[Images courtesy of Ojo Caliente]
After an insanely busy month, with New York Fashion Week wedged in there, I can’t help but yearn for a more peaceful, relaxing time, embodied by my experience in late August at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa in New Mexico. Situated between Santa Fe and Taos, the springs have been there for a countless number of centuries, however in 1868 the first bath house was built at the site and Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs became a pioneer as one of the orginal natural health resorts to open in the U.S.
A self-declared spa addict, I came to know about the spa based on a recommendation from my good friend Dina who used to live in Santa Fe, curious to discover for myself the health benefits of the varied sulfur-free mineral waters of lithia, iron, soda, mudd, and arsenic, as well as observe the spa culture in this part of the country.
The resort area surrounding the mineral springs was serene and tasteful, a nice mix of New Mexico flair mixed with the best of traditional spa motifs, featuring Adirondack and lounge chairs and hammocks for guests to rest in, while tiki torches were lit once it reached dusk to illuminate the largely outdoor spa areas. After taking turns in each of the pools, where 100,000 gallons a day of water steam to the surface, I literally soaked in the benefits of the geothermal mineral springs, such as relieving digestive problems, boost the blood and immune system, and help with arthritis, and skin conditions (see a detailed list here).
Next, it was time for a spa service or two; wanting to try a few services, and at least one with a bit of local flair, I started with a foot reflexology session, followed by a Native American blue corn and prickly pear salt scrub. Both services were the epitome of divine, effective in achieving extreme relaxation and mobility, and in terms of the scrub, a gentle exfoliation resulting in radiant, glowing skin.
Concluding the Ojo Caliente visit was a soak in a very intimate, private outdoor pool, that felt on par with a little slice of heaven. As the sun set overhead in this tranquil, relaxing space, the soft crackle of the nearby kiva fireplace was the only noise heard, and there was no place that I’d rather be.
Ojo Caliente is open year ’round, and services and accommodations include dining, staying on the property, yoga, its own line of beauty and skin care products, and a plethora of spa services. See here for a map of the property, and here for rates.
Full Disclosure: Ojo Caliente provided a courtesy spa entrance and private soak to Fashion Pulse Daily.
