Should your travels take you to Taos, New Mexico, I hope that you will visit El Monte Sagrado, a distinctive resort and spa that blends beauty with sustainable innovation. As the holidays approach, let me take you on a virtual tour of this very special green place, a fitting modern companion to the nearby and timeless Taos Pueblo.

El Monte Sagrado is owned by the Kessler Collection Hotels and was developed by Tom Worrell, a publisher, businessman and philanthropist.

Worrell created El Monte Sagrado well before sustainability became a buzzword; it was expanded in 2006. The property is distinguished by its thoughtful and imaginative use of natural materials and native landscaping, and is designed around the theme of water conservation in a high desert environment.

Majestic cottonwood.

Conceived from the heart as well as from the head, El Monte Sagrado demonstrates that economically viable commercial real estate can be both beautiful and environmentally advanced. It's a template that we should use far more in creating commercial real estate, and the type of pragmatic, yet far-seeing project that I want to be working with more frequently as the green building market evolves.

The respectful use of water is a key aspect of Worrell's life work, and El Monte Sagrado was designed as a "living machine" to reclaim 4,000 gallons of water a day.

Wastewater from El Monte Sagrado's kitchens and bathrooms is directed to a series of tanks where organisms decompose pollutants. The water is then filtered through a series of constructed wetlands and is finally channeled to the Biolarium, a magnificent indoor garden and water feature.

Stormwater is collected, filtered and recycled to offset losses from evaporation in the ponds and small waterfalls that landscape the resort.

Water also plays a role in energy conservation at El Monte Sagrado: A ground loop heat exchange circulates water from 100 wells at a constant temperature from 250 feet below the parking lot, reducing temperature swings within the property and substantially reducing energy use.

Pools at El Monte Sagrado.

You can read about the technical details in this case study by Living Designs Group, the project's architect. El Monte Sagrado offers tours of the water treatment systems and the Biolarium. (Call ahead for the schedule and to reserve a place.)

Most important, take a moment or two to savor the beauty of El Monte Sagrado's fountains, pools, waterfalls, sculpture, native plantings and grounds, including this majestic cottonwood. Enjoy these photos and the holiday season, and accept my wishes for a happy, prosperous and green New Year.

Leanne Tobias is founder and principal of Malachite LLC, an advisory firm that specializes in the development, leasing, management, financing and certification of sustainable or green real estate on a global basis. Write to Leanne about your thoughts on jumpstarting the economy at greenstimulus@malachitellc.com. She'll share the best ideas in future posts.