Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / United States / Raton / Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve
Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve
Raton, New Mexico, United States · Independent · Core Luxury
Vermejo began as part of the 1,714,765-acre Maxwell Land Grant of 1841, became a private retreat when William H. Bartlett bought 205,000 acres in 1902 and had architect Joseph Lyman Silsbee build permanent stone structures in 1907, and was bought by Ted Turner in 1996 as his flagship rewilding project. Bison and Rio Grande cutthroat trout are being restored, and guest stays help pay for the conservation.
- 48 rooms
- Opened 1996
History
Originally part of the 1,714,765-acre Maxwell Land Grant from 1841, the property was purchased by Ted Turner in 1996 to serve as his flagship conservation and rewilding project. Under Turner's stewardship, the land has undergone extensive ecosystem restoration, transforming from a historical ranching and mining area into a thriving wilderness reserve. It now operates as a luxury hospitality destination where guest visits directly fund ongoing large-scale conservation efforts for native species like bison and Rio Grande cutthroat trout.
Restaurants and bars
- Lodge — Restaurant
Experiences
- Culinary Adventures — Alfresco fare at the water's edge, old-fashioned cookouts, cooking classes, wine tastings and more, offered as upgrades to a stay.
- Wildlife Safari — Guided wildlife safari to see the abundance and diversity of wildlife, including North American wildlife safari with bison and elk.
- Fishing at Costilla Fishing Lodge — Guests of Costilla Fishing Lodge are issued a state fishing license on arrival, with the fee included in the rate.
- Fishing — Fishing in lakes and streams, including Rio Grande cutthroat trout fly-fishing.
- Via Ferrata Climbing Park — Climbing park offering an approachable but thrilling introduction to a pastime developed for troops during World War I.
- Sharpshooter shooting sports — 3D archery, rifle and shotgun ranges rooted in the local history of shooting in the American West.
Amenities
- All-inclusive gourmet dining featuring locally sourced ingredients
- 19 fishable lakes and 30 miles of pristine mountain streams
- Guided conservation tours and wildlife safaris (bison, elk, wild horses)
- Bespoke spa and wellness services including Swedish-style massage
- 45+ nature-inspired activities including hiking, mountain biking, and archery
- Personalized itineraries co-curated with Reserve Ambassadors
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