Vermejo: Where Nature Transforms the Soul

… experience a place where conservation, wildlife, and profound human connections redefine what it means to truly travel

I've been on the hunt for travel experiences that actually influence change.

Don't get me wrong—I love an all-inclusive getaway as much as the next girl. There's definitely value in those experiences, but lately, I've been wondering: Are there places designed to transform us rather than just serve us?

This isn't to say anything negative about all-inclusive resorts or destinations that don’t focus on transformation. There’s a place for every kind of travel, and at this point in my life, I’m particularly drawn to experiential getaways.

Personal growth matters to me. If you’re reading this, I imagine it matters to you, too. Over nearly six years of sobriety and 30+ years of travel, I've realized that the right experiences can deliver profound results—not necessarily measurable outcomes, but results like more peace, more joy, and more love.

So, when the opportunity came to visit Vermejo, I knew it would be a meaningful experience both personally and professionally.

Vermejo spans 500,000 acres of untouched beauty and purpose. Created to heal and connect humanity during divisive times, this place has never felt more essential. Owned by Ted Turner—yes, the same Ted Turner behind TBS—Vermejo is a landscape of dreams, and I can't wait to share more about it.

Below, I share my experience with the stunning nature, wildlife, and truly remarkable people who make Vermejo what it is.

Getting to Vermejo

Let's start with the drive.

Getting to Vermejo isn't easy, but it is simple. The property sits in Raton, New Mexico, about four hours south of Denver. The drive is absolutely breathtaking, taking you through Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Pueblo, and Trinidad before you even reach Vermejo’s land. Once on the property, it’s another 45-minute drive before you finally arrive at the entrance.

For those not keen on road trips, Vermejo offers pick-ups from Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or Denver, making the journey as easy as possible. But trust me, if you decide to drive, the stunning scenery along the way is well worth it.

Arriving at Vermejo

Upon arriving, I was instantly taken in the beauty of nature: stunning trees, abundant wildlife, and a sense of serenity. It wasn’t just the landscape that was beautiful, it was the people.

Colleen, one of the incredible staff members, greeted me warmly and made me feel right at home. Her genuine kindness and radiant joy set the tone for my stay. We got to talking, and I learned that many of the employees live right on the property.

Naturally, I had to ask, “Don’t you ever miss Target?” She laughed, admitting that while they have Amazon deliveries and occasional moments of longing for convenience, the peace and beauty of Vermejo make up for it.

Her response made perfect sense. Why would you crave shopping for fake pumpkins at Target when real deer graze outside your window every morning? Nature, it seems, has a way of filling those consumer-driven voids.

A Warm Welcome & Wild Rides

Colleen escorted me to my room in the Turner House—Room 11, an angel number that represents spirituality and new beginnings. I took it as a good sign for my stay. She walked me through my itinerary, which kicked off with a horseback ride. With no time to waste, I grabbed a snack from one of the lodge's snack stations and headed straight to the barn.

At the barn, I was greeted by Isaiah and Ashleigh, who were preparing for our guided horse tour. Alongside another couple and a solo traveler, I felt the excitement, and tbh a little scared of stepping out of my comfort zone in a beautiful new place.

My horse, Otter/Odder (not sure of the spelling), was a hungry, mischievous character who kept stopping to munch on grass. Horses are known to reflect our energy, and Otter mirrored some of my own restless spirit. He also loved sprinting whenever he could, which sent my adrenaline soaring and likely made the guides a bit nervous! Sorry about that guys!

As we rode, I reflected on how humans have used horses for centuries for transportation, forming deep bonds with these magnificent animals. It made me wonder: With all our technological advances and self-driving cars, have we lost something valuable in disconnecting from nature?

Before the ride ended, I met another horse named Blazer, who had just rolled in the mud after a fresh bath. As someone known for being a little clumsy, I felt an immediate kinship. He was just trying to live his best life, and I understood that perfectly.

Evening Reflections

After the ride, I headed back to my room to catch up on some work and mentally prepare for the full-day tour I’d be taking with Jade McBride, President of Ted Turner Reserves. I answered a few emails, sent photos of the horses to my mom and boyfriend, and then found a quiet spot on the veranda to soak in the warmth of the outdoor fireplace.

There, I met Arch and Sharon, a couple celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. They radiated happiness and love for nature, sharing stories about a bear that visited their yard and mountain lions that drank from their basin. I couldn’t help but admire them and hope to be like them one day—fully present and grateful for life’s beauty.

Talking to Arch and Sharon made me think about how easily we reach for our phones in social settings. But here, surrounded by nature and genuine people, I felt the urge to stay present. The internet is a fantastic tool, but nothing beats a real, in-person connection.

Dinner with Friends

That night, I had dinner with my friends Doug and Harry, who helped coordinate my visit. Doug, a self-proclaimed traveling salesman, has one of the most genuine spirits I’ve ever encountered. He’s a loving father, a caring husband, and someone whose story I feel lucky to know.

Harry is the kind of person who lights up every room. He made me feel at ease and even shared his food with me at dinner—truly a man of the people!

The dinner was incredible, featuring salad, bison tenderloin, and so much delicious bread. The butter alone deserves a shoutout. I joked with myself that all the bread was just fuel for the busy day ahead, exploring the property with Jade.

It’s important to note that they have a STUNNING greenhouse and garden, I spent at least 2 hours just exploring both while deer roamed right outside, I truly felt like a Disney princess.

A Day with Jade

The next morning, I geared up for a full day of exploration with Jade McBride, the President of Ted Turner Reserves. I felt incredibly fortunate to spend time with someone so passionate and knowledgeable. Despite his impressive role, Jade’s genuine, down-to-earth nature put me at ease immediately. His love for Vermejo and its mission will be one of my favorite memories in all of my travels.

One of the first stories he shared was about a young Ted Turner, who, at just 11 years old, saw a commercial about bison nearing extinction. Moved by this, he told his father he wanted to save them one day. Decades later, Vermejo stands as a testament to that childhood promise. Through Jade's words, I learned that the land wasn't just conserved for beauty—it was a sanctuary with a purpose.

Throughout the day, Jade spoke with deep admiration for Ted, but it wasn’t just about the property. He taught me life lessons, touching on leadership, the impact of intentional conservation, and the power of hope.

At one point, he said something that struck me deeply: “Vermejo is here to save us.” It moved me to tears. In our increasingly chaotic world, I imagined a place where peace, love, and nature still thrive—a vision that Vermejo embodies.

We explored beautiful landscapes: lakes sparkled in the morning sun, bison roamed freely, and the quiet was almost deafening in its intensity. It was a reminder of how powerful silence can be in a world that often feels overwhelmingly noisy.

We even saw a bald eagle, and I was so excited that I said a swear word that I will not repeat here.

Conversation & Wildlife

From Vermerjo’s website: “At Vermejo, we have a deep appreciation for the beauty and intricacies of the natural world. As stewards of spectacular and biodiversity-rich lands, our passion is to share the transformative power of nature with guests through authentic and meaningful experiences at our unique wilderness properties. We are committed to restoring, sharing, and safeguarding America’s wild places for future generations while providing an inspiring guest experience that showcases our planet’s natural treasures.”

Precisely.

Throughout the day, Jade shared details about Vermejo’s various conservation projects. Biologists and ecologists work tirelessly to restore and protect the land, from introducing beavers to create lush vegetation to carefully managing the balance of wildlife. The stories behind these efforts were educational & eye-opening. I couldn’t get enough.

One conversation, in particular, stood out. We talked about hunting. I'll admit, I have a knee-jerk reaction to the word—I feel sad, angry, even hypocritical, considering I eat meat. But Jade shared a perspective rooted in respect for the land. He recounted stories of his family growing up in Idaho, who relied on hunting not as a sport but as a means of survival. It was a humbling reminder that there’s always more to understand.

As we roamed the landscapes, I couldn’t help but think of movies like The Lion King and Pocahontas. These childhood films planted seeds about our connection to nature, and being at Vermejo made me reflect on how those stories have shaped my beliefs.

Nature doesn’t judge or criticize; it simply lets you exist. It’s a grounding force, a reminder of our roots, and I felt immense gratitude for its comfort.

Growing up, I spent countless hours in my backyard, making potions with mud and leaves, running around trees, and talking to birds. Nature never made fun of me or told me I wasn’t good enough. It simply allowed me to be, and that feeling of unconditional acceptance washed over me at Vermejo.

Exploring Vermejo

As the day with Jade continued, we explored more of Vermejo's jaw-dropping landscapes: gorgeous lodges, cozy cabins by tranquil lakes, and wide-open spaces where bison roamed like they owned the place—because, well, they pretty much do. At one point, I was pretty sure Jade got us a little lost, but he played it cool, and honestly, I wasn’t worried. I could have stayed out exploring all day.

Every moment felt surreal, and seeing the bison up close gave me goosebumps. These creatures, massive and majestic, seemed to move with purpose, and it made me reflect on just how vital it is to protect places like this. When we finally made our way back to the lodge, I felt grateful for every second.

That evening, I sat down for dinner with Doug. We talked about life, books, and his epic mountain climbing stories—seriously, the kind of tales that make you want to lace up your hiking boots and tackle a peak, even if you’re not a climber. Doug is one of those people whose spirit for adventure is contagious, and sharing that meal was the perfect ending to a deeply grounding day.

The Essence of Vermejo

Packing up to leave Vermejo was hard. I didn’t want to go, but I reassured myself that I’d be back. This isn’t just some luxury resort or a pretty piece of land—it’s a full-on soul experience. It’s a place for solo travelers, couples, families, groups, or anyone craving clarity and connection. Nature at Vermejo is raw, real, and healing in a way that words struggle to capture.

Nature won’t lie to you. It won’t make you feel like you’re not enough or try to sell you on some artificial idea of happiness. Instead, it invites you to just be. In a world where it often feels like we have to shout just to be noticed, being seen by the trees and the wildlife is strangely comforting.

So, if you’re looking for more than a vacation—if you want to feel something, change something, or just be surrounded by a place that fills your soul up—consider Vermejo. With its mind-blowing landscapes, heart-driven conservation efforts, and the best people you could hope to meet, it’s a destination that gives more than it takes. Trust me, this place stays with you.

Next Steps for Transformative Travel

• Experience Vermejo for Yourself: Discover the magic of this extraordinary property and see how nature can transform your soul. Visit Vermejo’s website to learn more and start planning your adventure.

• Book a Life-Changing Getaway with Me: Interested in an immersive, nature-focused travel experience? Let me help you organize a stay at Vermejo or recommend similar trips that align with your personal growth journey. Fill out this form and I’ll be in touch to schedule a consultation.

• Follow Along for Travel Inspiration: Follow me on Instagram for more stories about meaningful travel, nature, and living alcohol-free.

• Connect with Fellow Explorers: Join our community of like-minded travelers by signing up for updates on group trips and exclusive travel content.

• Reach Out: Have questions about Vermejo or want to chat about planning your own transformative trip? Send me a message at hello@michelleplante.com. I’d love to help you create an unforgettable experience!