Nestled by the sacred Sangre de Cristo mountains of Northern New Mexico, El Monte Sagrado Resort and The Living Spa offers a respite from hectic lifestyles a few blocks from the historic Taos Plaza.

 ​Taos, New Mexico, is a well-known artist enclave that is recognized for its tri-cultural and liberal lifestyle. The town is home to the Taos Pueblo (or more accurately, the Taos Pueblo and its sovereign lands are home to Taos). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated for its cultural and historical significance and more than 1,000 years of age, the Taos Pueblo is known for its unique multi-storied adobe structures and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America.

The residents of Taos enjoy a rich spiritual and cultural heritage, and the Pueblo plays a vital role in their traditional practices. The Taos Pueblo community has largely maintained an autonomous way of life by balancing traditional values with the ever-encroaching influences of the surrounding modern world.

It is with these sacred traditions that El Monte Sagrado’s Living Spa has begun to offer services that are unique to any other part of the world. Situated on approximately 11 acres blocks away from Taos’ Historic District, El Monte Sagrado Resort is recognized for its serene setting and eco-conscious design, encompassing lush gardens, waterfalls, saltwater pool, and art installations with accommodations including casitas and suites inspired by global cultures. Its award-winning restaurant, De La Tierra, and award-winning chef, Cristina Martinez, offer breakfast and dinner daily with brunch service on Sundays. Chef Martinez is inspired by a fusion of local and international flavors.

The Anaconda Bar, where diners can enjoy drinks and dinner, is a vibrant and uniquely designed bar known for its artistic ambiance and luxurious setting. Named for its striking centerpiece – a large, sculpted anaconda that winds around the space – the bar is decorated with bold colors, dynamic lighting, and eclectic art pieces, creating an immersive atmosphere that feels exotic and intimate.

The resort’s spa experience, however, is one of the somewhat hidden jewels waiting to be discovered in a community off the beaten path. Named one of the “Top Spa Resorts in America” by Forbes, The Living Spa is a renowned and world-class rejuvenation center that focuses on holistic wellness and relaxation, inspired by the natural surroundings of Taos. It features a range of treatments that incorporate locally sourced, organic ingredients and Native American-inspired rituals.

Under the guise of Spa Director, Dianna Thomsen, The Living Spa offers signature services and wellness experiences. There is nowhere else on Earth where a Gourd Sound Healing Journey is offered by Native Benito Concha, who resides on the Taos Pueblo. Using Native instruments that were either made by Concha or gifted to him by Elders, Concha draws inspiration from the Earth’s elements and surrounds the client with a series of well-crafted “Songs of the Hummingbird” and its journey around the world to offer deep, cellular level healing. “Most of the instruments have been prehistorically present in our spectacular valley and are as organic a sound that exists in time,” described Concha of the not-to-be-missed service.

The Living Spa offers soul-nurturing, indulgent pampering including hot towel infusions, massages, body polishes, forest bathing, and one service described as “A Hug” which encourages clients to drift away cocooned by a comforting wrap, with a scalp and foot treatment including a soothing shea butter moisture effleurage.

Situated at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, Taos is located in the high desert of Northern New Mexico. The dramatic mountains and mesas contribute to the area’s unique climate and natural beauty, yet it also means that Taos has a cool, dry climate with an abundance of sunshine. In fact, Taos averages 285 sunny days per year, making it one of the sunnier places in the United States, including Florida the “Sunshine State.”

It is the arid climate and bright sunny days that motivated Thomsen to expand The Living Spa’s service to include an array of facials. According to Thomsen, “We only use natural and organic products which I believe is especially important for a quality facial.” The Living Spa offers five distinct facials, all but one are 80 minutes in length. The 30-minute Mini Glow Up Facial is ideal for an add-on or if time is in short supply.

Time, however, can seem to slow on the grounds of El Monte Sagrado. In addition to spa treatments, a sauna, and steam rooms, Thomsen has introduced Wellness Specialty Treatments for those looking to continue their holistic health journey. Visitors can participate in yoga classes, have a Tarot reading, a 90-minute Life Path Coaching experience, and Singing Bowl Sound Therapy. There are also Breathwork sessions and massages ​that not only include a variety of choices such as Deep Tissue, the Sagrado High Desert, ​and Unity Couples but also Jin Shin Jyutsu, an energy massage with techniques that originated in Japan.

Post-treatment meditation at the resort’s Sacred Circle is encouraged. The relaxation area has been revered for hundreds of years by the local Taos tribes and invites guests to unwind among the towering willow and cottonwood trees.

With a focus on sustainability, locally inspired experiences, and serene design, El Monte Sagrado Resort and Living Spa provides genuinely restorative experiences that resonate with the unique character of Taos. The resort offers more than 7,000 square feet of meeting space, including the 2,400 square foot Rio Grande Ballroom and the 1,400 square foot Sandoval Room. Two wedding venues are well-suited for indoor or outdoor ceremonies. The resort also hosts wine pairings and dinners during the annual Taos Winter Wine Festival.

“We have a lot to offer here,” added Thomsen. El Monte Sagrado is located at 317 Kit Carson Road. Parking is free and valet service is available.

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Cover photo courtesy El Monte Sagrado Resort + Spa.

Haven Lindsey resides in Taos, NM. She is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience writing on topics including healthcare, addiction, public policy, education, travel, food, and human interest stories. She was recognized by NPR for her solo travel series exclusive to Texas Lifestyle Magazine. Haven’s second children’s book, The Blue Dog and The White Horse ‘The Best of Friends’ will be released by Brandylane Publishing in the spring of 2025.