NBC29Encantado, an Auberge Resort Honored as First and Only AAA 5-Diamond Property in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Encantado, an Auberge Resort, has been awarded the coveted Five Diamond Award by American Automobile Association (AAA), positioning the property as the first and only AAA Five Diamond resort in New Mexico. As Santa Fe celebrates its 400th anniversary, the region moves into the future, offering guests a new level of luxury, courtesy of Encantado, its first-ever, full-service luxury resort.

To be considered for the AAA rating, both lodgings and restaurants must undergo an extensive inspection by one of the organization's professionally trained inspectors. These inspectors evaluate nearly 60,000 hotels and resorts in North America, awarding the AAA Five Diamond based upon accommodations, service, amenities and overall experience. A resort with a Five Diamond Award truly reflects the characteristics of the ultimate in luxury and sophistication. Accommodations are first class, setting and decor are extraordinary, and service exceeds all guest expectations while maintaining an impeccable standard of excellence. This is a truly rare and coveted accolade, as there are less than 100 Five-Diamond properties in the United States.

"It is a true accomplishment to achieve the AAA Five Diamond title and a major triumph for the region," said Jeff Mahan, General Manager of Encantado. "We strive to provide our guests with the highest level of comfort and service and are thrilled to be recognized as one of the standout resorts in North America and to put New Mexico on the map as a leader in fine travel and dining experiences. This would not be possible without our genuine, hardworking staff committed to providing a memorable, personalized experience for all guests."

Already recognized as one of the nation's top 20 new restaurants of 2008 in Esquire's coveted "Best New Restaurants" list, Encantado's signature restaurant Terra now celebrates its prestigious AAA Four Diamond accolade, deeming it a restaurant geared to individuals in search of a distinctive fine-dining experience. Orchestrated by a superb executive chef and an accomplished staff, the menu reflects a high degree of creativity and complexity, using imaginative presentations to enhance high quality, market-fresh ingredients. The equally proficient service staff demonstrates a strong desire to meet or exceed guest expectations and the wine steward is available to provide menu-specific knowledge regarding the sophisticated wine selection. The ambiance is highly refined, comfortable and well coordinated, incorporating quality materials and a variety of upscale design enhancements to provide a relaxed feel of luxury.

Encantado, Auberge Resorts' newest property, sister to famed Auberge du Soleil and Esperanza Resort, is the first-ever, full-service luxury resort to grace this cultural mecca and spiritual epicenter. The property features 65 casitas, world-class Spa at Encantado, signature Terra Restaurant and The Bar at Encantado, all resting upon 57 acres of stunning Tesuque, N.M., landscape, just outside of Santa Fe. The Spa at Encantado features an innovative selection of spa and wellness services that honor the healing traditions indigenous to the region, while paying tribute to Santa Fe's contemporary appreciation of health and well-being. The 10,000-square-foot spa with 15 treatment rooms incorporates the outdoors with pools, fountains, courtyards and outdoor garden soaking tubs and showers. Additionally, Chef Charles Dale utilizes the finest ingredients to create memorable regional cuisine at the resort's modern rustic restaurant, Terra.

About Auberge Resorts

Auberge Resorts is a collection of exceptional hotels, resorts and private clubs, each with a unique personality that assures a memorable guest experience. Among the distinctive properties are Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley; Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas; Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley; The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina; Encantado, Santa Fe; and Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., with several others currently in development. While Auberge Resorts nurtures the individuality of each establishment, all are characterized by a set of communal elements: intimate, understated elegance; captivating locations that inspire exceptional cuisine and spa experiences; and gracious yet unobtrusive service. For more information about Auberge Resorts, please visit www.aubergeresorts.com.

SOURCE Auberge Resorts