You’ll feel a little like Alice sliding down the rabbit hole as you drive through the tunnel of enormous cottonwood trees that lead you into Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm. Suddenly, the hustle and bustle of the city of Albuquerque are gone and you’ve emerged on a 25-acre farm planted with lavender and formal gardens. Designed in 1932 by renowned architect John Gaw Meems, this property boasts 50 beautiful rooms, all opening out to offer views of the working farm.
The cottonwoods beckon as you head down the drive to Los Poblanos. Photo by Joeann Fossland
A Serene Retreat at Los Poblanos
Los Poblanos is just minutes out of downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. Albuquerque is an easy destination from most of the Southwest. It is a day’s drive from Phoenix, Denver, Oklahoma City, or Dallas and only 4 hours from El Paso or Amarillo. When you arrive, you have complete serenity awaiting.
Cats and peacocks are wandering around. Chickens, sheep, and bees all live here, too. Future plans include a meditation room in the bee house that will benefit from the bee’s calming hum!
Peacocks wander around the grounds at Los Poblanos. Photo by Joeann Fossland
This Historic Inn and Farm is a family-run endeavor that has a mission of sustainable agriculture, hospitality, historic preservation, and community. Since 1976, the property has been lovingly developed by the Rembe family. This isn’t about “heads and beds” but rather about treating visitors to the uniqueness of Albuquerque, the nearby Rio Grande River, and the bounty of the land.
My husband and I spent a night at Los Poblanos in the summer when the lavender was blooming and being harvested. We were given a complimentary arrival cocktail at Bar CAMPO and settled in. If it’s cold, you can warm up with a lavender latte and get cozy next to a crackling fire.
Enjoy a cocktail at Campo. Photo by Joeann Fossland
The Rooms at Los Poblanos
The rooms at Los Poblanos are beautifully spare and elegant with inviting four-poster beds. Hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, and antiques set the tone for classic New Mexican luxury. The soft bedding by Coyuchi Organic felt like being inside a soft, silky cocoon. Every room has windows you can throw open to let fresh air in—a welcome amenity in today’s world.
The linens at Los Poblanos are all organic. Photo by Joeann Fossland
In the bathroom, lavender bath products are on the sink and in the shower. The toilet paper roll even has a sprig of lavender pinned to it. In the Farm Shop, these products and more are available to take home.
Our bedside table held a small pouch. I open it to find earplugs. I thought, “What an interesting amenity!” Then I remembered the peacocks roaming the grounds. I didn’t find a need for them, but what a thoughtful gesture.
Our room opened to a small patio with a table and chairs overlooking the lavender fields. I suspect this would be a cozy place to curl up with a book for the afternoon or just sit and breathe it in and contemplate my belly button! I wish we were staying for days.
We loved looking out across the lavender fields at Los Poblanos. Photo by Joeann Fossland
A small kitchenette area had a sink and refrigerator. On the counter, the morning beverage selections included lavender tea (which I am now sorry I didn’t sample). We opted to take advantage of the container of fresh ground coffee and a coffee press.
The Farm and Rio Grande Valley
Guests are invited to spend a couple of hours helping with the harvest, clipping the lavender into baskets. Think of how your hands would smell touching all that lavender.
Guests can help out with the lavender harvest at Los Poblanos. Photo by Joeann Fossland
Wildlife abounds in and around the property. Available for a loan are binoculars and cruiser bicycles. If you want to go birding or just explore and observe the beauty of the Rio Grande River Valley, you don’t need to get back in the car.
You can wander through the fields and gardens. Or float in the saltwater pool.
Farm To Table Dining at CAMPO
At some point, you’ll be hungry. If the magic of the Inn isn’t enough, its restaurant CAMPO produces some of the tastiest and healthiest food imaginable. Dubbed Rio Grande Valley Cuisine, everything served is farm-to-fork with much of the produce grown in the fields and in the Lord & Burnham Historic Greenhouse.
Executive Chef Jonathan Perno is one of the Southwest’s best chefs. He has been nominated five times for the James Beard Award and has been cooking organic sustainable food at CAMPO for 10 years.
The kitchen is open to the large dining room. Off to the side is a smaller, more intimate dining room. The patio seating overlooks the lavender fields and has heaters and a new fire pit. The prime seats are at the chef’s table. You can feast on an eight-course meal sitting with a front-row view of the open hearth.
Enjoy al fresco dining on the CAMPO patio. Photo by Joeann Fossland
The food is creative and memorable. CAMPO means field. The focus is on cooking with fire and using local ingredients.
Don’t think of leaving without indulging in CAMPO’s breakfast. For our visit, my husband ordered the Brisket and Eggs. Two large chunks of tender, succulent brisket sat on top of a healthy bed of spinach, grains, and vegetables. A fresh egg topped this selection. Wow! I kinda wished I’d ordered this, but my husband was sweet and shared so I could sample. It tasted every bit as good as it looked.
Enjoy a brisket breakfast at CAMPO. Photo by Joeann Fossland
I shouldn’t have worried. My Eggs Benedict was extraordinary. I’m not usually much of a breakfast eater, but, oh my gosh–this was wonderful. CAMPO makes their own English muffins and then tops them with a tasty piece of ham, along with spinach, vegetables, and two beautiful fresh eggs from their chickens, all topped with a creamy hollandaise sauce. The cracked potatoes were seasoned with their herbs de Poblanos. (I bought this herb mix to take home—it was incredibly tasty).
Try the Eggs Benedict at CAMPO. Photo by Joeann Fossland
On another visit, we came back for dinner and were rewarded with the same creative gourmet food that lured us to order and eat more (appetizers and dessert!) than we really needed because it was so good.
If You Visit Los Poblanos
Upscale and unusual, this is a luxurious place to relax, unwind, and soak in nature. You will find generous hospitality, fresh lavender amenities, and exceptional food. We only stayed a day, but will definitely return to Los Poblanos and stay longer. You’ll want at least two or three days to soak in the lavender magic and fully relax.
Los Poblanos is a serene and healthy retreat in Albuquerque. Photo by Joeann Fossland
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm is located about 12 miles northwest of the Albuquerque International Sunport. If you’re opting for a road trip, Los Poblanos is an ideal healthy and serene retreat. It is located only 3 miles north of Interstate 40 just west of downtown. It’s easy to reach Albuquerque from major cities in the Southwest. It is just a 6.5-hour drive from Phoenix or Denver; 4 hours from El Paso or Amarillo; and a day’s drive from either Oklahoma City or Dallas. Be sure to see Wander for more things to do when you visit New Mexico.
We visit Los Poblanos every time we come to Albuquerque. We find ourselves on the patio having appetizers and cocktails with our sisters. I order the lavender hand soap and lotion frequently. The sets make wonderful gifts. Last November we enjoyed the sunset and watching the Canadian geese fly over.
BTW, what time in summer did you see the lavender in bloom? I should make reservations!
Stacey – I’m not sure exactly when Joeann visited, but when I was in ABQ in late June a few years ago, the lavender was in full bloom. I’d think you have about a month.
Susan hit the nail on the head. We were there in mid-July and I believe the flowers bloom June and July depending, of course, on the weather.