Albuquerque is a wondrous gritty city, and Santa Fe is the charming capital, but tucked away between them you can find a bit serenity in the oasis of Galisteo. Just a bit south and there are miles of ranch land but as you climb north from Albuquerque the austere landscape turns the New Mexican version of lush. The Inn and the tiny town of less than 300 residents is a woodsy haven in the midst of a high desert of New Mexico.

Settlement of the Galisteo Valley dates back many hundred years. The Galisteo basin was home to a dozen or more separate and independent pueblos until the Spanish came in the late 1600s. The Galisteo Inn dates back over 300 years to the Ortiz family who received almost all the Galisteo valley as a Spanish land grant. Some of the descendants of the original family still live in the town.

But what I experienced as I walked among the towering trees was the rustic charm of that history. The double and even triple thick adobe walls. The individual rooms that are warmly inviting and each unique. The rooms within the main building were some of the original bedrooms, while the tack room has been transformed into a private suite tucked away from the main building and perfect for an evening of romance, complete with fireplace.

No romantic get-away would be complete without an outstanding restaurant and a little bar for predinner drinks and tapas. La Mancha is Galisteo's world-class restaurant under the watchful eye of chef Enrique Guerrero. The cuisine is Nuevo Hacienda, a delicious and innovative fusion of Spanish, and Mexican with sophisticated touches. The tiny La Mancha wine bar borders the patio, and is clearly a place to gather as well as have a delicious margarita or glass of wine. There's a mouth-watering tapas menu. But, for that romantic evening, stroll into the night and enjoy dinner either outdoors on the patio or in colder weather inside by the fireplace.

On a recent visit the Ranchito Roasted Figs appetizer combined the sweetness of figs and warm port honey with Spanish Queso Azul. Served with grilled bruschetta. For the main course the Honey Brined Pork Chop served with blue cheese potato puree, sauteed bitter greens and roasted pear and black currant conserva blended unusual flavors into a delicious melange with each keeping its own uniqueness. But Chef Guerrero clearly has a sense of humor. My Mac & Cheese is like no other. With orzo pasta, black truffles, New Mexico goat cheese crema and seasonal mushrooms it left all other versions in its dust. If you can, leave room for the luscious desserts.

After a perfect dinner, let the stars and moon illuminate the path back to your room. Curl up by the fire. And enjoy the soft, romantic night.