Glamptuary Review - Taos Goji Eco Lodge & Organic Goji Berry Farm

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE A STAY IN A CENTURY-OLD FARMHOUSE, HANDS-ON TIME WITH ALPACAS, GOATS, CHICKENS, AND DORIS THE DONKEY, PLUS THE RARE OPPORTUNITY TO WANDER THE VERY GROUNDS WHERE ALDOUS HUXLEY ONCE DREW INSPIRATION FOR HIS BOOK, ENDS AND MEANS.

One of my many friends I made at the Taos Goji Eco Retreat and Goji Berry Farm.

When I asked the Manager of Taos Goji Eco Lodge, who goes by Jonathan, what he hopes guests will think after a visit, he sat for a minute in silence.

He then told me he hopes guests say:

“I got exactly what I needed.” - Jonathan

As I reflected on my conversation with Jonathan on the drive home, I thought to myself… that’s exactly how I feel! I got what I needed!

What I needed…was a connection to a special place in New Mexico called Taos Goji Eco Lodge, which is nestled in a beautiful valley in San Cristobal, New Mexico.

My first connection was to a collection of farm residents I made friends with, which included chickens, turkeys, goats, alpacas, and a donkey named Doris.

Guests are encouraged to interact with these lovely animals, and we couldn’t get enough!

I had the opportunity to chat with the current owners, Erik and Elizabeth vom Dorp, about what makes this space special.

“We all need a place to anchor in. This farm is that place for us.” - Erik

Erik and Elizabeth vom Dorp

Erik and Elizabeth took over ownership of the farm back in the 1970’s, but the history of this property dates much further back to the original homesteaders that sold the farm to the vom Dorps. Their names were Elmira and Ted Mackie and their original concept, back in 1920, was a combination Trading Post + Post Office + Gas Station + Motel.

Ted and Elmira Mackie outside the orginal Trading Post and Post Office.

The Motel side of the business had 4 cabins for rent initially, and some yet-to-be famous folks called this their home from time-to-time including D.H. Lawrence and Aldous Huxley.

As the inscribed caption reads… Huxley goofs around outside the Trading Post (year unknown)

The Taos Goji Eco Lodge is in such close proximity to Taos, NM, that I’m sure countless more famous (or infamous) guests passed through the gates at sometime or another. There is an outhouse that Huxley built that still stands on the property today (not for use, just for looking…).

”…we didn’t know what we were going to do when we bought the place. We were in our 20’s.” - Elizabeth

Harkening back to what Erik said about the farm…the vom Dorps felt a special connection to this land the very first time they visited the property.

“We are stewards of this land.” - Erik

Erik and Elizabeth’s first engagement with this farm were as homeowners on the Mackies’ land. Erik and Elizabeth operated a very successful honey business before letting it go due to some nasty involvements from rival beekeepers. After a brief stint in Hawaii, Erik and Elizabeth received an offer to return and buy everything from the Mackies. This was an offer they could not refuse. Their love of the land was enough to convince them to take the leap, and they have been the owners of this farm ever since.

“I like the mix of rustic, with modern amenities.” - Jonathan

With such a rich history, the vom Dorps have done a wonderful job of preserving original structures wherever possible.

Our farm house that we stayed in was something right out of a nostalgic romantic novel D.H. Lawrence might have penned.

The rustic nature of the exterior of our farm house blended well with the modern kitchen, artfully decorated bathroom, and comfortable beds on the inside.

And the modern amenities attached to our farm house included a private wood-fired soaking tub and a wood-fired sauna.

The rest of the 40 acre property consists of 10 cabins (all uniquely designed and named) + 2 tipis. There are also community soaking tubs, a community infrared sauna, a large event space housed in a barn, a secluded yoga platform surrounded by a gorgeous wooden canopy, and a variety of gardens which provide a beautiful backdrop whilst you wander the farm.

“Ideally this place would be booked with events, retreats and weddings 50% of the time, and then the other 50% is set aside for guests looking to get away.” - Jonathan

We arrived just as a wedding party was leaving the farm, and after spending a week on property I can see why this would be a perfect setting for a wedding, yoga retreat, immersive farm retreat, music festival, or anything else that lends itself to a nature-rich setting.

With the eclectic city of Taos, NM only minutes away, combined with abundant access to hiking trails, outdoor experience providers, and endless fields of sunflowers, Taos Goji Eco Lodge is a Glamptuary I would highly recommend visiting if you are coming to northern New Mexico.

And if you are an event or retreat planner, you should reach out to chat about having your event hosted at Taos Goji Eco Lodge.

Jonathan can be contacted here for all inquiries.

I’ll leave you with a few random pictures that I feel inspired to share. My visit left me feeling fully connected to nature. The gardens, the animals, the hammocks, the slow pace…it all added up to a refresh and a recharge that gave me exactly what I needed.

Namasté.

Helpful Information For Planning A Visit To Taos Goji Eco Lodge Retreat & Organic Goji Berry Farm

  • Booking: Directly on the Taos Goji Eco Lodge Website

  • Nearest Major Airport: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)

  • Nearest Regional Airport: Taos Regional Airport (SKX)

  • Drive times: 3 hour drive from Albuquerque International Sunport, 20 minute drive from Taos Regional Airport.

  • Nearest town is Taos, New Mexico - 15.6 miles away (22 minute drive)

  • Nearest hospital - Holy Cross Medical Center - 18.9 miles away (32 minute drive)

  • This is a real working farm with animals and multiple crop gardens

  • Dirt road access, groomed and dirt parking lots inside the property with parking on property

  • No meals provided unless pre-arranged

  • Experiences are self-guided unless pre-arranged or part of an planned event or retreat

  • Coffee and tea provided ensuite

  • Full kitchen available + outdoor grill

  • Full bathroom ensuite

  • Towels and toiletries provided.

  • Wi-Fi available.

  • Family-friendly

  • Community hot tubs and saunas

 

I truly appreciate your time and if you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read - please share with your friends.

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Glamptuary Spring 2025 Newsletter