Connecting with culture

ByEmmanuel Kwakye

Published December 27, 2023

Culture is a core part of the human condition, emerging from our desire to make sense of the world and connect with the people and places around us. We overlay natural landmarks and occurrences with tales and fables; we impress ourselves upon our social groups through music and art; and create unique ways to acknowledge human milestones. Culture colors our world with human beauty, gifting us a sense of community.

When traveling and exploring a new region, the geography and topography are only half the adventure; the other half lies in the cultural experiences. Bentley’s Extraordinary Journey programs put you in the driver’s seat of uniquely immersive experiences, and the New Mexico-based journey opened guests up to the rich depth of the state’s invigorating milieu.

Designed with as much intricate detail and luxury as a Bentley car itself, the journey around vibrant New Mexico allowed guests to form new connections with the region and its people, while connecting with fellow explorers in stylistic elegance–a holistic experience on which it’s difficult to put a price.

Day one: a warm welcome

Landing in Sante Fe or Albuquerque airports, guests were welcomed by the Bentley VIP team before being chauffeured away and greeted by impressive cliff faces. With warm air brushing their skin, the breeze carried the promise of adventure. The destination: Bishop’s Lodge, a five-star luxury hotel that reflects the bold textures and subtle colors of the Sangre de Cristo mountains in which it nestles.

Upon arrival there was ample time and space to unpack and offload, literally and mentally. The comfortable chairs, wooden interiors and in-room fireplaces gave guests a slice of local architecture, as well as a taste of home. The earthy tones of each room exuded a grounding energy, as if telling guests they could feel truly welcome. It was an appropriate sentiment, considering the days ahead were designed to foster harmony between guests and this spirited landscape. Sauntering through the decorated building and onto the outdoor patio led to the Bentley Clubhouse. Dinner was held at Compound Restaurant, a local landmark famed for its rich heritage and cultural significance. Between the gorgeous decor, mouth-watering seasonal menu and dedicated staff, the scene was set for a sensorial experience. Here, conversations merged with the rhythm of good music as guests broke bread while breaking the ice–becoming acquainted with both the local dishes and each other.

The smooth and crafted schedule also embraced beautiful bursts of spontaneity; upon returning to Bishop’s Lodge, guests were treated to live art and musical showcases, enhancing the lively vibe for which the venue is known.

Guests then retired for the evening, to rest ahead of an action-packed day.

Day two: enriching excursions

The morning began with breakfast in the locally-inspired SkyFire restaurant of Bishop’s Lodge. On the outdoor terrace, fresh balsamic scents rose from a fire of piñon and cedar wood logs, creating the perfect conditions to enjoy mouthwatering food and scenic vistas of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. While the wood fueled the fire, the food provided fuel for the excursion ahead.

Heading over to the Clubhouse, Bentley hosts eagerly escorted guests to their cars for the day. Gleaming before them stood three of Bentley’s most dynamic models, primed to provide an awe-inducing off-road adventure. Sinking into their car seats, guests felt more than the supple leather; they felt the care and passion fashioned into their vehicle.

There was also a chance to learn about each car’s sublime features. Bentley experts showed guests how to adjust the suspension from inside the cabin, allowing drivers to maximize and maintain the luxurious comfort of their drive in all terrains.

Driving out of Bishop’s Lodge towards Georgia O’Keeffe country, man-made beauty was overtaken by natural beauty as guests took in dazzling ancient rock formations. The lead-and-follow convoy drove through the foothills of Sangre de Cristo up to one of the caves sculpted by Ra Paulette, who has been carving and shaping New Mexico’s sandstone into artistic designs for more than 30 years.

The cave oozes mystique and intrigue, which is no surprise, considering its history. A man-made opening carved into a cliff in the 1990s, the cave is decorated with fantastical markings and emits a calming and ethereal energy, inviting reflection in those who visit. The intimate ambience of the cave was enhanced by the fact that it is off limits to the public, Bentley having gained coveted access to it specially for the experience.

Excitement and enrichment in tow, the convoy drove down from the cave, breaking for a short lunch at NOSA Restaurant & Inn – an exotic venue serving eclectic international dishes with a New Mexican twist. The restaurant leans into its communal nature, providing a space where guests dined finely while enjoying a spot of R&R ahead of the final stretch of the day’s drive: Crossing the Rio Grande River as it flows through its breathtaking gorge.

Pulling in and parking up at Taos Airport, the Bentley explorers swapped wheels for wings, cruising back to their Bishop’s Lodge base in a one-of-a-kind flying experience with FlexJet. Before them on the runway stood a unique Gulfstream G450, based on arguably the most exclusive and bespoke Bentley of the modern era: the limited edition Bacalar. The jet’s owner commissioned designers to enhance it with the Bacalar in mind, the aircraft complementing the car he owns. With only a dozen Bacalars ever made, enthusiasts could truly appreciate the novelty of the moment. Seeing a Bacalar was rare, a Bacalar alongside a Bacalar-designed jet, rarer still.

With a day that can only be described as unrivaled, guests returned to their rooms to freshen up for an equally unique dining experience.

Dinner had a surprise on the menu as exceptional single malt whisky makers and Bentley partner, The Macallan, joined the group at the prestigious Gerald Peters Gallery. Bringing their expertise on food pairing to the table, a spirit of fascination filled the air, while sweet and savory flavors filled plates and glasses. Between The Macallan brand ambassador and their fellow explorers, guests dined among great company inside the gallery’s art-filled walls, fostering deeper appreciation for the nation’s culture as well as the people who shape it.

Day three: inward reflection, outward connections

On this day guests were able to take their feet off the pedal with a flexible schedule and a range of options to spend their time. A few looked inwards, prioritizing rejuvenation and absorbing the spiritual energy of New Mexico with healing spa treatments; some ventured out into the bustling markets of Sante Fe; while others spent their time with local citizens, inspired to try their hand at fly-fishing. New Mexico has some of the best fly-fishing in the United States. The choice was in their hands and the options at their fingertips. Whether flying solo or accompanied with guests, it was a chance to take in the region in a slow, personal way.

Dinner on day three was last, but certainly not the least in terms of its impact. Guests were chauffeured from the Bentley Clubhouse to Rancho Alegre. A private residence which has been featured in films and television shows like Succession and The Magnificent Seven, that evening it became the backdrop for an authentic Native American dining experience. Here, a plethora of indigenous dishes were served, but also, every guest’s seat had a native spirit doll placed on it, whose individual meaning was explained by a local expert. Such a gift added a personal touch to the final night and opened up guests to share more about their lives and values with each other, deepening their new connections.

In moments like these, it became clear that these experiences aren’t the kind one partakes in passively, but experiences that are actively built, day by day, hour by hour.

Day four: last calls

As the journey came to an end, a final send-off among newfound friends took place. Blanketed in camaraderie, guests left with a new and rich awareness of one of the most culturally fascinating places on Earth.

Bags packed and goodbyes exchanged, they were chauffeured to their departure location, carrying new memories with them.

Discover the world of Bentley’s Extraordinary Journeys here.

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