A lot of destinations use “wellness” as a buzz word, yet Santa Fe, New Mexico doesn’t have to force an experience of vitality on locals or visitors. Rich, vibrant energy already pulses throughout the city and to the land around it, and the quieter months of winter and early spring offer all the magic without the masses.

Just a six-hour drive from Denver, Santa Fe is easy to drive to from most of Colorado. Take the road trip to listen to an engaging audiobook or podcast and the time flies by … I do remember the very first time I drove to Santa Fe; I was in my early 20s and with my friend Jessie on college spring break. She and I listened to Eat, Pray, Love, and I’ll never forget the memories of that individual and shared journey; it was all just what I needed to help heal coming right off of a recent heartbreak.

Santa Fe does just this — it delivers wellness in whatever way you need it at the time. Go for a fun and active getaway or a quiet and nourishing retreat. Whatever type of well-being boost you’re seeking, Santa Fe seems to have it. Miles of trails, wellness resorts, nourishing restaurants and distinct culture are all available to explore and enjoy.

Retreat Santa Fe

Stay a little ways from town for a peaceful retreat at the high-desert refuge of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Sante Fe, this property is tucked gently into the Sangre de Cristo foothills. The resort offers casita guest rooms and suites, each with its own fireplace and private terrace.

The remote setting of this property invites an escape from the busy day-to-day and into a slower cadence. Trails can be accessed just steps from the casitas, so it’s easy to take off for an hour or more for a hike before settling back into the pace of relaxation.

Stay on property to dine at TERRA if you don’t want to venture into Sante Fe, with many flavors of New Mexico on full display. Also, be sure to spend some time at the lovely outdoor pool, and hit the gym or a yoga class to add a spark of movement to all the chill time.

Reset

Not far from Four Seasons is Bishop’s Lodge of the Auberge Resorts Collection, and the beautiful property makes for a lovely day trip to enjoy lunch at SkyFire restaurant followed by the Symphony of Sound at Stream Dance Spa. This experience uses crystal meditation bowls, Tibetan singing bowls and other instruments to create healing vibrations to help harmonize and recalibrate the body, mind and spirit. All the wellness experiences at Bishop’s Lodge are rooted in ancient ritual and inspired by the healing power of Mother Nature, and because of this, the spa menu is more unique and dynamic than most.

It’s definitely worth driving into town to start one of your mornings with yoga at BODY of Santa Fe. BODY is a health and wellness center that offers eco-conscious clothing, healthy snacks, massage and facial treatments, studio and fitness classes, as well as events to inspire community. “When you walk into BODY, we want you to feel relaxed and connected,” describes longtime owner Lori Parish.

In the winter and early spring, get outside for some runs at Ski Santa Fe, just a short drive from town. After yoga or before you head up to the ski hill, swing by one of Iconik Coffee Roasters’ two café locations in town for a delicious, warm drink and homemade breakfast options.

Reawaken

From the bells of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in the historic Santa Fe plaza to blue sky and bright sunshine highlighting art instillations and clay adobe buildings on Canyon Road, culture is everywhere in Santa Fe.

For a bite to eat or a bit of shopping, head over to The Railyard, a special area of town that combines elements of art and culture. The must-see farmers’ market is open year-round on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the artisan market is open on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A trip to Santa Fe is not complete without a stroll down Canyon Road. After a morning or mid-day meal, walk through and past the countless creative spaces like The Art Club Gallery, notable restaurants like Geronimo and sweet boutiques like Homefrocks along this enchanting strip.

For an afternoon delight, walk over to Kakawa Chocolate House to sip a chocolate elixir, or take a drive across town to Honeymoon Brewery for a tasting of artisanal, alcoholic kombucha. It’s bubbly like beer, yet light like cider and with all the probiotic boost that kombucha boasts. I especially love the Piedra Stonefruit flavor.

Be sure to fit in at least one museum visit while in Santa Fe; there are many to choose from, including New Mexico Museum Of Art, New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors, Museum Of Indian Arts & Culture, Museum Of International Folk Art and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.

For dinner plans, there are many great restaurant options; one that tops the list for a hearty appetite of steak and seafood is Palace Prime. To pair your meal with some evening entertainment, enjoy a tapas dinner and Flamenco show at El Flamenco near the city center.

A rejuvenating time in Santa Fe can come together any way you choose, as there are so many ways to enjoy the bright verve of this special place. Every time I visit, I find it healing in some way, be it body, mind, spirit or heart. May your Santa Fe memories spark the same light for you.

Photos courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe.

Originally published in Winter + Spring 2022-23 issue.