We found an all-inclusive in the US that curbed our craving for a luxurious African safari. I’m already planning our 6th visit.

My husband and I live in Denver, but we’ve always wanted to go on an African safari.

As much as we love travel and animals, our busy schedules have put those dreams on hold for years — the flight from Denver to Kenya alone could take over 20 hours.

In the meantime, we found a great place to enjoy wildlife that’s much closer to home: Vermejo.

Located in northern New Mexico on a nature reserve, this resort has luxurious accommodations and lots of outdoor activities available across its massive property.

Our first trip to Vermejo impressed us so much that we’ve now stayed here five times in the past two years and are already planning our next visit. Here’s why.

Even our drive to Vermejo feels like an adventure.

Our drive from Denver to Vermejo usually takes about four hours, and it can be pretty exciting.

The route we take often includes a number of great stopping points — Colorado Springs, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and the charming municipality of Trinidad, which has a lovely downtown area.

The scenic drive is often sprinkled with wildlife sightings. We’ve even seen bears on the road leading into the main Vermejo lodge.

Vermejo has a range of accommodations.

The property has various options for guests, from private cottages to suites in a mansion.

On our first visit, we stayed in the property’s stone mansion, Casa Grande. However, our favorite place we’ve stayed so far has been the Bernal Lake Cabin, which is complete with two suites, a private deck, and incredible lakeside views.

It felt luxurious and cozy with wood walls, a clawfoot tub next to a window, and restored antique finishes and furniture. My husband’s favorite part of the cabin was its lakeside location because he could roll out of bed and go fishing before breakfast.

Booking prices can vary widely depending on the time of year, current bundling deals, and the property you choose. On most of our trips, we’ve spent over $1,700 a night for two of us after lodging taxes and service charges.

The all-inclusive stays come with several perks and activities.

Although staying on the property isn’t cheap, each booking includes just about anything we could need — three meals a day, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and a range of excursions and activities (although some cost extra).

Before our trips, Vermejo ambassadors usually help us arrange our itinerary and schedule our activities of choice.

The property has great activities.

Included offerings include things like a wildlife safari, bison expedition, and other excursions led by knowledgeable guides.

We’ve also gone hunting for elk sheds, which are left behind when the adult males shed their antlers every spring, and enjoyed lakeside picnics, where hummingbirds and chipmunks joined us.

One of the best experiences we’ve tried so far, though, is the high-country horseback ride. The views have taken our breath away and feel so majestic that even a Disney Imagineer couldn’t replicate them.

My husband also loves taking part in non-scheduled activities on the property, like hiking or fly-fishing at one of Vermejo’s 19 fishable lakes.

I like going to the on-site spa, which costs extra but is well worth visiting.

We see lots of wildlife during our trips.

One of our favorite parts of vacationing in Vermejo is just being on the sprawling nature reserve, which is over 550,000 acres.

We never know what we’ll see during our activities. Over the years, we’ve spotted bison, pronghorn, elk, bobcats, eagles, and wild horses.

The food is incredible, too.

Vermejo guests have three meals a day at the main dining room included in their rate — plus, there are other culinary experiences available on the property.

For example, the Merrick Fish Fry is a fun, weekly cookout for guests in the summer, and those staying in the Bernal Lake Cabin have nightly dinners prepared by a private chef included in their stay.

For an extra fee, visitors can even book an afternoon high tea or private dinner.

No matter where or what we’ve eaten on the property, we’ve been very impressed. I love that meals use fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

This is now our happy place — and I hope to return again and again.

We’re glad we discovered this North American gem that combines access to wildlife and nature conservation with luxury hospitality.

Although it’s certainly not cheap and isn’t a substitute for an African safari, a trip to Vermejo scratches our itch to enjoy wildlife. Plus, a stay here is far more economical and way closer to home.

This spring, we look forward to bringing our entire family to the resort to show them the beauty they can find in their own North American backyard.

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