Black Mesa Bed & Breakfast and Private Bath House
Ojo Caliente, New Mexico

Nestled at the foot of the mesa on two acres 10 minutes south of the town of Ojo Caliente, Black Mesa Bed and Breakfast is a little oasis in the high desert. Tall cottonwoods rustle in the dry breezes and old apple, pear and peach trees bloom in the spring. A wide porch surrounds the B&B, encouraging lounging in the hammock to watch a sunset or in one of the low slung chairs to watch the birds. In the winter, grab a blanket from the banister and light the chiminea. In the spring, have breakfast in the gazebo shaded by the Virginia Creeper vines.

Lara Fitzgerald and Randall Harris offer relaxed, personalized service. The B&B reflects their varied interests in eclectic and graceful style. The library, a very comfortable, informal room, boasts over 2000 titles, all of them of interest to one or both of the proprietors. Topics range from ancient and modern history, the metaphysical, mystery series, fine novels and both fun and serious non-fiction. Randall's office boasts artifacts and photographs from the 1800s as well as autographed albums of recording artists he worked with as a lawyer on Music Row. He grew up in Los Angeles and offers his guests a unique added attraction - live and rare concert recordings. He'll gladly make you a copy of a rare find of a favorite band.

Lara makes her guests feel special and pampered. Breakfast is at your leisure. She accommodates food preferences and allergies when possible and is fluent in vegetarian (including vegan) cooking as well as "regular" breakfasts. Coffee and muffins start about 7:30 but there's no hurry to sit down to breakfast. Instead, take a mug of coffee and wander through the place, sit on the porch or soak in the natural springs hot pool. When you do decide to gather at the table, know that it will be set with starched napkins and family heirlooms. That doesn't mean you can't come down barefoot or in your robe! This is about being comfortable and "at home."

The natural spring hot pool on the property is in a round adobe building ("they said it couldn't be done!" says Randall). It has been described as a Roman pool or a Japanese bathhouse but it is uniquely New Mexican. Guests have their own key and can enjoy it 24 hours a day. It is wonderful by candlelight and Lara furnishes festive (plastic) goblets if you want to have wine while you soak. Rooms at the B&B have their own baths with showers, so the natural spring bathhouse is purely for enjoyment.

Massages are available at Black Mesa and are wonderful on the private balcony or in the sunroom surrounded by tropical plants. In the winter, it's even nice to have a massage in Randall's office right by the wood stove. Then retire to your room for a glass of sherry (there's a decanter in your room) and a little nap before perusing the menus of nearby restaurants for dinner. You can even ask Lara to give you a wake up tap on the door in a couple of hours.....