Jenny's View
Friends,
From La Fonda’s rooftop, I look around and absorb the many blessings Santa Fe affords. With so much anxiety and frustration in the world, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect. The town is quiet, the hotel is operating at reduced occupancy, non-essential businesses recently reopened after being shuttered for two weeks, and restaurants are limited to offering outdoor dining and curbside pickup. The second wave of the virus is here — and still — there is beauty.
It’s present in the high desert air and in the orange-crimson light washing across adobe. It’s in the stained glass of the Cathedral windows and the painted columns at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts across the street. It’s in the way our bellmen move to greet the far between travelers and resonates from our Front Desk Manager, Fermin as he smiles to welcome arriving guests. It’s in our expansive skies and the shifting moods and colors of our sunsets and in the Cassidy paintings that adorn our lobby, in the hand painted details that line our corridors and walls.
Culture and design are the bedrock of La Fonda’s success and hospitality has been the thread between the two for nearly a century. It’s what so many of you say keeps you coming back through our doors year after year. And with the arrival of positive news about a COVID-19 vaccine, we hope to welcome you back very soon.
There are so many events and activities that showcase the fusion of Santa Fe’s rich traditions — especially this time of year. Farolitos and luminarias, biscochitos and holiday carolers typically abound this month. And though many of the activities have been postponed this year, there are still ways to experience the Santa Fe holiday season from home.
Visit the International Folk Art Market's Winter Auction and discover perfect, handcrafted gifts for family and friends, or learn how to prepare a New Mexican meal by participating in an online cooking class with chefs Sean Sinclair and Johnny Vee live from the Casteñada, a historic Fred Harvey Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Of course, there’s no limit to how many farolitos Chef Lane Warner can fit onto our annual La Fonda Gingerbread house, so if you’re in the area, we invite you to visit our lobby for a socially distanced peek at our tried and true tradition, or follow our Facebook page for updates.
At La Fonda, we’re confident that our streets will fill again with the bustle and excitement of curious visitors and local merchants displaying their wares. We can’t wait to showcase the bounty and beauty of New Mexico when it’s safe for all to travel. In the meantime, no matter where you are, make sure to support the mom-and-pop establishments hit hard by shutdowns and gathering restrictions. Order take-out from La Plazuela, stuff your stockings from Detours and please share the joy of the season by supporting the Shops at La Fonda!
Sending love to you and yours,
Jenny
P.S.: Discover beautiful, thoughtful items for everyone on your nice list. Explore my Detours Holiday Gift Guide!
