Ojo Caliente: Hot Springs for Mind, Body, and Soul
f the stress of everyday living is starting to weigh you down, it may be time to do something about it. Sure, the occasional massage or jet-tub bath are wonderful, but sometimes you need something extra to pamper yourself and feel refreshed again. But, if you’re like most people during these economic times, you don’t a fortune to spend on healing your aching muscles and spinning head. One way to ease into a state of total relaxation starts with a road trip…to Ojo Caliente, New Mexico. Yes, it’s a bit of a drive, but once you get sight of the jagged cliffs and mesas sitting stoically in the middle of the desert, you’ll realize why it’s worth the drive.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, an hour west of Taos, is literally an oasis of water in the dry desert. With sulphur-free, geothermal mineral waters that “have flowed from a subterranean volcanic aquifer for thousands of years”, Ojo is the only hot springs in the world with four different types of mineral water. With temperatures ranging from 80-109 degrees, you can choose from pools of soda, iron, arsenic, lithia, and the mud pool. The entire springs and spa is ruled a “whisper only” zone, so it’s peaceful, relaxing, and serene. These mineral waters are lauded for their healing properties over generations, curing ailments like depression, poor digestion, blood issues, low immune system, stomach ulcers, skin conditions, and more. Open from 8 am to 10 pm daily, you can soak your troubles away as you float in the waters that are surrounded by beautiful cliff walls.
Though locals pay a small entry fee to the springs, you can stay at the resort for access to the springs and the wide array of spa services. Rooms in the historic hotel start as little as $139, and private cliffside suites and cottages give guests access to all the resort has to offer, including the plush robes worn by everyone, everywhere. Don’t expect the rooms to be fancy or decked out in the latest technology; no televisions, computers, or steroes are to be found. There is WIFI available in the lobby and common areas, but guests come to Ojo to get away from the constant buzzing of PDA’s. The Artesian Restaurant and Bar on site has delicious, organic food that tastes even better than it looks. Make a reservation when you check in be able to get a beautiful table by the window to look out over the sunset on the cliffs. (The enchiladas are heavenly if you can’t decide on what to order. Likewise, the caramel tart is a sure thing. Best part? The food isn’t too pricey and the portions are perfect.)
If you have a few extra bucks to spend on treating yourself while at Ojo, the spa services are incredible. On the low end of the spectrum, an traditional Ojo Private Ritual Herbal Bath and Milagro Relaxation Wrap Combo, which lasts 50 minutes, is a mere $40. The Native American Blue Corn and Prickly Pear Salt Scrub ($85) strips away dead skin and rids the body of impurities. It even boasts metabolism improvement! If you’ve never experienced a Dry Body Brush Massage ($39), it stimulates your lymphatic and circulatory system, but above all, it feels out-of-this-world wonderful.
Ojo Caliente may be in the middle of “nowhere”, but that’s definitely the natural beauty of it. Perfect for a romantic getaway (you can reserve a private mineral pool with your sweetie,) ideal for a Bachelorette weekend, or just precious time to yourself, this is an affordable and luxurious way to de-stress in no time at all.
Ojo Caliente
50 Los Banos Drive
Ojo Caliente, New Mexico 87549?
Hilary Kennedy
