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Eileen Falkenberg-Hull

By Eileen Falkenberg-Hull

Senior Editor, Autos, Travel and Lifestyle

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Road trips have been the backbone of American summer vacations for a century. Americans aren’t alone. A recent study by Expedia found that while 63% of U.S. travelers planned a domestic trip this summer, global social conversation about domestic vacations is up 77% year-over-year.

Hotel Willa, in Taos, New Mexico, has launched a marketing partnership with Volkswagen Group of America to take advantage of the trend. The hotel, located at the edge of the town’s historic district and set against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, will have three Volkswagen Taos small SUVs for guests to use during their stay.

“The opportunity to bring the Volkswagen Taos to Taos was one we simply couldn’t pass up, but the connection goes much deeper than the name. Together, we're celebrating the spirit of the American road trip and giving guests a memorable new way to experience everything that makes New Mexico so special," Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Brand Marketing at Volkswagen of America Rachael Zaluzec told Newsweek.

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Hotel Willa's branded Volkswagen Taos

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Bedroom at Hotel Willa.

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Living room at Hotel Willa.

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The vintage motor lodge property is primed for nostalgia and a base for Taos area adventures. Reimagined as a stylish 50-room boutique hotel, the property blends vintage charm with contemporary amenities. After a day of adventure, unwind by the pool or savor locally inspired cuisine at the on-site restaurant, where seasonal ingredients from nearby farms showcase the authentic flavors of the region.

When borrowing the Taos, guests can visit a number of unique, tourism-worthy sites including Taos Pueblo, an ancient Native American settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site that is 10 minutes from the hotel. It has been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years and is a living community of the Taos people.

Taos Pueblo

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Just beyond Taos, adventure unfolds in every direction. A scenic half-hour drive leads to the dramatic landscapes of the Río Grande del Norte National Monument, where rugged canyons, ancient volcanic terrain and sweeping desert vistas create an unforgettable backdrop for hiking, rafting and exploration.

Travelers seeking something truly distinctive can also explore Earthship Biotecture, a community of off-grid homes crafted from natural and recycled materials. These striking, sustainable dwellings offer a fascinating glimpse into a future where architecture works in harmony with the desert environment.

Whitewater rafting in Taos, New Mexico

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Another house, in downtown Taos, the Kit Carson Home, has exhibits that bring the stories of the legendary frontiersman and the American Southwest to life.

For those who prefer a gentler rhythm of discovery, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, located about 45 miles from downtown Taos, offers a restorative escape. Surrounded by high-desert beauty, this historic resort features 12 communal soaking pools and private tubs filled with mineral-rich waters containing four naturally occurring healing minerals.

Wintertime Taos travelers can visit the area's renowned ski resorts: Taos Ski Valley, Sipapu Ski Resort, Angel Fire Resort and Red River Ski Area.

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