Spa Ojo Caliente

A spa is a spa is a spa, or is it? Today, any place that offers massage and body therapies calls itself that. Originally, the term meant a place with therapeutic waters. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, with hot mineral waters coming out of the ground, is a true spa.

“Spa,” depending on your source, is either an acronym for “Sanitas per Aquam,” or “Salus Per Aquas,” both Latin for “health through water.”  People come to Ojo to soak and rejuvenate in the restorative waters. Eons ago, this area was literally a hot-bed of volcanic activity. The springs are heated by what’s left of that geothermal source.

Ojo Caliente, an hour northwest of Santa Fe, has been “discovered” at least three times, paralleling northern New Mexico’s history. Thousands of years ago, Native Americans found this natural oasis and came to soak. The pueblo of Posi Ouinge, established in 1200 AD, thrived for about 300 years. Archeologists believe it was the largest pueblo in the area. The Spanish arrived at the end of the 16^th century looking for the fabled Cities of Gold. They named the spot Ojo Caliente (Hot Eyes) for the hot waters that bubbled out of the ground.  In 1869, the Anglos arrived and transformed this natural wonder into one of the first health spas in the country. People came from all over for the healing waters.

By the end of the 20^th century, the spa was showing its age and was in dire need of a facelift. In 2000 new owners, with a strong commitment to both the resort and the surrounding lands, took over the reins. Over a ten year period, they restored, rebuilt and added to the resort. Existing accommodations were updated and new ones added. They built an impressive new guest reception building, added new spa treatment rooms, renovated soaking pools and more. The years of work created a very special retreat. The old girl looks better than ever.

Soak away your cares and woes:

Ojo offers a number of soaking options available to both day and overnight guests. Three different mineral waters are found in the soaking pools, each with different therapeutic properties. The iron water is considered to be beneficial to the blood and immune system.  The soda water is said to relieve digestive problems and the arsenic water is believed to be beneficial for arthritis and stomach ulcers and healing for a variety of skin conditions. The waters come out of the ground at a toasty 130 degrees Fahrenheit, cool off in the state of the art green filtration system and are then delivered to the pools and tubs. The exception is the Soda Pool where the water bubbles up directly from the ground. The pools are constantly filtered, and are emptied and cleaned three times a week. They are open from 8am to 10pm daily.

Public pools:

The seven public soaking pools, including a swimming pool and a mud pool (open seasonally) offer the three waters in separate pools. The iron and soda and waters are also used together in some of the pools.

Private pools:

The three private soaking pools, walled on three sides and open to cliffside on the fourth, are filled with a mixture of soda and iron water.  You can bathe au natural here and the pools, with their wood burning Kiva fireplaces, beckon lover (there is an additional charge to use these, naturally.)

Soaking tubs:

For a moment of solitude and privacy, opt for one of the individual soaking tubs, also filled with a mix of iron and soda water or indulge in the Private Ritual Herbal Bath. This uber relaxing soak features a special blend of wild-crafted and organic herbs along with chamomile eye pads to nourish tired eyes.

Insider tip:  Book the private pools at night. Looking up at the stars with the toasty fire crackling in the background is priceless.

Pampering your body:

Both overnight and day guests can pamper at Ojo’s spa. Need to unwind from the stress of life in 21^st century?  The serene treatment rooms and knowledgeable therapists offer a healing oasis from a faced-paced world. The heat will make your body more receptive to your chosen path to bliss, relaxation or restoration. The diverse spa menu includes a selection of Therapeutic Massages, Ojo Skin Care Therapy and Restorative Body Therapies, some reflecting the southwest and its Native American heritage, for guests to indulge in. The Signature Milagro Relaxation Wrap is a great add on to a soak or perhaps as a prelude to a treatment.

Insider tip: Spend some time soaking your cares away, or relax in the steam room or sauna before your treatment(s).

Spending the night (or several):

Ojo offers accommodations for every price range. For people on a budget, there’s an area offering RVs and camping spaces.  These are the only accommodations that don’t come with admission to the soaking pools. The basic rooms in the Historic Hotel, a 1916 mission-revival adobe building, are furnished to reflect that era. These have private half-baths; showers are available in the bathhouse from 8am to 10pm. The North Cottages are a step up, offering full baths and kitchenettes with microwaves and small fridges.

The Plaza, Pueblo and Cliffside suites are built around a courtyard reminiscent of the plazas found in the area’s pueblos. The private, walled Kiva pool in the center of the plaza area is for suite guests only. These comfortable accommodations reflect southwestern style. Both the Pueblo and Cliffside suites offer Kiva fireplaces. The Cliffside accommodations have the added luxury of private soaking tubs on their patios. There are also two private houses, great for families and friends, both with full kitchens.
Insider tips:  Splurge on one of the suites, the Kiva pool makes it worth it. It’s often quieter than the public pools and offers long soaking hours (6am to midnight).  If you want a bargain getaway, go for the historic hotel. When you factor in the soaking perks, the room is a steal.

Dining:

Ojo is a small town with few off-site dining options. Luckily, the resort’s Artesian Restaurant has a great chef and offers three meals daily. Local and global ingredients are used to create the casual menu that embraces the foods of Northern New Mexico and beyond. The Wine Bar & Lounge is perfect for a late afternoon bite and a glass of wine or for a light dinner.

Insider tips:  Try the potato-crusted Green Chile “Fries” with their hot and sweet dipping sauce.
Finish your meal with the Chocolate Cigar. This witty, decadent dessert is a chocoholics dream.

Things to do:

If soaking and body pampering at the spa are not enough for you, there are a host of activities in and around the resort. Ojo offers daily yoga classes and there are miles and miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking within the resort’s 1,100 acres. The adjoining National Forest and public lands offer thousands more. Explore the land and discover the historic Posi Ouinge Pueblo, an old mica mine and more. You’ll also find wildlife as you walk or bike these pristine lands. Bird watchers will discover a variety of species year round. If you want to do something less strenuous, get out for a leisurely spin on the easy bike loop trail. If you want to get away for the day, there are also lots of adventures waiting for you in Northern New Mexico.

Insider tip:  If you want to learn about the history, flora and fauna of the land, book a hike with a knowledgeable guide. The hotel has a list of area resources to assist with this and other area activities.

Whether you’re looking for a solo getaway, a girlfriend getaway (or guy-getaway) or a way to reconnect with your significant other, family and friends, Ojo Caliente Resort & Spa offers a private world in which to escape. New Mexico has earned the nickname The Land of Enchantment; the magic of Ojo Caliente and its therapeutic waters is one reason. The mineral waters here drew Native Americans thousands of years ago and people still heed that call today.

Insider tip:  Leave the kids at home; it’s more relaxing. Pool access for children under 14 is very limited and the entire pool area is a “Whisper Zone.”

Getting there:

Many major airlines fly to Albuquerque’s Sunport. You can rent or hire a car there for the two hour drive to Ojo.  American Airlines offers a few daily flights from Dallas and LA to Santa Fe Municipal Airport. They also have facilities for private planes.