There’s nothing like relaxing skincare or lux body treatments to regenerate your health and well-being. These three spas in the high desert of New Mexico combine a luxury hotel stay with nurturing treatments you’ll love. I recently visited New Mexico spas in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos, and here’s what I learned.
I was hosted by New Mexico True and Heritage Hotels and Resorts. All opinions are my own.
Hacienda Spa at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm in Albuquerque
The Hacienda Spa sums up the well-being philosophy at Los Poblanos with spa experiences that commit to abundant life. Well-being on the farm involves a botanical cocktail on the Campo patio overlooking the lavender fields, farm and herb beds, field-to-fork dining at the award-winning Campo, and our luxurious farm guestroom accessorized with artisan lavender products. We found a serene and relaxing environment, offering an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the healthy balance of peace and happiness.
1. Historical Elegance
The historic Hacienda Spa encompasses the original, ancestral home designed by John Gaw Meem, the father of Santa Fe style. The luxurious lounges, stunning courtyard with a cozy fireplace, star-shaped Morrish fountain, floral landscape, and unique treatments in elegant spaces provide a rich, immersive ambiance.
Antique bathing scenes on panels painted by Paul Lantz in 1936 line the women’s changing room walls, initially serving as doors in the changing room at La Quinta, designed by Meem. I noticed that the artwork appears on the labels of the Los Poblanos Organic Lavender Skin Care Oil and Facial Toner products.
2. Himalayan Salt Stone Massage
After slipping into a cozy robe and slippers and disconnecting from the outside world with a cup of herbal tea, I met my massage therapist Michele for an 80-minute Himalayan Salt Stone Massage. The combination of deep massage pressure with the balancing properties of the warm Himalayan salt stones released tension and toxins while providing gentle exfoliation.
Himalayan Salt contains 84 minerals and salts that support a healthy respiration system. The salt improves circulation and boosts bone health while preventing muscle cramps. The heated salt emits negative ions causing higher mental alertness and protecting against germs in the air. While lightly exfoliating the skin, it relieves anxiety, addresses insomnia, improves digestion, and reduces acid reflux.
I was relaxed, my nagging back pain was gone, and I slept like a baby that night. I was so impressed with the results that I purchased a Himalayan Salt Lamp when I returned home.
3. Seasonal Facial
After breakfast at Campo the following morning, I strolled to the spa for a customized seasonal facial with Leigh Ann, an enlightened esthetician. She used botanically-based skincare products by Sorella Apothecary and EmerginC Organics, along with the Los Poblanos lavender product line. After an in-depth consultation and curated formulation of treatments, I received two cleanses, exfoliation, a face and scalp massage, custom masks, serums, nourishing moisturizers, and sun protection customized for a luxurious experience in the unique high-desert atmosphere. I could see a new skin radiance and facial clarity.
4. Sala Grande Lounge
I explored the Sala Grande lounge designed by John Gaw Meem with a fireplace, massive, sculpted adobe, wooden vigas, and shelves adorned with native American vases. There were sculptures, Spanish Madonnas in punched tin frames, carved wooden chests, and modern pueblo paintings. I wandered among the woven blankets folded on old wooden crates, woven baskets, old wooden chairs, and a table lined with one-of-a-kind art books with notes to owner Penny Rembe tucked in as page savers. Fascinating historical art pieces surrounded me.
5. Yoga In The Wellness Yurt
I topped off my spa experience with yoga in the Wellness Yurt, tucked in a serene, forested area, improving flexibility, and strengthening the body, contributing to my renewed sense of well-being.
Pro Tip: I purchased the Los Poblanos Lavender Salve and Lavender Skin Care Oil to continue my moisturizing regime.
Inn And Spa At Loretto
The Inn and Spa at Loretto on the Old Santa Fe Trail in Santa Fe, a Heritage Hotel & Resort, reminds me of the famed Taos Pueblo with its iconic adobe architecture. Founded in 1975 by the Kirkpatrick family, the boutique Inn and Spa at Loretto rests on the former location of Our Lady of Loretto Academy and is next door to the famed Loretto Chapel featuring the miraculous staircase. See my story about the three mysteries surrounding the Miraculous Staircase at the Loretto Chapel here.
Centered in the heart of downtown, one block from the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the Palace of the Governors, and the Canyon Road arts district, the hotel features 136 suites and guestrooms with custom décor. My tour included the penthouse suite where the founding Kirkpatrick family lived at one time, the award-winning spa and salon, fine casual dining at Luminaria, the gardens, and the year-round heated garden pool overlooking the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Pro Tip: Crafted Café is now open at the Inn and Spa at Loretto, offering breakfast croissants made of chocolate, spinach, feta, or leek and parmesan cheese. Add an Aroma New Mexico coffee, espresso, pumpkin pie chai latte, tea from Old Barrel Tea Co, or fresh juice. For lunch or light bites, savor an artisanal charcuterie and cheese board or green chili hummus. Enjoy tastings of New Mexico wine from Gruet, Vivac, or Milagro wineries and spirits tastings like single malt whiskey from Santa Fe Spirits, bourbon, vodka, or gin from KGB Spirits, and gin from Left Turn Distilling.
6. Effective Treatments
The Spa at Loretto hosts regionally inspired spa treatments with a chic Southwestern atmosphere. My facial at the Spa at Loretto was the signature Desert Glow Facial, a customized treatment created to help my skin renew its natural, healthy glow, and it worked. I was pampered with a soothing facial massage, cleansing the pores, an exfoliation, and customized masks and serum. My skin looked brighter and more firm.
7. Seaweed Lavender Ritual
The spa offers “Spirit of Loretto,” a series of custom-crafted essential oil aromatherapy blends for tension relief and good health, including meditation, sacred, calming, and angel. The seasonal Seaweed Lavender Ritual included the oils with a hydrating bath infused with lavender salts and seaweed. Then designed to balance dry skin, an 80-minute relaxing massage follows with seaweed-infused oil that will melt away your tension.
8. Aches Away Ritual
If stiffness, soreness, or stress plague you, the Aches Away Ritual is calling your name. Soak in a CBD-infused ritual bath, then continue with an 80-minute full-body Custom Mindful Massage using a hydrating CBD massage cream that eliminates any discomfort. It’s genuinely medicinal.
Pro Tip: I took home an advanced retinol Dr. Dennis Gross product recommended to create a barrier repair and visibly firm my skin. My esthetician Terry added a sun protection product, a hyaluronic marine mask, and C+ Collagen deep cream, all by Dr. Dennis Gross.
El Monte Sagrado In Taos
We took the scenic drive from Santa Fe to Taos along the river, past Vivac Winery, the Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center, and San Francisco de Asis Church in Ranchos de Taos. Georgia O’Keeffe, Ansel Adams, and many other artists painted and photographed the church.
Our destination was El Monte Sagrado, a Heritage Luxury Hotel & Resort in Taos, on Kit Carson Road, surrounded by towering cottonwood trees, naturally landscaped grounds, and picturesque mountain views at over 7,000 feet elevation. The resort is just blocks away from Taos’ historic plaza and 20 miles from world-class skiing at Taos Ski Valley. Savor seasonal dishes and local cuisine by award-winning Executive Chef Christina Martinez at De La Tierra Restaurant and Garden Courtyard. The giant anaconda sculpture at the Anaconda Bar signifying infinite life hosts a lively ambiance for signature cocktails and ever-changing creative cuisine.
9. Organic And Natural Products
Named one of the Top Spa Resorts in America by Forbes, The Living Spa only uses organic and natural products by Naturopathica and Sagrado by Body Bliss, a private label.
10. Sacred Staurolite Treatment
Saturday morning, I met my spa therapist Heidi for the Sacred Staurolite treatment, a balancing and regenerative regime utilizing the sacred stones found only around Taos. The Fairy Crosses, twin crystals found on the staurolite, have been used as a healing tool assisting in the release of destructive habits, attaining feelings of safety and security, and stabilizing emotions. Heidi began with dry brushing my entire body to exfoliate the skin and stimulate the lymphatic system. Next, I was covered in detoxifying turquoise mud and then wrapped like a cocoon. Heidi applied a hydrating mask to my face for moisturizing and rejuvenation. Reflexology balances the chakras while using the energy of the ancient staurolite crystals. Next, I received a cleansing warm shower under multiple jet sprays. Then I received restorative, luxurious moisturizers from head to toe. I can’t explain the refreshing feeling I felt.
Pro Tip: I researched the source, visited the Taos Gem and Mineral Shop, and purchased several rare Staurolite stones to take home.
11. Additional Treatments At The Living Spa
Additional spa experiences are reflexology that improves circulation and relieves tension, or the astrology birth chart reading called the Soul’s Blueprint. Add treatments like hot rocks, CBD oil, hand therapy, or the healing effects of arnica gel. Map your upcoming year with a tarot reading combined with astrology with the house astrologer.
Pro Tip: Shop the spa for great gift ideas like energy cleansing kits, sage wand, hand-knitted gloves, and woven socks.
Vacations often provide a relaxing atmosphere but adding some spa treatments enhances the experiences: