Editor's Pick: Southwestern Serenity for Just $155 Per Night

By Celia Shatzman
April 14, 2016
Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa
Courtesy Sierra Grande Lodge

Imagine waking up in a charming, rustic hotel room, heading over to an award-winning restaurant for a scrumptious breakfast (think: huevos rancheros, blue-corn-and-pine-nuts pancakes, or an omelet with New Mexico’s world-famous hatch green chile), taking a guided tour of the Southwest, and then finishing up with a soothing soak in a natural hot-spring tub—and the only thing you’re shelling out for is the room, starting at just $155 per night. At Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, that’s a typical stay.

Built in 1929, the Lodge at Sierra Grande blends its historic status with the traditional New Mexico aesthetic. Located in in the town of Truth or Consequences in southern New Mexico, the lodge was purchased by Ted Turner in 2013. Now it’s home to Ted Turner Expeditions, an ecotourism guide service led by Adventure Partners that offers a range of tours to Turner’s two nearby ranches, which together encompass an impressive half million acres of stunning, ecologically diverse landscape, including canyon views, limestone terraces, and vast grasslands. Essentially, it’s a private national park.

Those Turner adventures will run you extra, but you can take advantage of several of the hotel's experiences for no charge, like the guided walk offered at 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. It covers a loop from the lodge, winding through Truth or Consequences and the historic bath district, and then to the Geronimo Springs Museum. Guests can explore the museum or walk back to the lodge. And, of course, hiking trails abound in the area, ranging from flat, easy trails to hardcore mountain treks.

Sore from your climb? Every night you book comes with a free dip in one of the private natural hot springs tubs at the lodge. The ancient restorative and healing tradition was initially established by Native Americans in the area. Opt for an indoor tub at the property’s tranquil spa, or go alfresco so you can enjoy the view of the mountains while you soak it all in. Ahhhhh...

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