NM08 - Spas — Ooh, That's the Spot!

There are many ways to relax in New Mexico, but certainly high on the list are our renowned spas.

From cozy day to lavish resort spas, New Mexico has a spa style designed to fit you perfectly. Well-trained spa therapists offer a menu of services, but also customize their treatments to suit your body, mind, and spirit. Novices and spa aficionados can have manicures, pedicures, romantic couples treatments, full-body massages that range from pampering to pummeling, shiatsu (pressure point), Watsu (underwater), or hot stones applied to aching backs. Several treatments are specifically designed for men, such as men’s facials and manicures. Many of customized treatments include herbs and clay that are gathered from the countryside or grown on-site, a traditional approach you’ll only find here. Before and after your spa experience, you can relax in a luxurious resting room, sipping fruit-laced ice water or slide into a hot tub or sauna for a long, muscle-melting soak.

In Truth or Consequences, Sierra Grande Lodge and Spa sits on a natural geothermal spring and visitors swear by its healing properties. Ojo Caliente Mineral Resort and Spa in northern New Mexico is the oldest natural health resort in the country, and its famed waters contain lithium, iron, soda, and ominous-sounding but beneficial arsenic. La Posada de Santa Fe’s Avanyu offers massages designed especially for sore skiers. Eldorado Hotel's Nidah Spa, offers a wrinkle-erasing 24-Karat Gold Facial that uses real gold. The The SháNah Spa at Bishop's Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa features its deeply relaxing and equilibrating Rainbow Chakra treatment, which includes essential oils massaged into your seven chakras, or energy centers. The therapist explains to you the corresponding colors and themes of each chakra. And at Sunrise Springs south of Santa Fe, the therapist chants native songs and prays as she performs the aptly titled Medicine Helper massage.

Whatever treatment you desire, you can find it at the New Mexico Spa Association spa-locator service at www.nm-spa.org. Relax. Release. Enjoy. You deserve it.

Judith Fein is an award-winning travel journalist who contributes to more than 80 publications, makes travel films with her husband Paul Ross, and gives travel talks. She has been pummeled and pounded by massage therapists around the world and, recently, had her face shaved with a straightedge razor during a facial in Vietnam. Her Web site is www.globaladventure.us.

GuestLife New Mexico Spa/Wellness Guide

Aveda Salon Marjorie
237 Ledoux St. (across from Harwood Museum) Taos, NM 87571
(575) 751-7246
Aveda Salon Marjorie strives to nurture and inspire guests to look and feel as good as they can. The environment is healing, soothing, and relaxing, while Aveda Salon Marjorie’s energetic staff takes care of your needs. Enjoy and share the creative space. Isn’t it time you started taking care of yourself?

Avanyu, RockResorts Spa™ at La Posada de Santa Fe
330 E. Palace Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 986-0000
Avanyu, RockResorts Spa™ at La Posada emphasizes the delicate balance between nature and mankind, calling us to honor the power of the elements to reconnect and to bring balance. The 4,500-square-foot spa offers a full complement of signature treatments including facials, massages, body wraps, ayurvedic treatments, salon services, and day packages. There are eight treatment rooms including one for couples and a private Eucalyptus Steam Room, swimming pool ,and whirlpool. Fitness options include an equipment room, yoga, and other specialty modalities and sessions.

SháNah Spa & Wellness Center at Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa
1297 Bishop’s Lodge Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 819-4000; (800) 732-2240
Inspired by Native American traditions, the award-winning SháNah Spa & Wellness Center offers 27 luxurious and revitalizing treatments to bring body and mind into harmony. Services include: the Caviar Facial, Tesuque Clay Wrap, the signature Native Stone Massage, the Desert Fusion Massage, or an aquassage in the Watsu pool. Fitness classes include aerobics, yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi. Six indoor treatment rooms include a wet room with Vichy shower and a couples room. Outdoor options include two cabanas and a teepee in a private garden with a hot tub.