Unique Spa Life in Santa Fe

New Mexico has become a spa enthusiast’s go-to destination for treatments and spas that utilize the regions natural beauty and indigenous products, in settings that range from unique and quirky to downright luxurious. And at the heart of this growing spa culture across the state are a few noteworthy places that should be on your spa radar the next time you’re lucky enough to find yourself in the ‘City Different.’

Tucked into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains just outside Santa Fe, you’ll discover The Spa at Encantado (www.encantadoresort.com), New Mexico’s only AAA Five Diamond resort. Surrounded by endless protected lands, spacious pueblo-style casitas and suites dot the landscape at Encantado , each commanding impressive views across the Rio Grande Valley to the distant Jemez Mountains. Guests to The Spa at Encantado are encouraged to begin their experience with a complimentary Purification Ritual, utilizing the spa’s luxurious amenities. A hot outdoor soak and relaxing steam in the Kiva sauna prepare you  physically and mentally for your treatment ahead.

The Kiva-inspired relaxation room at The Spa at Encantado.

Another kiva-styled room, the relaxation area, is where your therapist will collect you, and guide you down a breezeway to a small casita, some with a private patio areas and outdoor tubs for couples treatments.Here I received a signature 90-minute treatment, the Shiro Abhyanga ($245). The treatment began with a gentle stream of warm herbal oil to my forehead, said to quiet the “third eye,” followed by special attention to the neck, shoulders and scalp. The treatment continued with a lengthy massage, utilizing therapeutic herbal oils said to help dissolve toxins, and calm the nervous system, while stimulating the circulation and lymphatic systems. Unwilling to let the blissful experience end, I went back for another round of purification before retiring to my casita for a crisp-afternoon nap on my private patio, bundled in my robe with a fire nearby. Five Diamond, indeed.

BODY of Santa Fe

Walking into BODY of Santa Fe (www.bodyofsantafe.com) there’s an instantaneous sensation that you’ve entered a special place. Since opening in 2004, the inspiration behind BODY has been to create an inspirational and diverse community center for people from all walks of life, to better themselves. The sights and smells of the organic kitchen featuring vegan and raw offerings and display of raw chocolates tempt the taste buds, while the sustainable and organic fair-trade offerings in the expansive retail department entice you with a guilt-free shopping buzz. A unique combination of studio classes and fitness training, cooking classroom and childcare round out a “one-stop” approach to an eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle experience. But at the heart of BODY is the spa facility, a results-oriented tropical retreat in the mountainous high-desert town of quirky Santa Fe.

Environmentally sustainable, organic products that are chemical, preservative and artificial fragrance-free, work their magic on your body through traditional massage and facial offerings, including Thai and Hot Stone massage, both $130 for 90 minutes. There are also alternative bodywork treatments available, including acupuncture and deep-tissue structural alignment, both $95 for 60 minutes. What I especially like about the spa menu at BODY, besides the affordable prices, are the long list of add-ons available for face and body treatments, allowing you to personalize your visit.  The Cryo-Stem Cells + Derma Roller add-on, for only $30,
stimulates cell regeneration for the face. Naturally, these stem cells are harvested from organic, free-range bovine from the French Alps. Nothing else would do for your face, at BODY.

Ten Thousand Waves

I’ve long heard of a magic-like oasis in Santa Fe, New Mexico called Ten Thousand Waves (www.tenthousandwaves.com). Even the name is enchanting. On a recent visit to New Mexico, I made a point of visiting this Japanese Spa and Resort tucked into the mountains on the outskirts of Santa Fe. The dirt paths that meander through the property mix indigenous foliage with Japanese accents to create a uniquely serene atmosphere. Traditional Japanese gardens with koi ponds fuse eastern architecture and sensibility with New Mexican adobe and Santa Fe’s trademark artsy personality. There are many private outdoor tubs to choose from, including the Waterfall. This is a body-temperature tub which accommodates up to twelve people, a perfect place to sun and soak with friends. All private tubs are tucked into the woods; many with mountain views and private saunas and showers. There is also a communal, co-ed clothing-optional tub for the open-minded naturalist. (A favorite local hangout.)

While a full line of spa services are available (some in private Japanese pagodas with breathtaking views) the specialty of the house here is massage. A Master’s Massage will put you in the hands of the most highly trained and experienced therapist.  It’s purported that Santa Fe has more bodyworkers per capita than anywhere in the country. I heard from my local friends that the best massage therapists in all of Santa Fe work here. Secluded in the forest you’ll also find twelve unique lodging choices available. Each suite has a private outdoor area with a hibachi grill. The accommodations are reasonable in price, yet high in Zen style with adobe accents. Ten Thousand Waves is open year-round. It’s a local favorite for relaxing after a day skiing on the nearby slopes or admiring local artisan wares in the famed Canyon Road galleries.