Discover Vermejo, the premier Ted Turner Reserve in New Mexico, is ideal for wildlife tours and luxury family getaways
For luxury travelers searching for a unique, immersive experience in nature for you and your family, Ted Turner Reserves’ Vermejo in sprawling New Mexico should be your next destination. Taking your family to stay at Vermejo means waking up to scenic rolling hills dotted with trees against the backdrop of a wide-open sky and plenty of one-of-a-kind experiences.
Embark on adventures with loved ones while making a positive impact on the environment. Spend quality time with your family while balancing comfort and adventure at Ted Turner Reserves’ Vermejo.
What Makes Vermejo Unique Among Ted Turner Reserves
Ted Turner was a prominent figure in the history of the American Southwest. Turner not only founded CNN, but he was also a revered entrepreneur with a multifaceted legacy. One of his missions was deeply rooted in conservation, not only countrywide, but globally. Wanting to share his love of the outdoors, his properties offer exceptional opportunities to explore nature and appreciate the wildness of the land.
Ted Turner Reserves span over one million acres in stunning New Mexico and comprise four unique destinations: Vermejo, Sierra Grande, Armendaris and Ladder.
Vermejo is in the northern part of the state, in Raton. As a guest, you and your family can enjoy exclusive access to outdoor adventures tailored to all generations, including accessible hikes, close-up wildlife encounters and guided tours. An oasis of luxury, the incredible views and fine dining are guaranteed to delight.
While it doesn’t take much for this Ted Turner Reserve to stand out on its own, the destination is exceptional for numerous reasons, including:
- Vast Size: The magnitude of Vermejo and the variety of activities ensure that there is something for every member of your family to enjoy during your stay. The property includes more than 558,000 acres of land with streams, lakes and trails under conservation. The scale of the reserve ensures that there will always be places for guests to explore.
- All-Inclusive: Experiences are built into your stay at Vermejo, with two half-days included in each full day on the reserve. You can create a personalized itinerary with the help of Reserve Ambassadors, who can recommend activities tailored to your needs. Three meals are included per day so that you can focus on fun rather than planning breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- Conservation, Study & Preservation: Staying at Vermejo directly supports their conservation efforts, which include research into diverse plant life, returning trout to the streams surrounding Vermejo and studying how cougars and bears interact in the environment. Home to a variety of wildlife species, Vermejo is the site of scientific research aimed at improving wildlife habitat and reducing the reserve's environmental impact.
Wildlife Tours that Wow
With the strong animal presence on Ted Turner Reserves’ Vermejo’s property, wildlife tours are a must. A private tour guide can take you through the lush grounds, pointing out animals like bison, elk and black bears. Wildlife tours can also be adjusted or recommended based on special needs and abilities.
From Relaxation to Thrilling Adventures
Vermejo offers exceptional excursions for all ages, from relaxing ventures to thrilling experiences. If being outdoors is your top priority, you can enjoy adventurous and challenging activities like snowshoeing and hiking in the winter or a survival challenge during the warmer seasons. If you’re prioritizing relaxation on this trip, pay a visit to the spa or enjoy a tasting tour at the reserve’s greenhouse.
Kid-Friendly Activities
There are plenty of recreations for young adventurers to enjoy, including snow tubing, nature crafts and guided geocaching. Children can also participate in the Junior Wrangler activity, where they work with the reserve’s horses, or the Junior Trackers Adventure to find wildlife based on natural clues.
Luxury Meets Nature: Lodging and Dining
Ted Turner Reserves’ Vermejo offers nine lodgings to choose from, including the Bernal Lake Cabin, a waterfront home featuring a private deck and two master suites. Each cottage and cabin offered at the reserve comes with an extensive history, such as Casa Grande, which Ted Turner himself once occupied, while the mansion offers seven guest rooms. For a more intimate space, Vermejo’s cottages provide three and four-bedroom cottages. All spaces are available for group bookings, which is perfect for those traveling with family and needing everyone to stay in one space.
Vermejo’s includes three meals per day prepared by the reserve’s in-house chef, utilizing local herbs and produce. They offer a variety of culinary adventures for those passionate about food, including farm-to-table dishes such as bison tenderloin and freshly caught trout. There is also a high-end “Southwest Spirits” tasting available, featuring sunset cocktails and whiskey, as well as a mixology class.
How to Plan a Luxury Trip to Vermejo
Be sure to pay attention to the events and activities that vary seasonally at the reserve. During summer, celebrate Independence Day surrounded by untamed beauty while enjoying live music, games and a classic Western cookout that captures the spirit of Americana. If you are interested in winter activities or want to enjoy ringing in the New Year in New Mexico, book your dates accordingly.
By Juliana DeFillipo