In the middle of Santa Fe lies a small, exquisite inn called the Inn of The Five Graces. Hand-carved wooden furniture, intricate patterned tilework, and bold tapestries create a sophisticated setting as guests reach the interior and prepare for their stay. Sales Manager Maria Perez De La Parra says, “It’s an oasis in the middle of town. You forget you are in Santa Fe.” The adobe inn has eclectic furniture, tapestry, and tilework throughout the property. The luxury hotel has pieces from Tibet, India, and other exports from the Silk Road. The owners, Ira and Sylvia Seret chose the property in Santa Fe to create their 27-room hotel. “It’s timeless. It’s in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the U.S. in an over 400-year-old building,” says Perez De La Parra.
Ira initially worked in fashion and interior design and is known for bringing Asian aesthetic style to the Western world. He was a buyer and designer for Oscar de la Renta, Anne Klein, and Bloomingdales. Sylvia created her designs with handicraft workers and artisans from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Asia. Then, in 1974, Sylvia moved to Kabul to join Ira, and they opened a carpet factory.
After meeting in Afghanistan, the two artists traveled the world, hand-selecting pieces with deep meaning and artistic flair. In the mid-80s, the couple moved to “the city different” - Santa Fe. The couple’s first venture was a furniture and home décor store, Seret and Sons. The showroom was a unique way to bring the Serets’ treasured collection to the West. The store on Galisteo Road in Santa Fe is now a family-owned business with the Serets’ three sons working with them. The store offers furniture, tapestry, and custom upholstered options with diverse patterns and prints. Antique Tibetan trunks, embroidered textiles, wood-carved mirrors, and hand-painted cabinets are just a few of the shop’s offerings.
The Serets opened The Inn of The Five Graces in 1996. It was the perfect way to share and showcase their designs. The hotel is named “Inn of The Five Graces” because of an Eastern philosophy. The philosophy is that we are all graced with five different senses to experience the world. The inn indulges guests’ sight, touch, smell, taste, and hearing. Perez De La Parra says, “The decorations, patterns, colors, and textures transport you to a new world that mixes countries and cultures.” She ensures the hotel’s unmatched hospitality makes a guest’s stay memorable and worthwhile.
Each of the 27 hotel rooms is decorated with time and patience like an artist’s masterpiece. Sylvia designs the time-consuming tilework for each room. Every room is purposely unique so guests can return and immerse themselves in new surroundings that feel foreign but familiar each time. Perez De La Parra says, “The owners dedicate a lot of love in their design and attention to each room. It feels as if you’re staying in a piece of artwork.” The popular “luminaria villa” has a cozy, intimate setting. The villa has a kitchen and three rooms with fireplaces to add to the ambiance.
The luxury hotel provides a complimentary breakfast for all guests that can be enjoyed on the outdoor patio, in the breakfast salon, or as room service. Locals can enjoy a 30 percent room rate discount and a 15 percent spa and retail discount. Guests can enjoy complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks from the mini bar. A fitness room, valet parking, and a 24-hour concierge are also available at the property. Private historic walking tours of Santa Fe are another perk when staying at the inn.
The hotel has received many accolades, including being named Travel and Leisure magazine’s “Top City Hotel in the U.S.” in 2021. The magazine also ranked the inn number 66 of “Top Hotels in the World.” Conde Nast, Forbes, and Trip Advisor have also honored the hotel over the years for their service, design, and accommodations.
Guests at the inn can relax and indulge at the Tibetan-inspired spa on site. The spa opened in 2019 and is one of the few spas to offer the Augustinus Bader facial. The facial was created by Bader, a stem cell researcher and expert in regenerative medicine. Another popular treatment at the spa is the Five Graces Signature Massage. The spa’s steam room is also available for guests in half-hour sessions.
Travelers can easily access Santa Fe’s famous museums, stores, and restaurants outside the hotel. Within walking distance from the Inn of the Five Graces is the Pink Adobe Restaurant and Dragon Room Bar. Sylvia and Ira Seret purchased the bar and restaurant at the end of 2022. The couple agreed to keep the restaurant’s original offerings from the well-known owner and artist, Rosalea Murphy. The Dragon Room Bar serves taco flights, margaritas, and tequila-chocolate churros.
The Pink Adobe menu includes grilled salmon, red mole pork tenderloin, and fire-roasted chile rellenos. The Santa Fe hotspot has been open since 1944 and is popular with tourists and residents. Many famous guests like Georgia O’Keeffe and Robert Redford have also frequented the restaurant.
Make a reservation and satisfy your taste buds by visiting www.thepinkadobe.com. Indulge your senses at The Inn of the Five Graces at 150 East DeVargas in Santa Fe or www.fivegraces.com. Take a piece of the inn home with you at www.seretandsons.org.
“It’s an oasis in the middle of town. You forget you are in Santa Fe.”
Sales Manager Maria Perez De La Parra
