Glamping with Heritage Inspirations is an outdoor adventure experience that brings luxe creature comforts to a breathtaking remote location!
This adventure has been on my radar ever since Marisa and I did our first HI day tour back in 2015. We had such a fantastic time I figured why stop at one day? Three would would be amazing! OwnerAngelisa Murray (above) and HI team provide the best curated New Mexico travel experiences exploring the rich history, culture, and nature the area has to offer!
When I had the opportunity go this month, I jumped at the chance to immerse myself in nature for a few days before our fall school schedule started. Thanks to a quick and convenient Taos Air direct flight from Dallas to Taos, I was there in less than 2 hours on a Friday afternoon!
*Special Offer: Use my code: ANDREA to save 10% on your flight for an early fall getaway
anywhere Taos Air flies now-9/26: Taos, Dallas, Austin, San Diego, and LA!
I’ve shared some reels on instagram to show how magical and special this trip was!
Watch the videos:Dallas to Taos on Taos Air, Mornings at Camp, Bathroom & Shower, Hike to Williams Lake, Camp Nights.
I also wanted to share the details of our itinerary and the level of thought and attention to detail the team at HI put into making this experience so memorable! If you’re looking for a unique way to travel, I highly recommend doing a trip like this. HI does all the planning for you, all you have to do is show up ready for exploration, renewal, and adventure! They offer authentically curated guided tours in Taos, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Chaco.
Here’s a break down of our journey and outfits, for an all in one trip recap…
Day One – Arrival, Yoga, and Dinner
Taos Artisan Walking Tour
( My flight did not arrive in time for this activity, but I’ve visited these places before on other Taos trips! I still wanted to share it though because it’s a super fun way to kick off this tour.) An intimate walking tour of Taos’ historic downtown district, featuring well known galleries and ending with happy hour at Chokola Bean to Bar, an organic small batch chocolate shop near Taos Plaza.
I arrived in Taos that afternoon and met the group at El Monte Sagrado hotel after their walking tour to board the van for camp. My friend and travel buddy, Sonia (@stylebeyondage) from Dallas was already there! She joined me for this adventure, to celebrate just turning 70! Amazing, right?? We had an absolute blast! Met and chatted with the other 6 fab women on the group on the ride to camp…
Arrival at the breathtaking Cebolla Mesa campsite
We were greeted with chilled lavender towels and Iced Cota Mint Tea! Angelisa gave us a glamp-site tour before we retreated to our tents to get ready for sunset yoga and meditation. Our tents were fully set up and ready for us, with all the creature comforts! Each bell tent had two single beds fitted with cozy linens/pillows and a small coffee table with a lantern and flashlights. On our beds were HI eye masks, Taos Light Goods handmade candles, and makeup bags filled with travel sizes of Humble natural soaps and deodorants.
I knew everything would be super nice, but seeing the details in person blew my expectations away! Truly the definitely of going luxuriously wild…luxe, but not overdone in anyway. Everything was top notch and very tasteful/functional!
The site included a dining area, campfire circle, and fully equipped bathroom/shower facilities.
There were two private toilets, a vanity sink area, and a hot water shower looking out to the gorge area. Everything was in place for guests to be comfortable and happy during the stay! We were also given HI canvas backpacks and turquoise Cotopaxi water bottles to use throughout our trip.
Sunset Yoga and Meditation
We met in the yoga tent for our first yoga session with Nadine. The class, a mix of breath work, guided meditation, and yoga was perfect for unwinding before the evening’s activities! Toward the end of class, we noticed a beautiful rainbow had appeared in the sky. We left the tent feeling refreshed!
Appetizers and Fireside Chat with Special Guests from Taos Pueblo
We were so fortunate to have gourmet chef, Josh Wilette, and kitchen team on site! They prepared fresh, healthy snacks and meals to enjoy throughout our stay. We started with unique and flavorful house-made pickled peaches, cucumbers, and jicama paired with a charcuterie board and chilled rosé.
Taos Pueblo Tourism Director, Ilona Spruce, and and her two of her guides joined us for a pre dinner fireside chat. Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multistory adobe buildings, located 3 miles northeast of Taos Plaza, have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years! We were captivated by local stories and updates on Pueblo lifestyle and culture (especially now that they’ve just opened back up to visitors post-covid).
Chef Curated Farm to Table Style Dinner
First of all, the views from the camp dining area were gorgeous…what an epic setting! Chef Josh prepared an incredible meal for us including strawberry and arugula salad with goat cheese and balsamic glaze, NM red chile dusted cedar planked salmon with charred asparagus and creamy herbed polenta. Dessert was decadent flourless chocolate cake. As you can imagine, everything tasted incredible! Dining at the beautiful lantern lit table, we took our time, talking and getting to know each other.
Day Two- River, Winery, & Stargazing
Morning Coffee
I set my alarm, but I didn’t need it. I woke up on my own at 6am and wanted to reflect and enjoy a cup of coffee in the peaceful, quiet morning light before getting ready. It was chilly outside so I pulled on my hiking boots, a lightweight puffer jacket, and shacket over my lululemon joggers and long sleeve top. We ventured out to the edge of camp to sit and take it all in. Everywhere you looked it was just so beautiful and calm…what a way to start the day! We did this both mornings!
Breakfast Buffet
We were treated to a buffet, complete with NM blue corn piñon pancakes, fresh berry compote, real maple syrup, bacon, and sausage. Perfect fuel for the busy river day on the agenda! The team even packed us gourmet snacks and lunches to go, to enjoy at the winery later in the day.
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
On the way to the river meeting point, we stopped at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (the 7th tallest bridge in the US!) to take in the spectacular views. Although I’ve visited and walked across several times, it still takes my breath away. The sky, clouds, and light always look different, depending on the season and time of day! Lots of great photo ops here, too!
Paddleboarding and Kayaking on the Rio Grande
A scenic, windy drive into the belly of the gorge to the water’s edge was next! We met up with the team from New Mexico River Adventures and got the safety scoop on the day’s paddle boarding and kayaking activities.
The weather couldn’t have been better, sunny and warm with a light breeze. Perfection. We happily paddled and floated down the river along the chiseled basalt canyons walls. It was a nice combo of calm moving waters and class 2 rapids, to get our hearts going!
Vivac Winery
Post float we headed to Vivác Winery (means high altitude refuge). We enjoyed our picnic lunch paired with wines of New Mexico. My sandwich selection was the BLT on gluten free bread, served with fresh plums, spiced nuts, and housemade herbed popcorn. We each chose four wines to sample and enjoyed walking around the vineyard and relaxing!
Sunset Yoga
After lunch we headed back to camp to rest before the evening activities. We had some time to ourselves then settled in for yoga. Felt so good to stretch and flow after an active day!
Shop my yoga outfit
Fireside Appetizers
Housemade garlic hummus, pita crackers, and crudité were set up for us to enjoy along with chilled wine. We were introduced to photographer/videographer Mike Hawkins, our stargazing expert and guest for the evening!
Shop my dinner outfit (full disclosure we took photos in our dresses then I changed back into leggings, a long sleeve, and shacket before dinner, because it was chilly! But just had to capture the sunset light as it changed from golden to vibrant pink!)
Farm to Table Dinner
Started with a delicious cashew, goat cheese, and heirloom tomato salad. Then we were served roasted duck breast with cherry gastrique (a simply delicious sweet and sour sauce) with charred broccolini and potatoes. Dessert was a gluten free Tulle Cookie filled with berries and orange curd sauce. An all around incredible dining experience!
Night Sky Stargazing and Perseid Meteor Shower
One thing everyone noticed (especially if you come from a city) is how clear and dark the sky is! Light pollution free, its optimal for viewing the stars and constellations. On this night it was partly cloudy so we didn’t get a clear view of the perseids, but we were still able see quite a bit. Mike brought his telescope and we enjoyed stargazing late into the super dark night sky!
That night, slept so soundly among the piñon and sage after our active day! I loved how it was so quiet we could hear the river flowing below…
Day Three
Morning Coffee & Sunrise Yoga
Woke up bright and early again for coffee and quiet time. Our last yoga session was energizing and prepped us for our hike!
Farm to Table Breakfast
Huevos Rancheros with New Mexico Red Chile was just what we needed to fuel our bodies for the activity of the day. Then we packed up and walked around campsite to take it all in one last time before leaving!
Drive to Taos Ski Valley for Williams Lake Hike
This is one of my all time favorite Taos hikes so I was excited to enjoy it alongside the first timers! This alpine terrain hike is 4.4 miles round trip, starting around 9,300 ft and finishing at 11,040 ft. It’s a challenge with beautiful, changing scenery the entire way. Tons of places to stop to take pics and scenes to capture!
Stopping at the lake for a picnic is always a highlight! We enjoyed another gourmet HI lunch, featuring brie and turkey sandwiches with green chile jam on gluten free baguette. Delicious! We rested for a bit then headed back down.
Goodbye, Glamping!
We boarded the van for El Monte Sagrado Hotel, our final stop! HI offers a sweet discount to glampers who what to extend their Taos stay. Many in the group did! We said goodbye after a fabulous weekend together and promised to stay in touch. Thankful for such an incredible group of women to share this experience with!
I headed to my parents house to stay before heading back home to Dallas on Taos Air the next afternoon.
Being able to get to Taos and back home so quickly made this weekend trip feasible for me! Especially so close to school starting. It’s the most convenient, hassle free option! Use my code ANDREA to save 10% on your flight now -9/26/22.
Special Thanks
To Angelisa Murray and the Heritage Inspirations Team for the opportunity to slow down, connect with nature and recharge! I loved spending time with you all in Taos. Every detail was so thoughtfully taken care of and we were treated to the best experience from start to finish! I will always remember what an amazing time I had and already thinking about when I can do my next tour with you!
Same time, next year? Yes, please! Booking is already open for this tour next year along with other NM adventures this fall/winter! Heritage Inspirations also offers gift cards so you can gift an experience to someone you love!
Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!
Photography: Mostly my own with some photos by Angelisa Murray, Michael Hawkins, & Jasper Kay Photography
