Imagine, on your next visit to Santa Fe, staying not in a hotel, but in a handsome and comfortable place of your own, in one of the oldest neighborhoods of the historic city, just steps from the picturesque promenades, restaurants, and galleries. A grand stucco home with private sun-drenched decks and patios, whose spacious interior is carefully appointed with antiques and exotic artifacts, fireplaces and extensive seating; luxurious bedroom suites and the convenience of its own kitchen.  Now, you no longer have to imagine:  The Inn of The Five Graces has re-opened its separate luxury accommodations, The Luminaria House, in 2006, three years after the colorful property was acquired by The Garrett Hotel Group. This private domain welcomes visitors looking for their own distinctive lodgings in the heart of the old city. 

Originally built in the mid-1980's for the Inn's longtime neighbor, the gracious house adjacent to the rambling compound of the Inn has undergone extensive renovations that have brought it back to the impeccable level of the rest of the property.  The earth tone colors of the stucco and local river rock exterior make a quiet backdrop for the lovely shade trees and native plants that partially shield the patios from the heat of the sun.  Inside, in addition to the two bedrooms [one queen and one king, both with large baths and separate dressing areas] there is a fully fitted kitchen, a dining room area, and a dramatic living room with a cathedral ceiling and custom built seating-in-the-round.  The house features four fireplaces inside, and one outside, as well as the two upper decks and two separate ground-level patios.  

If sheer luxury and pampering is what you’re after, take advantage an offer exclusive to residents of The Luminaria House: an evening butler and/or private chef. Imagine an unforgettable 5-course meal for four, five different wines, and ‘hand-and-foot’ wait service, all in the confines of your home away from home. Each is available for $500 per night, or command them both for $1001. For that extra dollar, your pet will be treated to a special course of his or her own, so everyone shares in the splurge. 

The per-night rate for The Luminaria House is $2000, which brings luxury and a deep sense of the romantic middle-eastern style mixed with a traditional touches of Sante Fe design.  Like the rest of The Inn of The Five Graces, The Luminaria House is richly decorated in an eclectic exotic blend of textiles and furnishings.  Vibrant reds, golds, and blues of quilts, carpets, cushions and kilim-upholstered chairs punctuate the neutral, soothing palette of the honey-tinted stucco walls and the deep terra cotta tiled floors.  Hand-carved wooden headboards, doors, and cabinetry complement the rustic timber ceiling beams, and carefully positioned windows in the deep traditional walls allow in just enough of the bold southwestern sun light to keep it a cool, comfortable refuge.    

Why “The Luminaria House”?  Because during the day, it is awash with natural light; at night, it glows with the warmth and light of its fireplaces.  The lyrical name refers to the festive lanterns, also known as farolitos, displayed throughout the region to enliven special occasions, especially Christmas.  From the paper-bag-weighted-with-sand version to the more permanent terra cotta models used at Five Graces, they evoke gracious hospitality.