Four SeasonsHotels and Resorts has signed a long term management agreement with the owners of Encantado, an acclaimed resort in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to operate it as aFour Seasonsresort. Following a short transition period, the property will be renamedFour SeasonsResort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe in the coming weeks.

"This is an exceptional property, one that we are very proud to add to our growing portfolio," says Craig Reid, president, hotel operations for the Americas atFour Seasons. "With its outstanding location in the unspoiled wilderness of the Sangre de Cristo foothills, its highly regarded restaurant and a spa inspired by the unique healing traditions of the area, it's the perfect opportunity to introduceFour Seasons guests to a new destination, and to offer the resort's many long-time fans in the community a Four Seasons-style experience in Santa Fe."

Effective immediately, Cindy Racco is appointed General Manager ofFour Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. The 14-yearFour Seasons veteran joins the team from the historicFour Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara in California, where she was Resort Manager.

"Santa Fe has so much to offer to those who appreciate art, natural beauty and the great outdoors, and I can't wait to be part of it all," says Racco, who grew up in San Antonio, Texas. "Rancho Encantado is a magical place, and in many ways, I feel like I'm already home."

Located just outside the city on 57 acres (23 hectares),Four SeasonsResort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe is an intimate 65-casita property that includes the popular Terra restaurant; a serene spa sanctuary offering both modern therapies and indigenous treatments as well as a fitness program and pool; and meeting spaces that are ideal for corporate retreats and weddings.

The resort is minutes from the area's flourishing arts community, including 200 art galleries and a dozen museums. Santa Fe is the country's second largest art market, annually attracting thousands of art connoisseurs to its world famous markets including the Santa Fe Indian Market, the Spanish Market and the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market. Performing arts thrive in the city, highlighted by the summer season at the prestigious Santa Fe Opera, and the area is also home to countless artists, performers and writers. In addition, the mountains and desert surrounding the resort offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration.

About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opened its first hotel in 1961, and since that time has been dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. Currently operating 119 hotels and resorts, and 44 residential properties in major city centres and resort destinations in 47 countries, and with more than 50 projects under planning or development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world's best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveller reviews and industry awards. For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com. For the latest news, visit press.fourseasons.com and follow @FourSeasonsPR on Twitter.