Sometimes you just want to get away from it all and forget that the rest of the world exists. If that’s a dream of yours, there’s no need to travel outside the Land of Enchantment to make it come true. All you need to do is head to Santa Fe. The City Different is home to a resort so hidden that most locals have no idea it’s there. Check out this high desert oasis, a hidden gem resort in New Mexico:
Ojo Santa Fe, formally known as Sunrise Springs Spa Resort, occupies 70 acres in the La Cienega neighborhood. This destination spa can be found at 242 Los Pinos Road in Santa Fe.
The natural cold springs here were once the final stop on El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, which stretched from Mexico City to Santa Fe.
In 2013, the family that runs Ojo Caliente decided to restore and reopen Sunrise Springs. It was later renamed the Ojo Santa Fe.
This is the result.
As you gaze at the gardens, you’re treated to views of the Sangre de Cristo and Ortiz Mountains in the distance.
The grounds here exemplify serenity. You can explore 20 landscaped acres via the many walking paths. These are perfect for walking meditations.
See, Ojo Santa Fe isn’t just a pretty place to spend a few nights.
The folks here are dedicated to helping you both unwind and thrive physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The spa offers a blend of healing activities that draw on teachings from Native American, Eastern, and Western cultures.
Ever heard of “forest bathing?”
It’s a Japanese concept that involves spending time in a forest in order to feel rejuvenated. In other words you soak in nature until any stress melts away.
Of course you can indulge in more literal soaking as well. Lounge in a hot tub. Or glide through the water in the Olympic-sized swimming pool.
The range of activities available here is impressive.
Ojo Santa Fe believes in the health benefits of spending time with animals. That’s why there is a puppy patch on site.
Yes, you read that correctly.
You can snuggle and play with puppies to your heart’s content.
These puppies come from the Espanola Humane and are here to have fun, socialize, and work towards finding their forever homes. Plus, they'll make you just as happy as their wagging tails.
You can also observe or hang out with silkies.
These are super fluffy chickens that resemble clouds with legs and, as the name implies, feel like silk. They’re known for being friendly, mellow birds.
Of course there are more typical retreat activities such as spa treatments, meditation, yoga, and hiking as well.
Or you can branch out a little, with a gardening, cooking, or art class.
Ojo Santa Fe even has its own Spirit Lodge.
A Native American ceremonialist leads all spirit lodge sessions.
A Sunrise Day Escape allows you to enter this wonderland for a day.
But many guests decide to stay longer. There are several packages available, with varying price points and activities included.
Overnight guests stay in either the resort-style guest rooms or one of the 20 casitas on the grounds.
The latter come equipped with a gas fireplace and private courtyard.
There is free wifi, and cell phone use is permitted – but only in your room.
Meals employ locally-sourced ingredients.
Stop by the Moon House or Ojo Farm to enjoy a meal. You can even learn about farm-to-table practices at the farm and see right where their ingredients come from.
Enjoy lunch or dinner in the Blue Heron Restaurant.
Lunches consist of soups, salads, and even burgers. Dinner feature heartier fare, from pasta to beef or vegetarian dishes. And this isn’t one of those spa resorts where dessert is forbidden. Does dark chocolate walnut cake in a port wine reduction sauce sound like diet food to you?
It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into every aspect of Ojo Santa Fe to ensure that the resort is the ultimate getaway.
So, what are you waiting for?
Okay, most people can’t ditch all responsibilities and disappear into this magical resort without a lot of planning. Here are 12 New Mexico hot springs where you can relax in the meantime.
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