OJO CALIENTE MINERAL SPRINGS AND SPA
Iron and Arsenic Pools Cliffside at night
Iron and Arsenic Pools Cliffside at night
One of my very first spa travels was to Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs and Spa located in northern New Mexico. I was visiting a good friend who is very lucky to live in the beautiful town of Sante Fe, New Mexico. and we travelled up to "Ojo" for a day of pure heaven, sun, soaking in the natural mineral waters, amazing food, and most importantly, relaxation.
New Mexico is called "The Land of Enchantment and it is aptly named. Located in the American Southwest, it is a land of stunning beauty with altitudes of 6,000 feet above sea level on average. The land changes from plateau to mountain terrain, from high desert to low desert, everywhere the land is dotted with pinion and juniper trees and all varieties of cactus. The Rocky and Sangre de Cristos mountain ranges run through New Mexico and the Rio Grande flows through cutting a deep valley. The sun shines for most of the year and the sky is such a brilliant blue it dazzles your eyes. New Mexico was the land of Billy the Kid and Kit Carson. The Navajo, Hopi, Zuni and Pueblo Indians made their home here, and later Spanish settlers. It brings alive the stories you read as a child about the "Wild West".
The city of Sante Fe was originally settled by artists, the most famous of these was Georgia O'Keefe who made her home at Ghost Ranch, now a famous tourist museum. Modern Sante Fe is a sophisticated and artistic city that combines elements from the historic Old West, Spanish and Indian Culture with modern hotels, top class restaurants, amazing shopping and, of course, spas of every kind.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs and Spa is located in the town of the same name about an hour's ride north of Sante Fe. The drive takes you through high desert, studded with cactus, scrub pinion and juniper, with a view of the Sangre de Cristos mountains in the background, until you arrive at the small town of Ojo Caliente and the Spa itself. The Spa is comprised of a rustic adobe main building with an adjacent historic hotel dating back to the early 1900's. The mineral springs flow from a deep volcanic source and were a gathering place for the early Indians, who considered it a sacred spot, as well as the early Spanish.
What makes the hot springs of Ojo Caliente so unique is that they are the only natural hot springs in the world that are made up of four different type of minerals waters: Lithium, Arsenic, Iron and Soda. Each one of these waters have different health benefits. Arsenic is said to be good for arthritis and skin conditions, iron for blood and the immune system, lithium for relaxation and soda . A day pass at the springs allows you entry into the pools and adjoining mud pools for the entire day. Spa treatments of all kinds are available, massage, body treatments, facials, and the Milagro Wrap, an Ojo special, where you are wrapped in a warm blanket after soaking in the waters, while soothed by gentle music, a great way to increase the detox experience of the waters. The Spa maintains a "whisper only" policy which adds to the peacefulness and tranquility of the waters.
The Historic Hotel that adjoins the Spa offers wonderful, simple food based on cuisine of the Southwest. After spending the day soaking in the waters, you can work up quite an appetite and a wonderful way to end the day is with a light lunch or dinner in the Artesian Restaurant or with a Margarita or glass of wine in their new Wine Bar and Lounge.
A trip to historic Ojo Caliente is a must if you have a chance to visit New Mexico. The day I spent there was so relaxing, so special, I can't wait until I visit there again.
If you would like more information on the Spa, Accommodation and Packages visit: www.ojospa.com
What makes the hot springs of Ojo Caliente so unique is that they are the only natural hot springs in the world that are made up of four different type of minerals waters: Lithium, Arsenic, Iron and Soda. Each one of these waters have different health benefits. Arsenic is said to be good for arthritis and skin conditions, iron for blood and the immune system, lithium for relaxation and soda . A day pass at the springs allows you entry into the pools and adjoining mud pools for the entire day. Spa treatments of all kinds are available, massage, body treatments, facials, and the Milagro Wrap, an Ojo special, where you are wrapped in a warm blanket after soaking in the waters, while soothed by gentle music, a great way to increase the detox experience of the waters. The Spa maintains a "whisper only" policy which adds to the peacefulness and tranquility of the waters.
Enjoying the mud pool
The Historic Hotel that adjoins the Spa offers wonderful, simple food based on cuisine of the Southwest. After spending the day soaking in the waters, you can work up quite an appetite and a wonderful way to end the day is with a light lunch or dinner in the Artesian Restaurant or with a Margarita or glass of wine in their new Wine Bar and Lounge.
A trip to historic Ojo Caliente is a must if you have a chance to visit New Mexico. The day I spent there was so relaxing, so special, I can't wait until I visit there again.
If you would like more information on the Spa, Accommodation and Packages visit: www.ojospa.com
Iron - Arsenic pool with cliffs
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