A hot spring hotel owned by media mogul Ted Turner.
The hotel exudes a distinctly high-quality atmosphere in the rustic spa town.
Notice
It reopened in January 2023 after a three-year closure due to the pandemic. The current situation may differ from the time of my visit.
Healing Waters Plaza
In downtown Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, there is a park that looks still new.
In this small park, Healing Waters Plaza, the town's famous thermal water was poured over and could be freely touched.
Launchpad for eco-tourism
Just across the street from Healing Waters Plaza is Sierra Grande.
Built in 1928-29, it has one of the longest histories in the spa town.
In 2013, Sierra Grande took on a new mission when Ted Turner, one of America's leading media industry figures and businessmen, purchased the hotel.
Ted Turner is the founder of CNN, an Atlanta-based news channel.
What did such a person have in mind when he purchased this old hot spring hotel?
The key to this is Turner's nearby Ladder Ranch and Armendaris Ranch.
His private land holdings are said to be the second largest in the entire United States.
An avid conservationist, Turner is committed to sustainable conservation by protecting endangered species such as the American bison on his sprawling ranch and establishing a tourism industry that connects guests with nature on his private land.
Sierra Grande may be a kind of launch pad for such eco-tourism.
Guests come for the spa with its natural hot springs and fine dinners and are thus exposed to Turner's grand mission.
When you make a reservation, please choose a room with "Hot Springs" in the room's name.
Some of these rooms have geothermal water drawn from the source, allowing guests to enjoy it beside beds in their own rooms.
Sierra Grande's restaurant is open to non-overnight guests.
Rather, I personally recommend that you stay at one of the cheap inns in the area and still use this restaurant.
The food is consistently delicate and delicious and is the best choice if you are looking for something special to eat in the area and do not mind the price tag.
Overnight guests had free access to a 30-minute private bath once a day (reservation required).
Cold drinking water and plenty of towels were provided, but 30 minutes was too short a time.
If you do not ask for paid spa services, I felt it was essential to get a room with hot springs.
One outdoor pool protrudes into the garden in front.
There were at least three indoor tubs, all of which were deep enough.
The design of the largest indoor pool was amazing, with nature painted on three walls, and the rocks in the painting and the water outlet were one and the same.
Summary
Sierra Grande, a Ted Turner Retreat, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, U.S.
My rating
Type: Lodging
Rule: Private pool, Room with thermal water
Chemical use: Not detected
Water temp: Up to 109 degrees F
