Our Story

La Posada de Maria Magdalena

Mile Marker 111.5, 

11180 West Highway 60,

Magdalena, NM 87825

Proprietors: Fritz Kapraun and John Sakel

La Posada is a country boutique bed and breakfast, catering to visitors to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge with its world-famous cranes and waterfowl, amateur and professional astronomers, visitors to the Very Large Array (VLA) at the nearby National Radio Astronomy Observatory, rock climbers looking for adventure at Datil, artists seeking an intensive, immersive watercolor workshop experience and those wanting quiet in a dramatic countryside with panoramic mountain views at 6,600 elevation. Warm summer days and cool, clear nights rejuvenate and relax guests. 

Although of modern construction, La Posada retains traditional adobe charm with its entrance portale and Zaguan hallway, viga and latilla ceilings in every room, Talavera tile bathrooms, and a main room featuring  hand-carved corbels and kiva fireplace. Four compass-directed patios provide spectacular mountain views in every season and any time of day. A separate guest casita provides privacy yet convenience to dining and relaxation in the main house.

La Posada offers a hearty breakfast. In addition, half-board can be provided upon request. Locally-sourced produce is used as available.  Both continental (featuring Alsatian and Andalusian menus) and traditional Southwestern fare are featured.

John Sakel continues a generations-old tradition of his family back to Carl Ruoff  and Charlotte Winkler who catered to guests at their Hotel Pension Winkler in Bad Salzschlirf, Hesse, Germany. John brings to La Posada Old World charm and attention to detail to make guests comfortable and relaxed.

In addition, John is a digital photographer specializing in landscape and nature portraits.

He will gladly offer advice and consult with guests on their photography needs and suggest locations for every interest.

Fritz and John have many years of collaborative experience with photography and painting in their ‘Double Vision’ exhibits and continuing participation in the La Romita International Art Program (Umbria, Italy). For details, see: http://sites.google.com/site/architecturalportraits/

Fritz Kapraun, both chef and artist, provides immersive 5-day workshops in watercolor painting for all skill levels. He specializes in architectural portraits of homes, both historic and contemporary. He is a contributing illustrator for This Old House, Southern Living, Retirement Living and Coastal Living magazines. 

Fritz was an instructor in the Cameron Art Museum Art School for several years, teaching studio and plein air watercolor painting 

‘Fritz, I always knew that you would return to the source of those beautiful watercolors of space, light, and form. I think of you more than you might imagine and always with smile in my heart.’  

Martha Burdette, Cameron Art Museum