Rest and relaxation at a remote spa
They had me at “hot springs under the stars.” But the quiet nights, cozy in-room fireplaces and tranquility of Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa tugged at my soul, too. Tucked away in the tiny northern New Mexico town of the same name, Ojo Caliente (an hour from both Santa Fe and Taos) has an authentic historical feel with a nod to its Native American past.
Walking trails into the nearby mesa inspire communion with nature; the three miles of trails pass an ancient mound featuring pottery shards from the Tewa tribe, and at the far end of the property sits the largest round barn in the United States. But its upscale treatments, including the signature Milagro Relaxation Wrap, Ojo Aroma Wrap, Prenatal Massage and Sundari Hot Oil Hair Treatment, are anything but old-fashioned. The wine bar is also a nod to modern sophistication.
It’s the healing mineral springs’ legendary restorative powers, however, that have been promoting relaxation and well-being for 145 years. Ojo Caliente is the only hot springs in the world with four types of healing mineral waters: lithia (no longer in service, but the lithia pool is open), soda, iron and arsenic. Though the names might sound more harmful than healthy, one pre-spa treatment soak will have you purring and pampered.
