Santa Fe Cooking Retreat: A Taste of the Southwest
Get ready to savor the best of Santa Fe with this hands-on cooking retreat that’s a feast for both the stomach and the soul. You’ll dive into New Mexico’s culinary traditions with expert-led classes at the renowned Santa Fe School of Cooking. Try your hand at making chili rellenos, green chili chicken stew, and more local favorites, while discovering the vibrant flavors that define Southwestern cuisine. A special highlight is a chocolate-making workshop at Kakawa Chocolate House, where you'll craft rich, handmade confections inspired by ancient Mesoamerican recipes.
When you’re not busy cooking (or eating), you'll be staying at the historic La Fonda on the Plaza, a landmark right in the heart of Santa Fe’s vibrant downtown. This iconic hotel, with its Pueblo-style architecture and modern comforts, is steps away from art galleries, shops, and cultural gems like the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Take a break with a cocktail at the rooftop bar or enjoy a stroll around the Plaza.
This retreat is a perfect mix of culinary exploration and cultural discovery, wrapped up in the charm of Santa Fe. It’s a laid-back yet enriching experience that will leave you with a taste of the Southwest—and memories to last a lifetime.
Lodging
La Fonda on the Plaza is an iconic, historic hotel located in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico. As the only 4-star hotel on the Plaza, it offers luxurious accommodations with Southwestern charm. Guests enjoy elegant rooms, an award-winning restaurant, and a rooftop bar with stunning views. The hotel’s rich history dates back to 1922, blending traditional Pueblo-style architecture with modern amenities. Its prime location provides easy access to Santa Fe's cultural attractions, art galleries, and unique shopping experiences, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and exploration. Additional amenities include a spa and an outdoor pool. Watch La Fonda's Documentary on PBS: La Fonda on the Plaza, 100 Years of Hospitality.
Retreat Schedule
**Thursday**
- 3:00 p.m. Check-in at La Fonda on the Plaza
- 5:30 p.m. Restaurant and food tour of Santa Fe
**Friday**
- 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Cooking class and lunch at Santa Fe School of Cooking: Chili Rellenos, New Mexican tempura rellenos, ancho chili rellenos and en nogada.
- 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. Free time.
- 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Walking tour of historic Santa Fe.
- 6:00 p.m. Group dinner at The Shed.
**Saturday**
- 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Cooking class and lunch at Santa Fe School of Cooking: Green chili chicken and chico stew. Accompanied by blue corn muffins, quesadillas and puff pastry twists.
- 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. Free time.
- 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
- 5:30 p.m. Dinner on your own and restful evening.
**Sunday**
- 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Chocolate making class at Kakawa Chocolate House
- 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. Souvenir shopping and free time
- 6:00 p.m. Final group dinner at Horno
**Monday**
- 12:00 p.m. Final check-out at the La Fonda Hotel.
How late can I sign up?
You can sign up for this retreat until all spots are full. Once the retreat is full, enrollment will be closed. You can join our waitlist or be notified when the trip is back on the schedule by entering your contact info under the "Sold Out" button at the top of this retreat web page.
If I want to attend the retreat with a friend, spouse, or partner and we share a room, can we get a discount?
Yes, if you attend with a friend, spouse, or partner and share a room we can give you a discount on the price. Inquire with Mike@SideDoorTravel.com for details.
Are Payment Plans Available?
You can opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting Affirm or Shop Pay at checkout.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Given the intimate nature of our destination retreats and our own non-refundable deposit schedule as organizers, our refund policy is as follows:
90+ days before your trip, tuition payment minus a $900 deposit is fully refundable.
60+ days before your trip: 50% of your tuition is refundable.
30+ days before your: 25% of your tuition is refundable.
Less than 30 days before your trip: no refunds can be offered.
Are Scholarships Available?
Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to offer scholarships for this retreat. However, we do have payment plans available at checkout.
I have a question not answered here.
Please contact us and we’ll reply promptly. You can call us at 888-688-5411, chat with us (lower left of your screen), or send an email to Mike@SideDoorTravel.com.
Terms & Conditions
Side Door Travel is dedicated to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants during our retreats. These events are not places for behavior that is inappropriate, off-topic, disruptive, abusive, or illegal. Inappropriate behavior includes any conduct that undermines the integrity of the retreat, such as written, verbal, or physical abuse or threats; the use of derogatory or discriminatory language, gestures, or actions; any form of harassment, racism, sexism; or any other targeted comments that may violate local, state, federal, or international laws or cause harm to another participant. This applies before, during, and after the retreat, whether in person at the retreat location, at associated events, through the Side Door Travel website or social media channels, during any online components, or through any other method of communication.
Side Door Travel reserves the right, at its discretion, to take appropriate action against any individual(s) or group(s) that do not meet the standards set forth in this Code of Conduct, including, without limitation, revoking admission without refund. During in-person sessions, we expect all attendees to adhere to public health guidelines relevant to safety, hygiene, and any identified pandemic-level communicable illnesses (including COVID-19), such as social distancing, handwashing, staying home if feeling unwell, and other disease prevention measures. If you observe or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct, please contact Side Door Travel. We are committed to assessing the situation and responding promptly. Notifying Side Door Travel does not substitute for notifying local law enforcement of suspected legal violations. All such suspicions should be reported to local authorities. For emergencies, dial the local emergency number immediately. Non-emergency local law enforcement contact details will be provided in the retreat materials. By registering for the retreat, participants agree to abide by these terms and contribute to a welcoming and productive environment for all.
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