Was it the Puppy Patch?

Or was it my extraordinary massage in the spa or the exotic purple wisteria growing outside my casita? Perhaps it was my private pinon-scented soak with the blazing kiva (fireplace) in the corner. I don’t know, maybe the towering cottonwoods showing off their impressionistic reflections like paintings on the surface of the springs. Could I choose a favorite experience during my overnight stay at Ojo Santa Fe? Hardly!

Peace & Relaxation Everywhere

Everything about the Ojo Santa Fe property and its programs foster peace and relaxation. Repeatedly, I witnessed bliss on the face of guests donned in their spa robes daydreaming on the patio of the Blue Heron restaurant fresh from a transcendent spa experience. Every activity, event, or service was brilliantly designed by Ojo Santa Fe to nurture one’s well-being and promote equanimity.

As a local Santa Fean, I had heard friends sing praises about sister property, Ojo Caliente, one of the oldest spas in the country, about an hour’s drive from home. It’s on my short list and I will visit there soon. Meanwhile, in less than half an hour, I was lucky to bring my small bag and big curiosity to a haven of 77 acres where a nature-filled, healing paradise awaited me.

How lovely to have such convenient access to Ojo Santa Fe, and upon my arrival, I would report to the spa for a long overdue massage with Aura. This talented massage therapist gave me 50 minutes of pure heaven. Perfectly timed afterwards was a private soak in a tub large enough for four. The temperature of the water was ideal, and the attendant was lovely and accommodating. I felt a delicious warmth permeating both inside and out. I was now one of the guests with bliss on my face, about to float to my next destination. The gift shop and its myriads of wellness-forward items, were beckoning but I would have to wait until morning.

I drifted like a happy cloud to my room in one of the magical, spacious and very private casitas. Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries awaited me, as well as a thoughtful handwritten note from the management. My husband was on his way to meet me for dinner, and we’d later enjoy the fireplace in our casita. All was well with the world.

Puppy Therapy

The next treat I couldn’t wait to enjoy was the aforementioned Puppy Patch! This collaborative effort with Espanola Humane, a local shelter, was calling me. Fostered by Ojo Santa Fe and available for adoption, I got to snuggle and play with Josie and Charlie, a pair of brown and white sibling pups who were holding court during one of the two daily play sessions exclusively offered to overnight guests. In between perpetual circles of zoomies, amidst about a dozen people, we got to reward these beloved stress-relieving, furry friends with kibble treats. It was inevitable that these precious puppies would find good homes with some lucky people.

Happy Hearts, Happy Bellies

With my animal-loving soul sated and my blood pressure most likely lowered, I met up with my husband for our dinner reservation, graciously made for us by management. At the Blue Heron we both indulged in the Spinach & Goat Cheese Salad complete with candied pecans, roasted gold beets, and champagne vinaigrette. For entrees, I chose the scallops and my husband the fish tacos. Short of licking our plates, we were in culinary delight with happy bellies. We did find room for dessert and shared the bread pudding and key lime pie. A wonderful feature about the offerings at Ojo Santa Fe is that much of the food is grown on the property or sourced from reputable local suppliers. It was evident that a lot of care went into the menu with all its healthy and delicious selections, and the preparation and presentation were first-rate.

Strolling the gorgeous property, me still humming from my massage and soak, we felt the embrace of Ojo Santa Fe’s surrounding lush greenery. Since so much of the Santa Fe area is about brown hues of the high desert, these majestic trees, emerald springs, and green landscapes were a welcome departure from our everyday lives and dry, arid days. A local person once told me that the Ojo Santa Fe was the place to go when one craved water!

In our casita, we fired up the gas fireplace and cuddled under the sumptuous bedding and called it a night. All was extraordinarily quiet and peaceful. After a good night’s rest, it was coffee at the Sage and a light breakfast before yoga. I had the chia pudding, and my husband indulged in a yummy pastry. With some time to digest the light fare and more of the property’s ambiance, I was ready for yoga. The class was clearly and deftly designed for all levels of practice and topped off my morning preparing me for the day ahead.

Ancient & Healing Springs and So Much More

If healing and a long-awaited respite is what you’re craving, Ojo Sante Fe, a part of Ojo Spa Resorts, might be the ideal place to entertain for the next gift to yourself. Consider their overnight packages, or if you live in the area or are committed to another venue, go for a day of soaking in the public pools or book a private one. There’s even a saltwater pool! Choose a spa amenity from their creative and comprehensive list and book a table at the Blue Heron’s waterfront patio where you can bliss out like I did and nurture yourself in whatever ways call to you. Make this truly immersive experience your own and count on a return visit in the very near future!

p.s. I’m already plotting and scheming my return visit, possibly to celebrate a landmark birthday with friends!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cover Photo by Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort

Kim Weiss has worked as a PR Professional for decades, most notably heading up the publicity department from 1994-2019 for the major book publisher, HCI Books, best known for launching the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Currently, she runs Kim Weiss Publishing Services and freelances as a publicist for numerous authors. Kim is also the author of her own book, Sunrise Sunset: 52 Weeks of Awe & Gratitude (HCI – 2012). She lives with her husband John, and her cat Sachi in Santa Fe, NM.