Nestled at the edge of the Downtown Taos Historic District, Hotel Willa, a Casetta Hotels property, designed by Electric Bowery, emerges as a beacon for art lovers and creative spirits…
The design of Hotel Willa feels like an extension of the land, bringing the outdoors in with a muted palette of sun-bleached neutrals, earth tones, and gemstone-inspired accents nods to the surrounding landscape, creating a mood that is both grounded and luminous. The result is a stunning blend of traditional New Mexico craftsmanship and modern boutique hospitality.
Design studio, Electric Bowery drew inspiration from the vernacular architecture of the Southwest, with hand-trowelled terracotta walls, original wood vigas, arched thresholds, and sculptural adobe details, all while maintaining a contemporary sensibility.
Image credit: Patrick Chin
Upon entry, a gallery-style lobby is adorned by foraged, flowering branches, with work from local artisans dotted throughout. The works of local artists continue to take centre stage through an Artist in Residency Program and gallery space activated and managed by The Paseo Project. The lobby’s role as a gathering place and a nexus for creatives, speaks to the hotel’s roots in the Taos art community – serving as a platform for local creatives that bring together a unique roster of artists whose work is deeply rooted in place.
Throughout the project, the artisan touch is ever-present. Custom textiles, handmade wood pieces from Pfeiffer Studios, and artwork by Afton Love add layers of authenticity to the design. Local ceramics, art, and textiles are woven into the fabric of the space, creating a haven that feels truly connected to the Taos community. The restaurant too serves as a soulful expression of the land, designed to feel like a home to both locals and hotel guests, further emphasising the hotel’s commitment to nurturing its place within the local culture.
Image credit: Patrick Chin
Public spaces include a serene pool deck landscaped by local studio, Etvernal, and The Store at Willa, a retail destination curated in partnership with Santa Fe-based, SOTE. Juliette, the hotel’s marquee dining concept helmed by celebrated chef Johnny Ortiz-Concha and Maida Branch of SIEMPRE Design, where each dish is a love letter to the local landscape. Part sanctuary, part salon, Willa is poised to become both a community hub and a destination unto itself – rooted in heritage, designed for now.
Image credit: Patrick Chin
Guest rooms continue the narrative, with layouts that prioritise both character and comfort – some featuring kiva-style fireplaces, others opening onto private patios with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. An original adobe residence has been thoughtfully preserved and reimagined into a set of interconnected suites, marrying historic charm with understated luxury. The result is a hospitality experience that feels intimate, inherently place-driven, and utterly of the moment.
Who is Casetta?
Italian for ‘Little House’ or ‘Lodge,’ Casetta is a hospitality brand led by boutique hotel lovers dedicated to creating effortlessly unique stays and dining. Driven by a passion to embrace the past and connect to the present, Casetta’s hotels are architecturally significant, each offering a distinctive history and personality, which the brand honours in order to create timeless, culturally rich spaces refreshed with modern amenities. Casetta is passionate about investing in community engagement, actively partnering with the surrounding neighbourhood. Properties include: Hotel Willa in Taos, New Mexico, The Pearl Hotel in San Diego, Calif., Casa Cody in Palm Springs, Calif., and The Surfrider in Malibu, Calif. Hotel Lucile coming soon to Los Angeles and Hotel Marina Riviera coming soon to Big Bear Lake, Calif.
Main image credit: Patrick Chin
