The Native Americans who inhabited this land, long before the Spanish arrived, sensed the special aura and ancient mysteries of Santa Fe's high desert and snow-capped peaks. Perhaps it was the language of the wind whispering through the piñon pines, or the incredible quality of desert light casting its sunset shadows, or the crystal-clear nights with their web of constellations. No wonder, then, that future generations came to love this landscape as well, creating an artist colony of sorts in Santa Fe and paving the way for establishing Hacienda del Cerezo, tucked away in a remote setting 12 miles north of this culturally rich city.

The concept behind the Hacienda is simple: Create a 336-acre hideaway guest ranch of just ten spectacular suites, fill it with authentic kiva fireplaces, hand-carved beams, and polished Saltillo floors, and offer uninterrupted plateau-top views stretching to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in one direction and the Jemez Mountains in the other. Then provide unparalleled hospitality and service in the Mexican hacienda tradition, treat guests to Western-style activities-trail riding, river-rafting, fly-fishing, desert hiking-and be sure they are well fed with world-class, nouvelle Southwest cuisine. The result is a casually sophisticated atmosphere where dinner dress is decidedly informal (they do request, tongue in cheek, that ladies and gentlemen remove their cowboy hats at the table) and the camaraderie is easy-going and comfortable.

This doesn't mean they've stinted on the little luxuries, though. Each guest suite has an adobe fireplace, cozy sitting area, huge Jacuzzi tub, private enclosed patio, and individually crafted details like hand-carved furnishings and etched-glass showers. A tennis court is tucked into an arroyo, and the on-site stables are home to pure-bred Arabian mares with enough spirit to provide an exciting ride through challenging terrain. And just a 20-minute drive away is vibrant Santa Fe, a haven of the arts waiting to be explored. But your cowboy heart will yearn to return to the Hacienda, where desert peace and harmony prevail.

The Hideaways Take: Balance your visit with the best of two Southwestern worlds-the arts and opera of the nearby city of Santa Fe, and the gracious Hacienda lifestyle of swimming, horseback riding, and just plain relaxing, all while soaking in the sweeping high-desert views.