El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa

A secluded sanctuary designed in harmony with nature, El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa draws on the scenic beauty and cultural attractions of Taos, New Mexico, to create an inspiring group experience. In 2007, the property completed a major expansion of its guest rooms, meeting facilities, and spa that increased its capacity to nearly 200 guests.

The banquet, patio, and event space now spans 7,000 square feet, headlined by the new Spanish revival–style Rio Grande Ballroom and the Sandoval Room. Five additional venues accommodate up to 48 delegates in intimate settings of rare character, with touches such as domed ceilings, marble floors, and ebony paneling. All venues feature state-of-the-art electronics and wireless Internet access. Like everything at the resort, meetings benefit from a respect for nature, in everything from a focus on sustainable practices to the locally grown produce featured at two on-site restaurants, The Gardens and De la Tierra.

The resort places guests within easy reach of the shops and galleries of Taos as well as the great outdoors, where team building and group activities range from golf and rafting to skiing and llama trekking. Right on property, guests can recharge at The Living Spa and meditate in the Sacred Circle among towering trees and waterfalls. At day’s end, delegates return to the comfort of the 84 individually themed rooms, suites, and casitas—enhanced with hand-painted walls, local art, kiva-style fireplaces, and balconies or patios with views of the Rockies beyond.

Group Special

Wedding Special

Meet 1...Ski 2 Package / Meet 2...Ski 2 Package

Start	End	Rooms	Rate
5/01/08	2/28/09	10 Peak rooms	$169

Posted Jul 24, 2008 by katiew
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Pampering and sustainability mix as hotels embrace green

By Irene Croft Jr.




Eco-consciousness is no longer a snicker-inducing concept accompanied by flashbacks of Al Gore. In fact, global warming, carbon offsets and organic and sustainable are part of the ordinary American's vernacular. Going green has been incubating within the hospitality industry, where baby as well as giant steps are being taken towards raising the eco flag.

In the U.S., a number of new hotels successfully mesh environmental friendliness and guest pampering at a luxury level. Green efforts can be as basic as water conservation measures - like encouraging the re-use of guest linens - employment of environmentally safe cleaning products, and provision of biodegradable spa and bath amenities. Grander initiatives include purpose-built, all-green construction that weaves the use of ecologically sound construction materials and air-conditioning systems into the design and operation of the hotel.

Boutique properties are at the forefront of this trend. They incorporate such Earth-sensitive features as recycled building materials, wool upholstery, nontoxic varnishes, solar panels, low-flush and low-flow water systems, and locally sourced menu ingredients. The best of these - about 30 - have earned a LEED certification, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, that designates the gold standard of eco-consciousness established by the U.S. Green Building Council. This nonprofit trade organization has developed a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

Included among the premier hotels nationwide combining sustainability and sumptuousness are:

El Monte Sagrado, Taos, N.M. This resort prides itself on using alternative energy and is committed to sustainability without sacrificing luxury. Surrounded by mountains and high desert country, some 60 percent of this eco-resort is geothermally heated and cooled. Fresh rain-water is collected, filtered and recirculated for use in the spa. This tranquil hideaway, complete with waterfalls and meditation garden areas, is an ideal sustainable retreat. 800-828-8267, www.elmontesagrado.com.



http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2008/Jun/29/tr/hawaii806290358.html