Enjoy this article which had a different version posted on Business Insider. – I spent $1400 a night to go on a safari in North America at Vermejo. It’s a hidden gem that combines conservation with luxury hospitality. My husband and I love to travel around the world and have meaningful experiences. As animal lovers, we have always wanted to go on a safari, but we knew a big trip must wait a while due to our busy schedules.

We looked up extraordinary wildlife viewing locations closer to home and saw that Ted Turner Reserves features multiple unique wilderness properties with environmental preservation and wildlife restoration projects. We found we could go on a North American safari at Vermejo in Northern New Mexico and still have a transformative experience in our own country.

We found that a North American safari in New Mexico could be full of animal sightings and is so much more economical than an African safari. It was a no-brainer!

The four-hour drive from Denver to Vermejo is worth it.

The four-hour drive from Denver became an adventure and worth the journey. There are many places to stop along the way – Colorado Springs, the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and a quaint little town called Trinidad. One can grab a coffee at Perkatory or a tea at the Trinidad Tea Company in Trinidad. Later, I would get a proper Afternoon High Tea at Vermejo in a stone mansion amidst 1900s grandeur.

We even saw bears on the road driving into the main lodge! The entire journey is an experience. Upon arrival, ambassadors greeted us with herbal-scented towels and a welcome herbal tea – it was a stress-free experience.

We are glad we discovered this hidden gem combining significant landscape conservation with luxury hospitality.

Vermejo has various types of accommodations from private cottages to suites in a mansion

Vermejo has various types of luxury accommodations, from private cottages to suites in a mansion. On the first visit, we stayed in Casa Grande, but of all our stays there – our favorite was at the Bernal Lake Cabin. The cabin was first built in 1928 by the Vermejo Club, with members such as Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, and Herbert Hoover. The cabin included authentic restored elements along with restored antiques. We slept soundly surrounded by a bygone era with all the luxuries and hospitality of the modern era.

My husband’s favorite part of the cabin was that he could roll out of bed and fish before breakfast.

Families love to pick out one of the cottages near headquarters to stay together for quality family time.

Everything is included for two for $1400 a night except for alcohol.

We paid $1,400 each night for the two of us, but it included everything you need for your experience there – accommodations, all meals, and experiences (except for alcohol).

Ambassadors assisted us in arranging our itinerary in advance and scheduling what activities we wanted to experience during our stay. It was so hard to choose. There are many, such as a wildlife safari, a bison expedition, and high-country horseback riding. The ambassadors were invaluable by email and phone calls.

When we got there, it was a seamless experience to get settled.

We saw many animals including bison, pronghorn, elk, bobcats, eagles and wild horses.

Each excursion is led by a knowledgeable, experienced guide. One reason we keep going back is due to the vast property of over 550,000 stunning acres. You never know what you may see on your way to your following activities – elk herds, a herd of bison, pronghorn prancing through a field, or wild horses grazing.

You might spot bears climbing a hill and if lucky an elusive mountain lion perching on a cliff. Elk are almost everywhere some days!

Moving through the land, we always discuss how Vermejo works on conservation efforts. There are also opportunities to choose activities where you can participate to help restore the riverbanks yourself.

We also went fishing, horseback riding, and hunting for elk sheds.

Vermejo’s majestic high country horseback ride is easily one of the most remarkable experiences on the property, and at 10,000 feet, it can literally and physically take your breath away. The views are so majestic even a Disney Imagineer could not replicate them. As you meander through lush meadows and cross glistening creeks and feel the clean breeze on your face, you cannot help but feel the stress melt away. You may be the only human they have ever seen when you spot wildlife up here. We enjoyed a lakeside picnic where hummingbirds and chipmunks joined us.

Another activity is hunting for elk sheds. Every spring, adult male elk shed their antlers. You know those things our dogs love to chew. We found a few to bring home – our dogs got the best souvenir of the trip.

My husband loves fly-fishing and hiking every moment he gets between scheduled activities. You can find me soaking in one of the wonderful clawfoot tubs on property.

The food was a stand out and foodies will never want to leave.

Vermejo offers many different culinary experiences. One can dine in the headquarters dining room, with a private chef in the Bernal Lake Cabin, at the Merrick Fish Fry, or at the Afternoon High Tea or a private dinner. No matter where you dine, Executive Chef Giovanni Lanzante, and staff will take amazing care of you.

Some of our favorites are the blue corn pancakes at breakfast and mushroom bisque.

Chefs at Vermejo always ensure that fresh, locally sourced ingredients are used in your gourmet meals.

We will be returning again and again, since it is now our happy place.

While at Vermejo you can alway find my husband fly-fishing. Of course, I am at their spa or soaking in a clawfoot tub or in their cedar soaking tub.

Since our first visit, my husband and I have been 5 times in the past 2 years. This spring, we are introducing our entire family to what they can discover in their own North American backyard!

We are glad we discovered this hidden gem combining significant landscape conservation with luxury hospitality.