Ojo Caliente is the queen of hot springs soaking. It’s the purest pinnacle of zenned-out away time, and the calming gift that your nervous system didn’t know it needed. Situated between Santa Fe and Taos in a crux of rustic northern New Mexican desert cliffs and cottonwoods, this secluded healing treasure is prized for its legendary waters.

For thousands of years, Ojo’s soothing waters have comforted the body, mind and spirit. As one of the oldest natural health resorts in the U.S. (the original bathhouse opened in 1868) and the only hot springs in the world with four different sulfur-free, healing mineral waters, the resort is a southwestern destination worth planning a trip around.

Here are five reasons to visit Ojo Caliente this winter:

Coveted Quiet Time

Ojo Caliente is a treat for the senses. With a no alcohol, no kids, no cell phones and no loud talking policy, the only sound to absorb is the one of sweet, soothing trickling water. The tranquil environment extends into the hanging hammocks, abundant lounge chairs and welcoming fire pit while the thermal pools constantly flow with geo-thermal waters. Guests in the soaking areas are asked to whisper — there are staff members walking around with polite signs in case you forget — and the Soda Pool is a silent, zero-talking area.

Photos by Lisa Blake

Minerals + Mud

A visit to the mud pool is a must. Guests slather skin with a special pore-purifying clay blend before lying on large rocks
to dry in the sun. Once the mud starts cracking and you’re ready to release it, dunk in the warm mud pool or rinse off at the outdoor shower and reap the soft skin benefits.

Ojo Caliente is also one of the only hot springs spas and resorts featuring four healing minerals: arsenic, lithia, soda and iron in naturally sulfur-free waters. These soul-nourishing minerals flow through nine communal hot springs and private tubs (book these in advance). Every pool flows with pure mineral water ranging from 80 to 105 degrees fahrenheit tapped straight from Ojo’s own hot springs.

Authentic Spa Treatments

Therapists call on modern and ancient healing techniques combined with Ojo waters and local botanicals to connect guests back to the earth around them. The full-service spa offers nurturing botanical and hot stone massages, hydrating skin and body treatments, sound healing and reflexology. Settle into the historic bathhouse’s serene lounge and enjoy the purifying Himalayan salt sauna and eucalyptus steam room before indulging in your favorite treatment.

Divine Food + Drink

There’s really no reason to leave the resort once you’re there. Break from soaking and spa treatments to dine onsite at The Artesian Restaurant and Wine Bar. Seasonal southwestern dishes share breakfast, lunch and dinner menu space with international flavors. Feast on New Mexico green chile cheeseburgers, hearty salads sourced from the 1.5-acre Ojo Farm and signature blackened mahi-mahi tacos. The Artesian offers plenty of omnivore, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, along with fair trade coffee roasted just down the road exclusively for Ojo by Santa Fe’s Iconik and tea from tea.o.graphy in Taos.

Opportunities To Move Your Body

More than 1,100 acres of hiking and biking trails and public lands rest just beyond the resort’s gates, unveiling endless adventures. Explore the rugged high desert trails by foot or bike, enjoy epic birding on the Bosque Loop Trail and stroll the labyrinth meditation walking area to quiet the mind and calm anxiety. Visit the intimate yurt for expertly guided, all-levels-welcome yoga classes.

ojosparesorts.com

Lisa Blake
Writer
@lisananblake | lisablakecreative.com

Originally published in Winter/Spring 2024-25  issue of Well.