Discover Vermejo, the premier Ted Turner Reserve in New Mexico—ideal for multigenerational wildlife tours and luxury family getaways
If you’re searching for a unique, immersive experience in nature for you and your family, Ted Turner Reserves’ Vermejo in sprawling New Mexico should be your next destination. Taking your family to stay at Vermejo means waking up to scenic rolling hills dotted with trees against the backdrop of a wide-open sky, and plenty of one-of-a-kind experiences.
While there, you can embark on adventures with loved ones while making a positive impact on the environment. Spend quality time with your family while balancing comfort and adventure at Ted Turner Reserves’ Vermejo.
Subscribe to Destination Reunions for more hidden-gem family destinations.
What Makes Vermejo Unique Among Ted Turner Reserves
Ted Turner was a prominent figure in the history of the American Southwest. He not only founded CNN, but Ted was also a revered entrepreneur with a multifaceted legacy. One of his missions was deeply rooted in conservation, not only countrywide, but globally. Wanting to share his love for the outdoors, his properties offer exceptional opportunities to explore nature and appreciate the wildness of the land.
Ted Turner Reserves span over one million acres in stunning New Mexico and comprise four unique destinations: Vermejo, Sierra Grande, Armendaris, and Ladder.
Vermejo is located in the northern part of the state in Raton. As a guest here, you and your family can enjoy exclusive access to outdoor adventures tailored to all generations, including accessible hikes, close-up wildlife encounters and guided tours. Enjoy the incredible views and fine dining also made available at Vermejo. An oasis of luxury nestled in the lush New Mexico environment, this reserve is the perfect destination for your family’s trip to the Southwest.
While it doesn’t take much for this Ted Turner Reserve to stand out on its own, the destination is exceptional for numerous reasons, including:
- Vast Size: The magnitude of Vermejo and the variety of activities ensure that there is something for every member of your family to enjoy during your stay. The Vermejo property is enormous, including more than 558,000 acres of land that they work to conserve, as well as streams, lakes and trails. The scale of the reserve ensures that there will always be places for guests to explore.
- All-Inclusive: Your experiences are built into your stay at Vermejo, with two half-day experiences included in each full day on the reserve. You can create a personalized itinerary for your family with the help of Reserve Ambassadors. They can recommend activities tailored to your family’s needs. Three meals per day, crafted by expert on-site chefs using fresh local ingredients, means you can focus on fun rather than planning breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Conservation, Study & Preservation: Staying at Vermejo directly supports their conservation efforts, which include research into diverse plant life, returning trout to the streams surrounding Vermejo, and studying how cougars and bears interact in the environment. Home to a variety of wildlife species, scientists at Vermejo work to improve the lives of wildlife and reduce the environmental impact of the reserve.
Wildlife Tours that Wow Every Generation
With the strong animal presence on Ted Turner Reserves’ Vermejo’s property, wildlife tours are a must for any family. A private tour guide can take you through the lush grounds, pointing out animals such as bison, which are unique to the Southwest, as well as elk and black bears. Wildlife tours can be adjusted or recommended based on your group’s special needs and abilities. Vermejo ensures that its tours are accessible to all generations, making it the perfect place for your family to enjoy adventure together and strengthen bonds.
Why Vermejo Works for Multigenerational Trips
Vermejo’s adept team of Reserve Ambassadors can curate a personalized itinerary for you and your family, tailored to your wishes. Activities vary in difficulty, and most are suitable for guests of all ages.
From Relaxation to Thrilling Adventures
Vermejo provides exceptional excursions for all ages, from relaxing ventures to thrilling experiences. The active, outdoorsy members of your family can enjoy adventurous and challenging activities, such as snowshoeing and hiking in the winter or a survival challenge during the warmer seasons. If you’re prioritizing relaxation on this trip, pay a visit to Vermejo’s spa or enjoy a tasting tour at the reserve’s greenhouse.
Kid-Friendly Activities
There are plenty of recreations for young adventurers to enjoy, including snow tubing, nature crafts and guided geocaching. Children can also participate in the Junior Wrangler activity, where they work with the reserve’s horses, or the Junior Trackers Adventure, where kids can find wildlife based on natural clues.
Luxury Meets Nature: Lodging and Dining
Ted Turner Reserves’ Vermejo offers nine lodgings to choose from, including the Bernal Lake Cabin, a waterfront home featuring a private deck and two master suites. Perfect for an intimate getaway, the cabin blends comfort with luxury. Each cottage and cabin offered at the reserve comes with an extensive history, such as Casa Grande, which Ted Turner himself once occupied, while the mansion offers seven guest rooms. If you are looking for a more intimate space, Vermejo’s cottages provide three and four-bedroom cottages. All spaces are available for group bookings, allowing your entire family to stay in one space.
Your stay at Vermejo includes three meals per day, prepared by the reserve’s in-house chef with local herbs and produce. They offer a variety of “culinary adventures” if your family is passionate about food. For the adults in your group, Southwest spirits tasting is available, as well as a mixology class. Family-style meals, such as the curated picnic and countryside cookout, allow you and your family to enjoy meals together, surrounded by the beautiful landscape.
How to Plan a Family Reunion at Vermejo
- Take advantage of Vermejo’s group booking option. All Ted Turner Reserves accommodate groups of up to 100 for family gatherings and often provide additional accommodations and activities for large groups. Reserve Ambassadors can create group itineraries tailored to your entire family.
- Make sure to pay attention to the events and activities that vary seasonally at the reserve. If you are interested in winter activities or want to enjoy the Murder Mystery Party on Dec. 30, make sure to book your dates accordingly. Currently, the reserve is offering an Escape Special Offer, where specific dates come with an additional free night, as well as additional private tours and other activities—book during the winter months, or from summer to fall for additional complimentary nights. Dates are listed on Vermejo’s website.
- Start by looking at Vermejo’s activities, and work on deciding which would best suit your family. This is a significant first step in determining the ideal time for your trip, as activities vary seasonally. From there, start planning your reunion at Vermejo—get in touch with their private group concierge. Keep in mind the ages of the people with you during your stay and how much adventure you want to experience on your trip.
Stay up to date on events and promotions offered within your target dates, and prepare for your trip by downloading our free family reunion planning checklist.
By Juliana DeFillipo
