By Lynne Robinson
Having had the good fortune to have seen the transformation of the old Indian Hills Motel, which had fallen into a state of seedy disrepair, into the chic mid-century modern boutique hotel named for Willa Cather, whose seminal novel “Death Comes to the Archbishop” was completed in Taos, I am pleased to report visitors to Taos are in for a treat in more ways than one.
Casetta, Italian for “little house,” the hospitality management and branding group behind the transformation, was founded by boutique hotel lovers excited by the challenge of giving storied, retro properties new life. Their hotels are architecturally significant, usually historic and frequently hidden gems.
Taking into account into each lodging’s history, Casetta makes a point of honoring the past while designing for the future — collaborating with their partners and artists to design spaces that respect local vernacular and style.
Casetta aims to create serene and healthy environments, leaning into sustainable products and services whenever possible. Their Taos property is no exception.
Hotel Willa is located at the gateway to the Taos Historic District and is the perfect place to start a high desert adventure. Staying true to the ethos of the town — living art colony meets the great outdoors — Hotel Willa invites you to “laze beneath a shady willow tree with a backdrop of creamy stucco walls while watching the sun set over the ink blue mountains,” as their website reads. “Feel the warmth of the light and the winding journey to your destination: Taos. With its pastures and plains, expansive as the creative minds rooted here, visitors will find calm in the space between the mystery and magic that give Taos its enigmatic appeal.”
Inside the newly renovated facade that faces arguably the busiest intersection on Paseo, 50 mindfully appointed guest rooms await an influx of visitors. The common spaces include a stunning bar and restaurant with soaring ceilings and repurposed vigas and corbels. Local architect Doug Patterson brought his know-how and high desert sensibility to the bones of the building.
The restaurant Juliette, led by renowned husband and wife duo chef Johnny Ortiz-Concha and Maida Branch, offers a seasonal menu with local ingredients, including produce from an on-site edible garden.
A huge gallery and art space curated by The Paseo Project’s J. Matthew Thomas includes a gift shop off the lobby and will showcase an ongoing rotation of cutting-edge Taos artists as well as host related events.
A central courtyard conceals a pool house and swimming pool, steam room and sauna, with local and visitor memberships.
FYI
Hotel Willa
233 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos
213-302-4150
hotelwilla.com