As the “new year, new you” mantra may be top of mind, Santa Fe should top travel lists for its legendary restorative powers. Located in Northern New Mexico at the southernmost end of The Rockies, the high desert landscape inspires an array of health and wellness offerings incorporating ancient remedies from near and far. Known as “The City Different” because of its vast cultural heritage, inspiration to find your center abounds here in the nation’s oldest capital city.
Arguably the state’s longest-established resort, Bishop’s Lodge reopened its doors as an Auberge property in 2021 with the Santa Fe National Forest its bordering neighbor just outside of the city. The first luxury property of its kind in Santa Fe, the resort's accommodations and culinary offerings are rivaled by no other. Among the experiences offered onsite are sunrise horseback rides and crystal bowl sound bathing in a private meditation class, along with a full menu of services at the Stream Dance Spa.
Inspired by Native American folklore, The Inn and Spa at Loretto downtown boasts the only penthouse in Santa Fe. With an array of amenities, this luxury suite also offers 360-degree views of Santa Fe from its five terraces. Make sure to book a treatment at the property’s spa known for its “Spirit of Loretto” customized essential oil massages. Also, visit the adjacent Loretto Chapel of Santa Fe featuring the miraculous spiral staircase, an architectural phenomenon since 1878.
Still, there are many other spas and wellness activities to be experienced in “the City Different.”
Restorative treatments that integrate organic botanicals can be found at The Spa at the Five Graces. And, to sink into the healing waters of Santa Fe’s hot springs, look no further than Ten Thousand Waves and Ojo Santa Fe. Discover the respiratory and mental health benefits the Santa Fe Salt Cave brings to the table. Or, enjoy a private guided mountain bike tour at Four Seasons Rancho Encantado followed by a relaxing spa treatment. And, with more than 250 art galleries, daily strolls through the city can prove one of cultural significance.
Such a town steeped in culture would be amiss without a revered culinary scene where the iconic hatch chile stands supreme in everything from The Shed’s enchiladas to the mole at Sazón. But, the City Different also offers numerous healthful options beyond the heat.
A teahouse within a greenhouse, Opuntia is a breakfast through lunch hot spot mere steps from the weekly Santa Fe Farmers Market. Grab your favorite blend from this beautiful space within the Railyard community where each Saturday or Tuesday one of the oldest, largest, and most successful growers’ markets in the country takes place.
Healthful eating should be easy and fun is part of the mission at Vinaigrette where entreé salads are a thing. And, over at Sweetwater Kitchen, vegans, paleo and gluten-free folks join in on the joy of eating clean. Meanwhile, focus on nutrient-dense superfoods, many of which include CBD as an ingredient, is a breath of fresh air at The Apothecary Kitchen at the Santa Fe Oxygen bar.
Slated to open this year, Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm of Albuquerque plans for its Santa Fe outpost to feature a retail store for its branded spa products and gin, along with a tasting room. A side trip to this magical place is highly recommended. Plan to stay overnight so that you can tour some of New Mexico’s finest vineyards.
Known as “The City Different” because of its vast cultural heritage, the inspiration to find your center abounds here in the nation’s oldest capital city.
