How to get that smooth look in photos

Hello

This is my first post. I have seen a lot of photos recently that have a smooth natural look to them but the colors are still bright and vibrant. Does anyone know how this is done? I'm assuming it's done in photoshop but what are are the settings/tools?

Here is an example of what I'm talking about

http://gallery.mac.com/emily_parker#100880/Our-20cozy-20cabin&bgcolor=black

The entire album has that smooth, almost chalky look to it. Does anyone know how this is achieved?

Thanks

Josiah