Private Desert Elopements & Retreats in New Mexico

"Desert Harbor is close to Albuquerque and Santa Fe, but it feels a world away. It is profoundly quiet and peaceful. In fact, it may be the most peaceful and calm space I have ever stayed at. For me, that peace and silence is where the magic of desert harbor lies. These qualities anchor you and remind you that the beauty of life is often found in the small things. On top of that, the sunsets there are magical, the space is immaculately designed, and Raymond is an excellent host. If you’re thinking of going to desert harbor on a retreat, to elope, or simply to celebrate an anniversary, do not hesitate to do so. You’re going to a place where time seems to stop, and you will leave feeling so grateful that you chose to treat yourself to a stay."

"It is hard to put into words how soulful, breathtaking and spectacular this place is. The landscape, colors, textures, sounds and smells are a gift that washed over me. I cannot thank this wonderful place enough for giving me the chance to feel that beauty and light."

"I bid you find yourself again, here at this harbor. Let your heart be at rest. Open your mind to wonder like the child you once were, and know here in the desert is as honest as you are kind. Seek the rest in your soul. Seek hope in the void no longer there. For you are never alone. We are one. A very many have come before and will come again. Lay your anchor in the red sand, look into heaven's eyes knowing HERE you are loved."

"This was a year with worry, fear, loss and pockets of happiness. The desert and the mountains recenter us, and make all this turmoil look so tiny! We were only here for two days but these two days were some of the longest we lived this year: bright, full, unfoldng on nature's clock, NOT on our own accelerated time scales. We hope to be back: solitude is a precious condition that we'll seek in the midst of busy lives."

"Harbor: a framed space. piece of mountain from my place on the swing, slice of sky looking up from the middle of the cushioned bench, moon center stage from the bathtub window, two rabbits slumber in my glance below the wooden deck planks. light, sound, earth, sky--all framed for a particular view, but not one that holds too tightly. one that reveals the framing itself. i become aware of how i frame my own seeing, my own being. to harbor--to be tucked in safe inside a frame, but to find new ways of seeing. there is infitiy in the small--the neon lichen growing on a piece of stone, that small lizard with the new charcoal tail, the wind dancing inside what, on the surface seems quite still."

"I'd like to echo the many well deserved positive reviews found here and elsewhere. Perhaps I can add something that others have not hit upon. It's not by accident that guests at Desert Harbor report having an enchanting and deeply relaxing experience. Beneath all the creature comforts, The impeccable design and even the stunning location lies a foundation rooted in mindfulness and vision. This vision is not one rooted in profit or entertainment but in sustainability, organic growth and a "Quality" that readers of "The Zen and Art of Motorcycle Mechanics" will be familiar with. There is no shortage of vacation / retreat destinations that boast similar amenities, and there may even be a few with an equally stunning environment to explore. But at the heart of Desert Harbor is a unique and earnest mission to change guest's trajectories towards inner peace and joy."

"I arrived at Desert Harbor fractured from myself, by this strange piece of time and all the harried inputs from life. My body was alight with a constant buzz of worry and I desperately needed to unplug from all the constant needing of my role as wife, mother, and woman. This place held me, nurtured me, and brought be back into my body. Thank you for creating a haven of silence and beauty. My very favorite part of this was the permission to just be. I spent my days gazing at the landscape, speaking to the multitude of desert wildlife that came to keep me company, reading on the porch swing and just being cradled in the vastness of the desert. I cannot wait to return."

"We arrived at DH after a very trying season in our lives both personally and professionally. We both noticed that stress was starting to take its toll physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When we arrived we were wound up and on edge. But with each day in the desert we became more relaxed and centered. We had deep, reconnecting conversations and sat in silent awe together. We delighted in hummingbirds, rabbits, lizards. We enjoyed the sun and air on our skin in the outdoor shower and marveled at the sky-filled stars. Rocks and plants and breezes became objects of interest and joy. We are deeply grateful."

"Only as I write this do I begin to fathom the gifts that have been given to me over the past three days. Allowing the desert to hold you and its' silent womb which brings rebirth, reconnection, and the seeds for new direction. The gentle care of Raymond and Wesley nourished my body and soul. How fortunate to know such visionaries exist and they are generous enough to have created a landing ground for fellow travelers. Thank you for this transformational experience."

"What an incredible respite! I feel so fortunate to have been brought to this remote little corner of the universe. Thank you for providing such a perfect balance in all you do: all the amenities of a fine hotel, with the connection to the earth of camping; getting away, while reconnecting; expansive awe inspiring views, with the intimate protection of the mountains; secluded privacy, with a sense of community."