fbpx

The Magazine for spa and wellness in Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America​

Spa Review: Sunrise Springs Spa Resort, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Sunrise Springs Spa Resort, located on the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico, spans 70 acres of lush grounds and picturesque waters. Historically, these legendary waters provided a welcome respite for weary travelers looking for rest and rejuvenation on the historic trade route ‘El Camino Real’. Due to the natural springs, the resort has a lush vibrant feel with tall trees, spacious lawns and lush foliage in every shade of green imaginable. Emphasizing harmony rather than balance, guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in nature and benefit from the phytoncides, a substance emitted by trees and plants which can help to calm the nervous system.

The Medicine Wheel at Sunrise Springs sits at the center of the property, representing the four ages of man, the four seasons and the four aspects of well being: mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. Finding your place on the medicine wheel can provide insight into the state, direction and current focus of your life. Look out for this activity.

The Spa at Sunrise Springs offers a multitude of holistic therapies and features private or couples, mineral-infused soaking tubs. The Ojitos open-air soaking experience boasts a view of the pond and resort grounds behind the privacy of an adjustable wood slat wall. The perfect time to enjoy these would be in the evening when the temperature drops and the air cools off. The eucalyptus steam room provides a welcome dose of humidity for those suffering from the dryness of the Santa Fe climate. The Ancient Echoes treatment is based on East Indian Head Massage and a variety of massage and energy balancing techniques over the whole body including the face and ears, finishing with a luxurious foot massage. This was a perfect “on-arrival” spa service after a long day of traveling. Native American sweat lodge ceremonies are performed every Friday and Saturday night. Guests gather in the small, stone walled space (similar to a Mexican temazcal) as steam purifies the body and herbs balance the senses.

With medical director, Dr. Sally Fisher, and counselors present at the resort, Sunrise Springs has the opportunity to offer guests a deeper healing experience to work through any issues they may be experiencing. Counseling is less about one-on-one conversation and more about experiential activities, getting outside and moving the body. The art studio invites you to have fun, enjoy play and pose the question to yourself “When was the last time you did something for the first time?”

Animal interaction plays an important role at Sunrise Springs. Labrador puppies in training with Assistance Dogs of the West are trained to become service dogs for people with a variety of disabilities. The dogs stay at the resort for around 3 months at a time and guests get the chance to assist in the training and benefit from the pure enjoyment of playing with puppies. Silkie chickens live on site in the ‘chicken palace’ and guest activities include interacting with, feeding and holding the chickens while being mindful of the energy you are projecting.

The activity schedule at Sunrise Springs offers ten or more activities per day. With a variety of movement, creativity, connection, nutrition and spirituality on the agenda, you can stay as busy or as quiet as you like. The morning yoga class was a welcome treat with a strong focus on alignment of the spine and balance in the body.

The Blue Heron restaurant at Sunrise Springs is the only waterside dining option in Santa Fe and serves fresh, locally grown, organic food as much as possible. Herbs, vegetables and fruits are grown on property throughout the year and provide not only food for the restaurant but group activities such as growing herbs, making herbal eye pillows, herbal incense and smudge sticks herbal salves, lip balms and lotion bars. Guests can also pick their own vegetables from the gardens before taking them to the kitchen and enjoying a cooking class, learning a variety of cooking techniques, salsas, tea making, fermentation etc.

Ojo Caliente

While enjoying a stay at Sunrise Springs, it’s well worth taking a trip up the resort’s sister property, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. Opened to the public in 1868, Ojo Caliente is one of the oldest natural health resorts in the US. The sulphur-free, geothermal mineral waters flow from a subterranean volcanic aquifer as they have for thousands of years. Over 100,000 gallons per day come to the surface and flow through the variety of pools, all with specific mineral combinations and temperatures. Lithia water is believed to relieve depression and aid digestion. The warm iron-rich water in the Iron Pool is considered to be beneficial to the blood and immune system. Water from the Soda Spring is said to relieve digestive problems, this pool is also a silent space. The Arsenic Pool is believed to be beneficial for relief from arthritis, stomach ulcers and to heal a variety of skin conditions. Cover yourself in liquid mud in the unique Mud Pool. A special blend of clay dries and draws toxins from the skin leaving you feeling cleansed and refreshed.

No trip to this area would be complete without visiting the picturesque city of Santa Fe. Abundant with vibrant markets, art galleries, craft fairs, museums, cathedrals, boutique shops and a myriad of restaurants, walking around the colorful streets of Santa Fe is a great way to take in the sights and explore.

Sara Jones

Editor

Sara Jones
Author: Sara Jones