July 31, 2008 20:38 ET

Celebrate the Spirit of the Season With a Christmas Getaway or Relaxing Post-Holiday January Break at Sunrise Springs Resort Spa

SANTA FE, NM--(Marketwire - July 31, 2008) - Christmastime in Santa Fe is a magical season. A festive and evocative mood permeates the entire city: snow-covered adobes illuminated by flickering farolitos, sweet homemade biscochitos with Mexican hot chocolate, a high-desert sky lit by winter constellations.

Sunrise Springs Resort Spa, New Mexico's original green resort, is located on the grounds of the former hacienda and stagecoach stop on the historic Camino Reál, just minutes from Santa Fe's downtown plaza. Continuing the tradition of hospitality, the magnificent 70-acre property boasts fifty-eight elegantly appointed rooms and private casitas, surrounded by walking paths and meditative winter gardens.

With Executive Chef Eric Laslow at the helm, the cuisine at the Blue Heron Restaurant speaks to a love of food based in cultural traditions. Chef Eric brings a unique culinary philosophy to our restaurant, known for its use of local, natural, and organic ingredients. "For cuisine to have sincerity," he says, "it must connect one to his cultural, natural and agricultural heritage."

Chef Eric will be sharing his passion for the holidays by presenting distinctive culinary offerings for hotel guests, family gatherings, and groups:

A Cuban-inspired dinner with courses such as Lechan Asado (whole roasted pig), Turrone (a Spanish almond confection), and Vanilla-Infused Flan, all complemented by live, themed musical offerings.

A whimsical Christmas carol dinner featuring dishes inspired by lyrics to traditional holiday songs (such as "chestnuts roasting on a open fire," "Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat," and "oh, bring us a figgy pudding").

With his passion and knowledge of champagnes and sparkling wines, Chef Eric (former partner and Executive Chef of Denver's acclaimed champagne bar and nightspot, Corridor 44) presents a unique five-course New Year's Eve dinner -- each course is paired with specially chosen champagne. With live music and packages featuring overnight accommodations, it's a great way to start the New Year!

In further celebration of the peaceful and quieter aspects of the season, Sunrise Springs will be lighting more than 300 farolitos (small paper-bag ensconced votives, "little lanterns" in Spanish) in their labyrinth ceremonial circle. An ancient symbol that embodies both wholeness and transformation, the labyrinth serves as a metaphor for the journey to the center of one's deepest self -- and back out again. You are invited to celebrate the themes of the winter solstice by walking the Sunrise Springs labyrinth in the spirit of contemplation.

Then warm your soul by curling up in front of one of the property's many indoor fireplaces... or by luxuriating in a hot stone massage at Sunrise Springs' Spa Samadhi. Savor the time and space to create your own Christmas gifts at the resort's Sages Art Center. The Sages staff is happy to customize your holiday with personalized group or individual classes in Japanese Raku pottery techniques or Chinese brushwork, for example. You can also explore your creativity by putting the finishing touches on pre-made dishware.

Whether you are celebrating the holidays in high style or taking a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of the season, Sunrise Springs offers tranquility to guests and visitors alike.

To plan your winter getaway, visit our website: www.sunrisesprings.com.

Or call our reservationist directly, at 800-955-0028.