Experience ‘spirited’ luxury at La Posada

I confess I’m not convinced there’s a paranormal world, as I’m a bit of a skeptic at heart. I rely on science to explain the unexplained, opting for the rational route when in doubt. Hearing accounts from others who have seen spectral images or felt otherworldly presences around them typically elicits a raised eyebrow from me. 

Staying at a purportedly haunted property, such as La Posada de Santa Fe, was thus not an issue for me. This acclaimed resort, one of New Mexico’s finest, has a colorful history…and a resident spirit named Julia Staab. 

Julia’s husband, Abraham Staab, emigrated to Santa Fe from Germany in the mid-1800s and proceeded to establish a highly successful mercantile business. He returned to Germany and married Julia Schuster, who then traveled back with him to Santa Fe.

Julia and her husband Abraham built their dream home, which is now part of La Posada, in 1882. It was an elegant mansion and the first brick structure in town. The residence was filled with antique French furniture and tapestries, Italian paintings and statuary, and English traditional pieces – all imported from the east via steamer and then wagon train. 

The Staab Mansion became well-known in town, as it played a prominent role in Santa Fe high society. Julia and Abraham were what we would call today a “power couple,” as they were wealthy, cultured, and held a position of civic importance. They often entertained dignitaries, governors, justices, visiting notables and military officers at their home.

Over the years, Julia bore eight children, though the eighth died in infancy of an illness, a tragedy that is said to have turned her hair prematurely white almost overnight. She also had numerous unsuccessful pregnancies and complications, and was often sad and sickly, remaining in her room for long periods of time. Doctors today would most likely diagnose her with postpartum depression. 

Physical and emotional issues probably contributed to Julia’s early demise in 1896 at the age of 52, but the exact reason for her death remains a mystery. One rumor had it that she went crazy and committed suicide with an overdose of laudanum. And then there were those who painted Abraham as a brute, even going as far as to speculate that he murdered her. 

Shortly after the turn of the century, a fire destroyed the third story of the Staab Mansion. In 1936, the property was acquired by R.H. and Eulalia Nason, who proceeded to construct a series of adobe casitas around the place. They were built in the traditional manner with local clay and straw, without plans or formal design. Eventually, a Pueblo-style inn was created on the site and the Nasons called it “La Posada,” meaning lodging or resting place in Spanish. 

In the thirties and forties, when Santa Fe’s reputation as a flourishing art colony grew, La Posada catered mostly to long term visitors, typically artists or art students. The place eventually underwent an ownership change and with it a new goal was set to elevate the property’s role as a prominent and distinctive hotel in Santa Fe. Today, La Posada is a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa, known for its impeccable service, fine dining, unique accommodations, rich history and art collection, and of course, its spirit!

Guests and staff at the hotel began taking notice of Julia in the 1970s. They spotted her ghostly image at the top of the grand staircase in the central building of the property or in her second-floor suite, always depicted as having translucent skin and wearing a dark flowing gown and hood. She has also been seen in the Nason Room, a small alcove off the main dining hall that was built on the site of Julia’s garden. 

People note that she seems to have an aura of sadness about her. Some postulate that her spirit restlessly roams La Posada because the circumstances of her death were unsettling. Other theories point to her possible distress over the changes made to the property over the years. Or perhaps she is simply keeping watch over her house to ensure that its inhabitants are comfortable. 

In addition to the spectral images, people also say they can feel her presence in a draft of cool, stale air. Years ago, a saleswoman at the property, who was unaware of Julia’s story, had a breakfast meeting in the Rose Room. She went to check out the space prior to her guests’ arrival and found the room freezing cold. When she called the hotel’s maintenance department to report the problem, she was told it was Julia who was responsible for the extreme temperature since it was in the Rose Room. The maintenance man didn’t even hesitate in his response, and then instructed the saleswoman to return to the room and say aloud, “Julia, it’s cold in here and I have a meeting soon.” Story is that in minutes after making this announcement, the room warmed up.

There have been other accounts of employees hearing a woman’s voice coming from Julia’s Suite when it is reportedly locked and no guests are registered in the room. Those who have stayed in her quarters have told of hearing the bathtub running in the middle of the night (Julia reportedly loved baths). There are also times when the water and/or furnace goes on and off in the hotel with no logical explanation. 

My overnight at La Posada began with a luxurious treatment at the property’s Spa Sage. The spa prides itself on the art of relaxation and offers high-quality treatments guaranteed to melt away stress. With its charming historic adobe-style architecture and stylish décor, this restorative sanctuary reflects the tranquility of the Land of Enchantment and honors Santa Fe’s rich healing heritage. 

Many of the treatments integrate locally-inspired practices and indigenous products, such as the Spirit of Santa Fe, which includes a gentle blue corn exfoliation, full body massage with desert sage essential oil, and a moist heat towel wrap. It’s the total package of body, mind and spirit renewal.

In addition to its renowned spa, La Posada also has a reputation for its enticing food. Head to Julia, A Spirited Restaurant & Bar to enjoy innovative dishes and creative cocktails. Or, dine al fresco as I did on the lovely patio surrounded by fountains and art installations. The menu is refined, yet adventurous; an infusion of southwestern flavors and locally sourced ingredients. 

Make sure you also stop in at the Staub House for a drink and order the Juliarita. It’s the margarita named after Julia. Ingredients are inspired by and made from apricots that still grow on a tree planted in the 1880’s by Julia.

La Posada has the distinction of being the only resort in downtown Santa Fe. Located just steps from the historic Plaza and Canyon Road, the property is nestled on six acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Accommodations are in authentic casita style guest rooms and suites, featuring fireplaces and patios. There are also a few rooms in the main building, the most historic section of the hotel, which is where I stayed. 

The place is a veritable art gallery; in fact, it has gained a reputation over the years as the “Art Hotel of New Mexico.” There’s even an art curator on site, who selects the pieces, rotates and changes the displays and gives tours. Artwork is everywhere throughout the property, enlivening the walls and surfaces with an explosion of colors and textures, while providing a sensory treat for guests and visitors. 

As for Julia, I personally didn’t have any encounter with her alleged spirit during my stay in her suite, though there were some things that went “bump in the night” as I attempted to sleep. Knowing Julia’s history, though, and the fact that her story has been featured on national television and in many ghost tours, I was perfectly primed to have my imagination play tricks on me.

The scene was set as I lay in the four-poster bed surrounded by old photographs and period furniture, reading the book “American Ghost,” written by Julia’s great-great-granddaughter, Hannah Nordhaus. Shadows came and went, as did drafts of cold air, creating an eerie atmosphere in the room. I also woke up with a start in the middle of the night, causing me to feel somewhat disoriented. Of course, I continually reminded myself there were rational explanations for all of these occurrences…right? 

For more information visit laposadadesantafe.com 

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