's not leave out the performing arts. Santa Fe has a world class opera, along with a symphony orchestra and a variety of theaters. If one of your primary interests is food, well, you're in luck. Santa Fe has a surprisingly large number of exceptional restaurants, with some of the best regional American cuisine around.

After a few days in Santa Fe, it's time to...

hop in the Jeep and drive 90 minutes north to the historic town of Taos. This ancient settlement was colonized by the Spanish in the late 1500's, but had a native American presence for 4500 years before the Spaniards arrived! In fact, you can visit Taos Pueblo, where members of the Tiwa tribe live much like their ancestors did 900 years ago.

Like Santa Fe, this village is also well known as an artist's enclave, although it tends to have its own off-beat style. What sets Taos apart, though, is its dramatic setting - it is seemingly tucked between the skyward peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the plunging Rio Grande Gorge. The focus of this part of your trip will be the great outdoors!

Perhaps the easiest way to take in the area's beauty is...

by setting out on a hike. If you would rather leave the walking to someone (or something) else, how about taking a llama trek? For adventure enthusiasts, there's rock climbing, ballooning, and white water rafting. More traditional activities include golf, swimming, tennis and fishing. Finally, you can take the Jeep and drive the "Enchanted Circle" through Red River, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire. When you've had enough activity for the day, make your way back to Casa de Chimeneas (The House of Chimneys). This intimate hacienda-style inn offers beautiful gardens, incredible food, and charismatic rooms with private patios and fireplaces. A perfect place to end the day!

Overall, this honeymoon will provide quite a bit of diversity for the discerning traveler. Arts, shopping, dining, nature, activities, culture, history and unique accommodations will certainly create a lasting impression.

Who will enjoy this trip:

Those with an interest in culture and the arts. Those who want a diverse honeymoon experience. Those who like outdoor exploration.

Who should avoid this trip:

Those who prefer total relaxation. Those in need of a beach or full-service resort. Those who do not like sightseeing.