REVELERS HURRIEDLY SCURRY across the brick and stone walkways of historic Old Town as a postcard-perfect sunset ushers in another Friday night. Some are rushing to reservations at one of the neighborhood’s many eateries, while others nest at patio tables to enjoy local wine under strings of globe lights. There are many paths branching out from the central plaza, each calling you to a different start to the weekend.
Before embarking on my adventure, I’ve set up home base with a reservation at Desert Compass, a renovated compound of adobe vacation rentals peacefully tucked away near the heart of Old Town. The king-size bed in my suite was, of course, tempting, but excitement awaits.
I make my way to the fuss-free Taproom at Old Town—a bottle shop and tasting room (and so much more) highlighting Left Turn Distilling’s spirits and local beer and wine. Soaking in the laidback atmosphere, I let the server guide me to the Blue Old Fashioned, made with New Mexico Blue Corn Whiskey, and a veritable mountain of nachos piled high with tender carne adovada.
Find a cozy corner at Desert Compass.
Fully satiated by top-notch bar grub, I decide it’s time to hang my hat. The vibrant buzz of Old Town fades as I walk a short few blocks to the more residential pocket of the neighborhood, through the turquoise-painted front gate and to the rearmost casita of six adobe suites. By the time I reach my private yard and close the gate behind me, the quiet is striking. I don’t feel like I’ve checked into an inn but instead as if I’ve just come home after a lovely evening. “You’re right in the heart of downtown,” Kelly Maybe, founder of the Desert Compass, tells me later. “But it’s really secluded and private.”
Opened in 2021, the Desert Compass’s suites each have their own identity and vibe thanks to a network of local artists, makers, and brilliantly sourced vintage furnishings. In my Coyote Suite, an LED-lit nicho commands the center of the space, featuring a series of equal-sized coyote skulls hand-painted by local artist Chelsy Spicer. The mismatched furniture, a modern leather couch conversing with a nearby rattan throne, lends a confident offbeat cool. “I wanted it to be an experience, in working with the artists especially, where you have all these little surprises,” Kelly says. “I definitely agonized over every little piece.”
Within seconds, I locate the suite’s record player and leaf through the accompanying vinyl, lingering on the Brian Jonestown Massacre’s debut album and a full-length by Tejano icon Freddy Fender. “A big chunk of [the LPs] is from my grandma’s collection,” Kelly says. “She was a music lover.”
Artistic touches make Desert Compass suites feel unique.
The next morning, Kelly and her husband and partner, Kyle Maybe, meet me, coffee in hand, by the hot-tub area, eager to show me two other suites, both differing greatly in vibe. The Luna Suite upstairs showcases marble and gold details that conjure the spirit of Old Hollywood, while the Yucca Suite embodies minimalist cool thanks to simple, striking statement pieces by Caroline Clark and something rarely seen, aspen vigas. “I learned to listen to the building,” Kelly says of the variety of curation and vision. Kyle chimes in: “I call her Grandma Building.”
The Maybes were both born and raised in Las Cruces. Kelly fell in love with New Mexico architecture during an internship at Earthship Biotecture, in Taos, before getting into hospitality via Airbnb. But becoming an Airbnb host was more a means to an end—her desire to transform properties in New Mexico and help them shine to their fullest potential. Desert Compass is her vision, brought to fruition by Kyle and their third business associate, Taya Calleen, who runs a vintage furniture business called Aloe. With Kelly’s guidance, Calleen helped furnish each of the suites. The other touches came through the Maybes’ art connections, including a huge landscape by Jesse Littlebird (Laguna/Kewa) and a custom-painted headboard by Jodie Herrera.
“There’s been a renaissance in Old Town,” Kelly says, noting how exciting it is to be so connected with creatives in the Duke City and throughout New Mexico. She points to friends and colleagues at the nearby Lapis Room, a gallery featuring local art that began around the same time, and a host of young entrepreneurs at places like Santa Cecilia coffee shop and Tiny Grocer ABQ. “This is our families’ heart center,” she says.
Cozy up to Adobe & Pines Inn.
OLD FAVORITE
Adobe & Pines Inn is more than your average bed and breakfast. Stay in one of the historic Taos hacienda’s eight suites and you can walk the property’s labyrinth, enjoy the gardens across its three acres, and cap it all off in a private hot tub. Breakfast is, of course, not to be slept through. “We have this amazing chef,” says owner Cat Cannon of 20-year-old Isaiah Apodaca, who crafts a globally influenced menu with local ingredients. “He’s a prodigy.”
