Best Spas in Santa Fe - Relax and Rejuvenate in ‘The City Different’
When visiting Santa Fe, it’s tempting to try to see and do everything ‘The City Different’ has to offer - from hiking the nearby trails to visiting the numerous art galleries to eating in all of the amazing restaurants or going on a raucous margarita crawl. But sometimes you want a vacation where you can take a little time to unwind, rest, and relax – and luckily, the best spas in Santa Fe await.
There are three world-class spas in the Santa Fe area, all of which are worth visiting to soak in hot pools, take in the ambiance, and perhaps even book a treatment or two.
Ten Thousand Waves, which takes its inspiration from Japanese onsen, is nestled in the foothills of the mountains just a few minutes north of Santa Fe. Ojo Santa Fe (formerly known as Sunrise Springs) is located a few miles to the south of Santa Fe amidst the lush greenery and countryside atmosphere of La Cienega and sister spa Ojo Caliente is a developed natural hot spring about a forty-five minute drive north of Santa Fe, and offers great hiking trails and fantastic views of the night stars.
All three of these spas offer soaking pools, spa treatments, food and drink, luxurious accommodations, and more. But they each have different offerings and atmospheres that make choosing one over the other largely a matter of personal preference. Maybe you’d like to soak in heated pools in the blue twilight while the snow falls, or stay up late and stargaze in your own private pool, or take yoga classes and cuddle with therapy animals as part of a comprehensive spa package. Each spa has something that makes it unique.
Our Favorite Santa Fe Spas
Best for winter: Ten Thousand Waves
Best for summer: The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
Best for overnight stays: Ojo Caliente
Ten Thousand Waves
World-renowned Ten Thousand Waves features self-contained bathing environments with soaking tubs, saunas, and private showers, world-class food at Izanami, and lodging at the Houses of the Moon.
The spa is modeled after Japanese onsen hot springs resorts, which center around natural hot springs, saunas, and cold plunge pools, and also offers massage therapy and other wellness services. Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Christo mountains just minutes from town, it feels a world away from the bustle of Santa Fe.
Soaking at Ten Thousand Waves
Ten Thousand Waves offers a serene, Japanese-inspired soaking experience, where guests can choose from private hot tub suites, each featuring a hot tub, sauna, and private changing room. Some suites also offer additional amenities, such as cooling berths and gorgeous valley views.
These suites are clothing-optional and can be reserved up to 45 days in advance.
While Ten Thousand Waves is a great place to visit any time of year, we think it’s especially magical on chilly winter evenings (and surreally beautiful when there’s falling snow)!
For a communal experience, the Reserved Community Soaking option allows up to ten guests to share the Shin Kobuta suite, which includes a large outdoor soaking pool, sauna, and cold plunge; swimsuits are required, and reservations can be made up to 72 hours in advance.
Additionally, the Grand Bath, the spa's largest communal tub, is available exclusively to lodging and massage guests, offering a traditional onsen-like atmosphere with a giant outdoor tile pool, sauna, and cold plunge. All soaking areas utilize water from a 900-foot-deep mineralized well, ensuring a rejuvenating experience.
The patio at Izanami offers some of the best views of the foothills surrounding Santa Fe
Eating at Ten Thousand Waves
Ten Thousand Waves is also home to Izanami, an upscale Japanese restaurant serving small plates and sake. Izanami focuses on local and organic produce, featuring many vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. It’s a wonderful place to stop for a meal before or after a long soak.
Spa services
Ten Thousand Waves offers a curated selection of spa treatments that blend traditional Japanese techniques with modern therapeutic practices. The spa offers skin care treatments, such as the Japanese Organic Massage Facial, which utilizes the latest developments in skin care to deliver both a soothing experience and tangible results.
Stay
Adjacent to the spa, Houses of the Moon provides lodging inspired by traditional Japanese ryokan. Set amidst 20 acres of piñon and juniper forest, yet only ten minutes from downtown Santa Fe, these accommodations offer a tranquil retreat. Each room features private outdoor access, and guests receive complimentary amenities, including a seasonal vegetarian and gluten-free breakfast bento box delivered to their room, high-speed Wi-Fi, and access to the Grand Bath from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Ojo Caliente
Ojo Caliente is conveniently located about an hour northwest of Santa Fe, and about 50 minutes southwest of Taos. Where Ten Thousand Waves whisks you away to another world, Ojo Caliente immerses you in the high desert and the beauty of Georgia O'Keeffe Country.
Soaking at Ojo Caliente
Nestled in the high desert, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa offers a rejuvenating escape steeped in history and natural beauty. As one of the oldest health spas in the United States, dating back to 1868, Ojo Caliente is renowned for its unique geothermal waters, which are free of sulfur and rich in four distinct minerals: lithia, iron, soda, and arsenic.
These mineral-rich waters feed each of the nine public soaking pools and are believed to offer various health benefits, such as improved digestion, enhanced mood, and relief from joint pain and inflammation. The pools, with temperatures ranging from approximately 80°F to 105°F, are set against a backdrop of stunning cliffs and cottonwood trees, providing a tranquil setting for relaxation.
In addition to the communal pools, Ojo Caliente offers private soaking experiences for those seeking a more secluded retreat. Guests can reserve private pools for a 50-minute session, which includes access to the communal soaking areas, as well as the dry sauna and steam room. The resort also features a unique mud pool, where visitors can apply natural clay to their skin before basking in the sun to let it dry—a therapeutic ritual that leaves the skin feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Eating at Ojo Caliente
Ojo Caliente offers two dining options: the Artesian Restaurant, which serves farm-fresh, seasonally-inspired fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the adjacent Wine Bar, which serves drinks and lighter fare, like ceviche, mussels, salads, and burgers. Both restaurants feature New Mexican-inspired cuisine, and many of the ingredients are grown just a few miles away at Ojo Farm.
spa Services
Ojo Caliente offers a range of therapeutic massages, including deep tissue and hot stone massages, as well as other spa treatments. Spa rituals include signature services for stress reduction and rejuvenation. From Reflexology to Blue Corn, Prickly Pear, and Sea Salt Scrubs to Lavender Body Wraps, there is an exciting menu of balancing and nourishing treatments meant to enhance your well-being.
Stay
For guests seeking luxury and privacy, the Posi and Posi Primo Suites provide spacious interiors adorned with handcrafted local furnishings, traditional Kiva fireplaces, and private patios featuring mineral-rich soaking pools with stunning cliffside views. The Cliffside Suites offer similar amenities, including private outdoor tubs and access to exclusive soaking areas, all set against dramatic desert backdrops.
For a more traditional experience, the Historic Hotel rooms, dating back to the resort's origins in 1868, exude Southwestern charm and provide easy access to the communal soaking pools. Additional options include the cozy North Cottages, refurbished Vintage Trailers, and the Inn at Ojo, each offering unique features to cater to various preferences and budgets.
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
Nestled in the serene Sangre de Cristo foothills, The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe offers a tranquil retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Soaking at Rancho Encantado
Guests can unwind in the luxurious Spa Courtyard, which features a hot soaking tub, dry sauna, and comfortable chaise lounges, providing an ideal setting to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the high desert landscape. The resort also boasts a year-round outdoor pool and hot tub, allowing guests to enjoy a refreshing swim or a soothing soak while taking in the surrounding mountain views.
Eating
Culinary experiences at the resort are centered around Terra, the signature restaurant that showcases the flavors of northern New Mexico. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Gregory Joseph, Terra offers a menu that combines regional delights with global influences, all set against the backdrop of iconic mountain views. Guests can savor dishes crafted from organic, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a dining experience that is both authentic and memorable.
Spa Services
The Spa at Rancho Encantado offers a diverse array of treatments that blend indigenous ingredients with progressive techniques, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region. Guests can indulge in personalized wellness journeys, including massages, yoga, and bodywork styles inspired by local healing traditions. Signature treatments, such as the Sacred Stone Massage and the Spa Head-to-Toe Massage, incorporate elements like honey-infused foot scrubs and wild lime scalp treatments, offering a holistic approach to relaxation and rejuvenation.
stay
Accommodations at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe include luxurious casitas, each designed to provide a serene retreat with top-tier amenities. The casitas feature indoor fireplaces, private patios, and stunning views, embodying the Southwestern spirit with beamed ceilings and regional décor. Options range from the 630-square-foot Deluxe Casitas to the expansive 1,100-square-foot Rancho Suites, offering a blend of comfort and style that ensures an unforgettable stay.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking deep relaxation, outdoor adventure, or a luxurious getaway immersed in the spirit of New Mexico, Santa Fe offers an unforgettable experience. From rejuvenating soaks and transformative spa treatments to exquisite dining and elegant accommodations, every moment at one of these world-class spas invites you to reconnect with yourself and the breathtaking landscape around you. Ready to indulge in your own high desert sanctuary? Plan your escape to one of the best spas in Santa Fe today! And while you’re in town, indulge in a food tour experience that you’ll remember for years to come.
At Wander New Mexico, we have a passion for telling stories and creating unique gastronomic experiences that allow people to connect through food.
Join us for authentic, immersive food & history tours that allow our guests to experience New Mexico’s unique food culture, rich flavors, and intriguing history!