Nature Retreat--Great Night Skies

• Tennessee Travelers

  Tennessee Travelers

  • Guest rick
  • Date of stay 08/25/12
  • Review Submitted 09/06/12
  we spent a week at Darlene and Dave's Nature Retreat, and had a great time. the house was just as pictured, beautifully appointed and in a great location (the sunrises and sunsets were gorgeous). The hospitality from Dave and Darlene was exceptional, and we were made to feel right at home. this was our third time to stay in the Albuquerque area, and the Nature Retreat has been our favorite place to stay there. we would definitely stay here again if in the area, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a home away from home.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with young children.

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• A great, relaxing week!!!

  A great, relaxing week!!!

  • Guest Elton
  • Date of stay 08/25/12
  • Review Submitted 09/05/12
  I knew that by booking a house on VRBO that I would be getting a clean, nice property, but what Darlene did for us was above and beyond the call of duty!! A month before we were to go on vacation, my wife fell and broke her upper arm, had to have surgery, screw put in, and the whole 9 yards. Bottom line, she could not sleep in bed, had to sleep in a recliner! I called Darlene and asked if the house had a recliner, and she said no. I told her the sad story about my wife having to sleep in a recliner and she said "give me a couple of days; I've been thinking about getting another piece of furniture for that house". I called her 2 days later and she said that she had JUST PURCHASED A ROCKER RECLINER!!! How's THAT for service?!? We were able to take the trip, and of all the trips we've taken and used VRBO for accomodations, this was by far the nicest house we've ever stayed in! I would heartily recommend it to anyone who will be in the ABQ/Placitas area. Darlene and Dean are perfect hosts and the property was indeed perfect for our vacation needs.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers.

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• Home Away From Home!

  Home Away From Home!

  • Guest Sally
  • Date of stay 03/10/12
  • Review Submitted 06/10/12
  Homemade chocolate chip cookies upon arrival, we felt like we were home! Darlene was a wonderful hostess, whatever we needed, she filled our requests. Their home really is a Nature Retreat providing unbelievably amazing, mountain, sunrise, sunset and stargazing views. You can't stop looking at the views, really!! The kids enjoyed their adventures on their beautiful property, Darlene even found some shovels for the kids to play with. Their home has the perfect floor plan for family gatherings indoors or out. My sister is from Phoenix and I am from Dallas, we were hoping to meet in the middle. We found Placitas, NM to be a hidden jewel near Albuquerque and we are so excited. The location was perfect, for our families to visit Albuquerque, a great zoo, and aquarium, and skiing in Sandia (great service at the Sandia Ski Resort too). We had a great dinner at Blades Bistro, a charming restaurant nearby. Although we didn't make it to Santa Fe, it would have been an easy trip as the train depot is very close. We thank you Darlene and Dave for your wonderful hospitality. We hope to make this a tradition!!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with young children.

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• Lovely Open, Spacious, Private Retreat

  Lovely Open, Spacious, Private Retreat

  • Guest Barbara B.
  • Date of stay 05/20/12
  • Review Submitted 05/26/12
  As a single female, I decided to splurge and rented this home just for myself for a week. I was NOT disappointed. No pictures could do it justice. Many huge picture windows, high ceilings, and numerous skylights give it a very open feel. Almost every exterior wall has pictures windows, each with a stunningly view. Even the bathroom has a picture window looking out from the large jacuzzi. It is hard to see in the pictures, but there are thermal shades that can be pulled down on every window. However, because of the private setting of the home, I rarely used them. The master bath, bedroom, sitting area, and closet are huge! The master bedroom looks out on the lovely, secret garden, as does the living room. With flowers and herbs, it has been lovingly laid out and tended by the gracious owners, Darlene and Dave. The spacious kitchen looks out into the living room and dining area - and is very well stocked. Darlene has even included hand lotion by the sink! The covered back patio's sitting area is large enough for families and has a wonderful view of the valley and far away mountains. From birds to wildlife, sunsets and the wonderful night sky there is much to enjoy. The owners are just up the road. They are attentive but not intrusive. I spent a day just staying at the home and enjoying it and the views from all those wonderful windows! Thank you, Darlene and Dave, for a most memorable week!

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• beautiful and peaceful

  beautiful and peaceful

  • Guest Jennifer
  • Date of stay 05/02/11
  • Review Submitted 01/31/12
  We stayed on this gorgeous property for a week. The owners were so accommodating and sweet. Our two year old felt right at home and had a great time. This property is well equipped, and is located in a safe beautiful location. We can't wait to come back!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with young children.

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• Quiet and peaceful! Great place to relax

  Quiet and peaceful! Great place to relax

  • Guest Sheila J.
  • Date of stay 12/09/11
  • Review Submitted 12/26/11
  Darlene, You have a jewel in your nature retreat getaway. It provided the perfect backdrop for a our fall/winter vacation. And, what a great treat in that there was some snowfall while we visited. The home is warm and inviting and offered tranquility every evening after visiting the near-by towns, wineries, restaurants and other attractions. Thank you again for your hospitality and great insight about where to go and things to see and do. Sheila and Lawrence Houston, TX

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• A Wonderful Place to Stay

  A Wonderful Place to Stay

  • Guest Jane W.
  • Date of stay 10/05/11
  • Review Submitted 10/11/11
  This was a great place with amenities as lovely as our host. My friends, family and I had a great time at Darlene's place. Despite the rainy weather for most of the Balloon Fiesta, we still had a blast. Great access to the train to Santa Fe and being just a bit north of the Balloon Festival made it easier to get to the Balloon launch, since the traffic is heavier in the other direction. We own a VRBO and found Darlene's home to be impeccably clean, beautifully appointed, user friendly and cozy. There were 7 of us. Since we knew we were going to use the sleeper-sofa in the main room, we brought an air mattress to place on top and slept like logs! Darlene welcomed us with wine and Dave (Darlene's husband) was even kind enough to provide us with "last minute" firewood. It was a little too cool (and rainy at times) to enjoy the outside patio and sitting areas, but they looked very inviting. Darlene runs a lovely home and makes her guest feel very welcome. You won't be disappointed.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway.

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• Wonderful Stay in Mountain Quiet & Beauty

  Wonderful Stay in Mountain Quiet & Beauty

  • Guest Melissa B.
  • Date of stay 08/14/11
  • Review Submitted 08/21/11
  My husband & I agree that this was our favorite vacation rental yet. The house exudes New Mexico charm, as do the owners. There is so much to do in and around the area, including great food, good music, historic venues, exceptional museums and scenic hikes. You can even hop the train to spend a day in Santa Fe. We're already planning our next trip!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

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• A Week Away but Still at "Home"

  A Week Away but Still at "Home"

  • Guest Lynn
  • Date of stay 06/25/11
  • Review Submitted 07/16/11
  I was one of a group of 6 photographers that made Darlene & Dave's house our "home" while we were in NM. The views from all sides were awesome. The house has all the amenities needed including a jacuzzi! The birds and animals that came right up to the house were a joy to see and to photograph. The plant life around the house also made great subjects. The front porch was a peaceful place to get a few minutes away from the group and the back porch was our early morning and late night gathering place. This trip would not have been the same if we had all been in separate hotel rooms. This house just made the camaraderie just that more enjoyable. Thank you Darlene & Dave for your wonderful hospitality!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

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• Nature Retreat

  Nature Retreat

  • Guest Photo
  • Date of stay 07/24/10
  • Review Submitted 07/09/11
  We had a wonderfull week in this beautiful and well maintained home. The view was great, and relaxing. Darlene and Dave were very friendly accommodating and went out of their way to make sure we had a great time.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with young children.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

$1000-$1400/week
$200-$280/night  Minimum 3 nights.
Baloon Fiesta  October 4-13,2013,  $1400/week 
Thanksgiving  November 24 - December 1,2013, $1400/week
Christmas December 21 - January 4,2013, $1400/week
$150 cleaning fee
$250 refundable damage deposit / reservation fee
Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.