The Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado in Santa Fe is one of New Mexico's greatest gems. Spanning 57 pristine acres of land, visitors have access to everything including outdoor adventures, romantic seclusion, and indulgent spa services - everything one would expect from a luxury resort, but in a boutique hotel setting. Director of Catering and Conference Services, Nicole Benvenutti, provides us with the details about the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, and planning the ultimate destination wedding in New Mexico.
GOWS: If you had to describe the property in three words, what would they be?
A: Enchanting, intimate and picturesque.
GOWS: How far in advance does a couple need to reserve a wedding date?
A: I recommend between 9 - 12 months in advance.
GOWS: Are onsite wedding planners available for the wedding process?
A: Our wedding team is more like bridal assistants. Our catering team is here to assist the bride every step of the way, including recommending vendors for every aspect of the wedding, helping develop menus, selecting wines, and even running the rehearsal the day before the wedding.
GOWS: Are accommodations and buyouts available? What is the capacity limit?
A: Yes we have both options! Rancho Encantado has 65 casitas on property and is the perfect size for a buy-out.
GOWS: What spaces are available for ceremonies and receptions?
A: Any and all of our event spaces on the property are available for a ceremony and/or reception. The favorite location for brides is our Monte Vista Terrace - an outdoor venue which provides a completely unobstructed view of the famous New Mexico sunsets, setting behind the Jemez Mountains and valley. No other location in Santa Fe has a view like it!
GOWS: What are some of the amenities, incentives and activities that the property offers a couple?
A: Complementary night(s) in a casita or suite, use of spa facilities, pool (seasonal), chef's table, and we also have an onsite excursion company exclusive to our property only.
GOWS: Food is such an important element at a wedding; tell us about your menu customization?
A: Our main focus at Rancho Encantado is the service and the culinary experience. We do custom menus for couples about 90% of the time. Our menus are inspired not just by the couple, but also by the property's surroundings. Our Executive Chef is a James Beard nominated Chef, and sources the food for the property from local ranches and farms. A goal for us is to be local and organic as much as possible. Sometimes it can be hard, as we don't have a lot of fish in New Mexico!
GOWS: Service is imperative in the wedding industry. What does the property offer couples and their guests that set you apart - for example personal concierge, transportation, etc.
A: Everything we do for the couple is customized. We never do anything the same way. Every couple is different, so their wedding day should be different as well. Once a couple chooses to work with us, they have their own personal team to assist them from their catering manager, to the chef, reservations manager, and front office assistance. Because of the size of our property, we are able to provide a level of one-on-one service that is hard to find in today’s hospitality industry.
