Nestled in an original, historic home designed by the father of Santa Fe style, the Hacienda Spa is an intimate space that encourages a sensory spa experience. With over 90 years of history, this important structure has been home to three families and opened its doors to countless guests.
Originally an adobe ranch house, the building was remodeled in 1932 by renowned architect John Gaw Meem. When Ruth and Albert Simms acquired the property in the 1930's they hired Meem to design their residence as well as La Quinta Cultural Center. The Meem renovation enclosed the formerly L-shaped home to create a full courtyard surrounded by a portal and added a large living room. The hacienda was designed in the Pueblo Revival style, complete with thick adobe walls, wooden vigas, deeply set windows and wide hand-hewn entrance doors.
Courtyard
Beautifully photographed by Laura Gilpin in the 1930s, the hacienda's Spanish courtyard, dripping with Lady Banks' roses and lush greenery, offers an enveloping, welcoming space with its star-shaped Moorish fountain, massive carved doors and kiva fireplace. The glistening fountain tiles, along with the brick, flagstone and tile walkways provide color and texture throughout the seasons.
Sala Grande
A stunning example of John Gaw Meem's architectural style, the fireplace centered on the far wall draws attention first. After descending the two steps into the room, an informal alcove to the left with its own fireplace invites cozy conversation or quiet reading. Emphasizing the sculptural massiveness of adobe, Meem designed the Sala Grande to be rich with detail and dignified monumentality. Great wooden vigas, deeply set windows and luxurious furnishings make this a serene and inviting space. Over the years it served as a family living room, a guest check-in area and gathering space, and now a lounge for spa guests to soak up moments of tranquility.
Los Poblanos Inn
Dr. Armin and Penny Rembe acquired the property and moved their family of six into the historic home in the 1970s. After raising their children, Penny and Armin sought to honor and preserve the property by opening the hacienda up as a bed and breakfast in 1999. The six-guest-room historic inn, together with the organic lavender fields attracted visitors from around New Mexico and across the country and slowly grew into the award-winning 46-room boutique hotel, restaurant, events center and spa that it is today.
The Hacienda Spa
The spa was a natural extension of our well-being model, inspired by John Gaw Meem’s tile design for La Quinta inscribed with Dedicada a La Vida Generosa. The Hacienda Spa completes the Los Poblanos experience allowing guests to deeply relax and experience the generous life in a new way. Treatments from the Hacienda Spa incorporate botanicals and our own lavender products, directly connecting guests with our regenerative farming practices while providing a true sense of relaxation.
Photo credits to Lara Gilpin, Doug Merriam and Wes Walker.