Farm Journal: Anticipation is in the Air
Spring arrived on the farm with a snowstorm that made the gardens and lavender fields sparkle with sun breaking through the low-hanging clouds. The back-and-forth play of warm sunny days and reminders that winter can return at a moment’s notice keep the farmers on their toes as they prepare to bring the farm out of winter slumber.
The story of Penny and her best selling Lavender Salve
Women's History Month is an exciting time for Los Poblanos as our property has been deeply impacted and shaped by amazing women. One of the most influential women throughout the property's history is our current owner and Los Poblanos matriarch, Penny Rembe. Penny and her late husband Armin have lived on the property since the 1970s, and Penny's creativity and business savvy have influenced the preservation and growth of Los Poblanos in countless ways. From opening the original bed and breakfast in 1999 to developing the recipe for our signature Lavender Salve, Los Poblanos simply would not be the place it is today without Penny's leadership and inspired vision.
Spend Spring at the Spa
In New Mexico, we're seeing hints of spring with longer days and the occasional warm afternoon, reminding us that spring is just around the corner. As our daily routines subtly shift with the changing weather, our skincare routines should do the same. Our seasonal facials change every few months, in line with the season, and are thoughtfully crafted with our climate and seasonal habits in mind.
Farm Journal: The Lavender Propagation Process
Winter is the season for propagating lavender in our historic 1934 Lord & Burnham greenhouse. A naturally occurring hybrid, our Grosso lavender is a cross between English and Portuguese varieties. These plants are also known as lavandins, prized for their essential oil yields. Grosso is sterile, meaning it does not produce viable seeds, so the only way to propagate Grosso is by taking cuttings.
Welcome Spring on the Farm
There's nothing quite like the way spring awakens our little corner of the North Valley. As the days lengthen ever so slightly and temperatures slowly begin to warm, our dedicated farmers germinate vegetables, herbs and flowers in the greenhouse, grown from seeds saved from previous seasons. Lavender cuttings from our fields were taken to the greenhouse during the winter months, have since sprouted roots, and are now transplanted into larger pots to encourage more growth. Daffodils and crocus will soon peek their heads above ground, and our flowering trees will burst into color seemingly overnight. Migrating Canada geese have already made the farm their winter home, and will likely welcome a gaggle of goslings who sweetly parade across the property and learn how to swim in our lotus pond.
Rio Grande Valley Romance
There are so many ways to celebrate the one you love this Valentine's Day Weekend on the farm. Treat your someone special (and yourself) to a romantic, relaxing experience at the Hacienda Spa. Embrace quality time together while you indulge with our signature 80-minute couple's Hacienda Massage and botanical foot scrub to exfoliate and improve circulation, followed with a Lavender Salve massage and hot towel wrap. After your treatment, toast to your love with a glass of champagne in one of our serene lounges. The Valentine's Hacienda Massage for Two is available the entire month of February. $500 per couple. Please call the Hacienda Spa at 505-308-3453 to book.
An Exclusive Spa Discount for New Mexico Residents
The new year and cool winter weather begs us to slow down, reflect and find time to focus on ourselves. There's no better way to embrace well-being than to experience botanically based treatments at the Hacienda Spa. As a special thank you to our neighbors for your constant support, we're delighted to offer an exclusive 20% discount on any treatment at the Hacienda Spa on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through March 16, 2022 to all New Mexico residents. Please note, this discount may only be booked by calling the Spa at 505-308-3453, and a valid NM ID must be presented upon arrival.
Special Rates for New Mexico Residents
Sometimes an escape in our own backyard is just what we need, especially after a busy holiday season. We're delighted to extend a very special discounted rate at the Inn, available exclusively for New Mexico residents. This exceptional rate starts at $242 before taxes and is available any day of the week from January 3 through March 15, 2022. Please note, this rate is valid on new reservations only and a valid New Mexico ID must be presented at check in. Blackout dates apply.
Farm Journal: Farm Animals of Los Poblanos
Our mission is to preserve the historic Los Poblanos Ranch by cultivating a dynamic business dedicated to sustainable agriculture, hospitality, historic preservation and community. As such, we perpetuate the agricultural history by maintaining an active organic farm. And what would a working farm be without animals? The presence of animals on our farm adds a lovely element of surprise and delight to anyone who comes across them, and they are a nod to the long agricultural history of the property. From the original Indigenous farmers who likely had animals to help support their needs long ago, to the Simms family's model experimental farm of the 1930s and 1940s, there's no doubt animals have been an integral part of Los Poblanos agricultural history.
Merry and Bright
These days, we're feeling pretty festive here on the farm. Over the last week, we've transformed the property from a celebration of the fall harvest season to a spectacular display of holiday cheer. The pumpkins and corn have given way to Christmas trees and wreaths. The distinctive scent of piñon wood burning in our outdoor chimeneas and the sight of migratory sandhill cranes flying gracefully overhead are two familiar signs that winter is indeed here.