Best Spa Resorts in Santa Fe, New Mexico—7 Picks, No Big Chains

What makes Santa Fe the cultural capital of the Southwest? It depends on who you ask.

You’re likely to hear responses related to the city’s historical significance (it was founded in 1610, a decade before the Mayflower reached Cape Cod), its unique pueblo and colonial architecture, its delicious Tex-Mex and Mexican food, and its breathtaking desert landscape.

All in all, from its food to its architecture to its history, Santa Fe marks the confluence of indigenous traditions with Spanish, American, and Mexican flair.

But that’s not all.

Similar to Palm Springs, it’s also a lesser-known resort hub where you can find state-of-the-art spas inside cozy, stylish hotels.

Do you know where to find the best spa resorts in Santa Fe, New Mexico? You’ve got more than a dozen options at your fingertips, but I suggest skipping out on major chains if you want to maximize the Santa Fe spirit for a more intimate, atmospheric stay.

Here’s where to go for the best spa resorts in Santa Fe, beyond big chains and large hotels.

Best spa resorts in Santa Fe, New Mexico: at a glance

Best spa resorts in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Hotel Santa Fe, The Hacienda & Spa (4-star)

As Santa Fe’s only Native American-owned spa resort, Hotel Santa Fe gives you the keys to a traditional Pueblo retreat. The décor includes original pieces from Native American artists, while calming traditional music can be heard in communal spaces. As an added perk, Hotel Santa Fe is located close to downtown, meaning you can jump in and out of the local scene as desired.

Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort (4-star)

Though Ojo Santa Fe also isn’t far from downtown, you have the benefit of stepping onto 77 acres of private land in the La Cienega Valley. The location is important because it gives you access to three different spring-fed thermal soaking pools. They’re the perfect place to prep your body for a spa treatment… or ten.

The Inn of The Five Graces (5-star)

The Inn of The Five Graces isn’t just the best spa resort in Santa Fe, or the Southwest, or even the country. It’s often listed amongst the world’s premier spa resorts. It’s nabbed awards from US Travel & Leisure and has stayed as the top traveler-reviewed hotel on TripAdvisor for over ten years. Should I keep going? From the spa services to its on-site dining to its concierge staff, it’s a five-star experience.

Ten Thousand Waves (4-star)

This Japanese-style spa resort lets you stop in with day passes or book multiple nights. It’s perfect for anyone who’s after world-class massage and hydro-therapy, plus anyone who wants a little East Asian flair with their spa experience. The ground is peaceful, the restaurant is small but highly acclaimed, and the décor is incredibly relaxing.

La Fonda on the Plaza (4-star)

Located right in Santa Fe Plaza, this hotel has gone to great lengths to maintain the grounds’ historical elements while offering modern amenities. That unique combination is definitely attractive, but look out for other perks like two on-site dining options and the open-air lounge that overlooks the Plaza.

Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi (5-star)

Only steps away from the Santa Fe Plaza, the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi lets you stay in the heart of the city. But the real magic is its handcrafted furnishings, traditional ceilings with wooden beams, and Adobe kiva fireplaces. It’s a love letter to the Southwest—one that comes with fantastic in-room massages. Not a full spa resort, but definitely worth checking out.

Inn and Spa at Loretto (4-star)

Looking for a comprehensive spa resort? Similar to Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, Inn and Spa at Loretto has just about everything you could need for pure relaxation. This boutique spa resort has only 138 guestrooms for a more intimate feel. It also has a world-class full-service spa and multiple art galleries on the grounds, plus casual fine dining and a Southwestern-style garden.

8 Best Travel Accounts on Instagram That I Follow Obsessively

Last week, I covered popular travel destinations that get a little overblown and over-romanticized thanks to social media feeds, from Venice to Bali to Vegas in the daylight.

But that doesn’t mean all travel accounts on social media are misrepresentative.

In fact, some social media content can spark your interest in travel, culture, language, nature, fashion, and more. Like a great TV show or podcast, these accounts can open our eyes to new worlds, so to speak.

Ready to get inspired to travel the world without leaving your couch?

I’ve rounded up some of the best travel accounts on Instagram that I’ve been following for at least a year, if not longer. Some of them even offer their own tours that you can book and join, in case you’re interested!

My 10 favorite travel accounts on Instagram

An American with a bicycle attempts to get from Italy to Japan: @RideWithIan
An Egyptian relies on the kindness of strangers to circumnavigate the globe without flying: @Omar.Nok
An American woman traveler hitchhikes from China to Cape Town: @hitchhikercourtney
A Swiss fashionista combines fashion with culture on her global travels: @by.regiina
A polyglot blows minds in China by speaking perfect Mandarin: babyqueenpolyglot2.0 (TikTok)
A pro photographer captures wild bands of horses in Montana: @swgoudge
A Swedish woman living above the Arctic Circle shows what life on Svalbard is like: @sejsejlija
An American man and his Nigerian wife travel the world and navigate immigration: @authentic_traveling
An English woman travels the world and nerds out on history: @byjacklynn
English history buffs cover Europe’s darkest history at major landmarks: @shiverdarkhistory

Travel accounts on Instagram you’ll follow for years

@RideWithIan

An American with a bicycle attempts to get from Italy to Japan

Someone needs to call Ian’s mom and ask if she’s okay because he’s been cycling across Iran and Afghanistan for close to a month, and it’s been pretty remarkably dangerous. And by really dangerous, I mean he was accidentally in Iran on June 22, if anyone remembers what happened at that time.

If you like wayward and even ill-advised adventures, the open road and cycling, and intercultural exchanges, Ian’s task of crossing all continents on his bike will keep you on the edge of your seat. His daily vlogs are short and have insights that remind me a bit of Anthony Bourdain.

@Omar.Nok

An Egyptian relies on the kindness of strangers to circumnavigate the globe without flying

I first heard about Omar Nok when he left Egypt last year with the goal of making it to Japan without flying. After achieving that goal following months of hitchhiking, bus rides, hikes, and more, Omar set off on a new adventure: to circumnavigate the globe without getting on a plane.

Similar to Ian, you can expect a lot of intercultural interactions that will fuel your wanderlust. There’s another layer of added intrigue since Omar is Egyptian, meaning you’re not watching another American traipse across the globe.

@hitchhikercourtney

A Canadian traveler hitchhikes from China to Cape Town

When you get off the phone with Ian’s mom, call Courtney’s mom to check in. Following a successful stint hitchhiking from Morocco down to Cape Town, Courtney has upped the ante by extending that distance from China to Cape Town.

As she does, she defies just about every piece of travel advice I’ve given solo women travelers and hitchhikers alike. But why would she need my advice? Courtney is clearly intelligent, intuitive, and has great karma on her side.

@by.regiina

A Swiss fashionista combines fashion with culture on her global travels

Fashion might be my favorite form of cultural expression—and no one captures my awe like fashionista Jessi Regina. I’ve been following her for over a year as she jumps across the globe with her seriously jaw-dropping getups in tow.

With heritage from Angola, family in Brazil, and having been raised in Switzerland, she’s a global citizen with a flair for artistic outfits. (She also took my advice once on why flying with a legacy airline is worth it, and it was one of my favorite Instagram moments ever.)

If you like to keep your travel content super casual and you appreciate fashion, you’ll love Jessi Regina’s account.

babyqueenpolyglot2.0 (TikTok)

A polyglot blows minds in China by speaking perfect Mandarin

Rosy is a polyglot, meaning she’s got a thing for learning complex languages quickly. I fell in love with her Instagram account, which has since moved to TikTok. You get to see her exploits in China as she mingles, makes friends, and introduces many locals to black culture and identity.

Rosy is what I would call a cultural ambassador, always willing to share her perspectives with those she meets. She’s also fluent in Mandarin, which gets the attention of many Chinese people in her videos. It’s fun, it’s positive, and it’s the type of content that inspires people to travel further than they have in the past.

*If you’re looking for Mandarin language classes, you can find them on Rosy’s website.

@swgoudge

A pro photographer captures wild bands of horses in the US

No need to jet-set across the world with the best Instagram travel accounts—there’s plenty to enjoy in the US. SW Goudge is a wild horse photographer who mostly spends her time in Arizona.

Her account showcases the latest ups and downs of the wild horses that roam the high desert. I’ve been locked in for a while now. Look out for a stallion named Rascal—he’s a super-star.

@sejsejlija

A Swede living above the Arctic Circle shows what life on Svalbard is like

The sun is about to set in Svalbard, Sweden, an island that’s north of the Arctic Circle. And it’s not going to rise again until next May. Welcome to the dramatic day-to-day of life on Svalbard, a quiet and snowy town where you might see polar bears roaming, whales passing by, and some of the best Northern Lights shows in the world.

This social media account became so popular that its creator, Cecilia Blomdahl, actually published a book about her life on the island. It’s a NYT Bestseller, just to showcase how weirdly fascinating this quiet, frigid location is.

*If you’re looking for an adorable coffee table book, Cecilia recently published a book based on her life on Svalbard.

@authentic_traveling

An American man and his Nigerian wife travel the world and navigate immigration

An American country-counter (that’s someone who wants to visit every nation on Earth) has been sharing his slow travel journey for years. When Chris traveled to Nigeria, he fell in love with a local woman named Adenike—and so added a new chapter to his global journey.

Today, his account includes insights and tips on the process of many intercultural and immigration topics, from throwing a traditional Nigerian wedding to covering why his wife’s US visa still hasn’t been approved. Think of it like part wanderlust, part helpful tips, and part love letter to Africa. (Chris and Adenike also travel outside Africa.)

*If you’re looking for immigration advice and travel tips for Africa, Latin America, and beyond, Chris and Adenike have a fantastic website with many resources.

@byjacklynn

An English woman travels the world and nerds out on history

Do you like art, history, and culture? Nobody brings it alive like Jacklynn. As she puts it, she often goes into an existential crisis when she visits her favorite historical locations—like the Tower of London, Versailles, the Sphinx, and more.

But Jacklynn also does a great job of highlighting lesser-known locations. For example, she just visited Syracuse, Sicily—a spot I usually visit once a year—and showcased a few historical sites I’d never heard of.

*If you love history, Jacklynn offers unique guides and meet-ups around Europe. She recently hosted an event at a chateau in France, as well. Très cool!

@shiverdarkhistory

English history buffs cover Europe’s darkest history at major landmarks

Europe is layered with history—and a lot of it is hidden, forgotten, and dark. What I love about this account is that its creators dive deep into tiny historical markers that most people would pass up, from placards on walls in French villages to public parks in London that are also mass graves.

For example, one recent post covers small slabs laid along a Parisian crosswalk—thousands step on these five nondescript stones every day without realizing they once fixed the city’s most active guillotines into the ground. Suddenly, a basic crosswalk becomes the site of many grizzly executions.

If you like well-researched and slightly spine-tingling historical investigations, especially those set in well-known European locations, let the disturbed minds at ShiverDarkHistory take you into the fold.

Starting October 17, Airbnb is Updating its Service Fees Policy

After a tough year for the private rental company, Airbnb is shifting policies in a major way.

The goal is to improve price transparency for guests, who are often hit with added service fees after they select their dates. In short, the price displayed on Airbnb isn’t the final price that guests will actually pay.

So, what’s the change in fees? And will tourists who use Airbnb be footing the bill in the end? Let’s dig in.

The new Airbnb fee policy mostly applies to hosts

Airbnb’s new approach to service fees shifts the responsibility away from guests and places it on hosts. Previously, hosts paid a 3% service fee while guests paid between 14-16% service fees on each rental.

Those service fees were displayed later on, meaning the list price for the rental was lower before these mandatory fees were added on. (This service fee is applied by Airbnb, and is separate from fees that the host sets, such as pet and cleaning fees.)

Starting on October 27, 2025, hosts will be responsible for footing the entire 15% service fee. This date applies only to hosts who use a PMS or a property management system, meaning it applies to professional hosts who manage multiple properties.

Independent hosts who list properties they own personally won’t be footing the whole service fee until December 1, 2025. That means this change first applies to US Airbnb hosts who use a PMS to manage their properties. Later, it will affect independent hosts.

…But travelers will likely foot the bill

Airbnb’s policy change signals that the company is willing to make major changes to its operations following ongoing negative press in areas hit with under-regulated tourist markets, such as Mexico City and Barcelona.

That being said, the changes are likely to be forwarded to guests who book rentals on Airbnb. Already, resources for Airbnb property managers (independent and otherwise) are to simply adjust their nightly rates to reflect the 15% service fee.

In short, though Airbnb will require its hosts to foot the bill starting in late October, the company has no control over how hosts price their units. If they want to raise prices to match the new service fee policy, it’s par for the course.

Additionally, Airbnb has not made it mandatory for hosts to prove that they have the correct licensing to host a property—which is a major pain point for protesters in areas wracked with overtourism.

Is the US in a Travel Slump? Reports Diverge

Headlines cover a vast gamut when it comes to the state of US travel and tourism.

Publications have covered US tourism from a range of angles, from analyzing Las Vegas’s summer slump to forecasting how new visa fees might change tourist outlook.

But what does that data actually say about travel to and from the United States throughout 2025? Even statistical breakdowns look a little murky depending on which data sets and yearly reports are compared. Are we in a slump? And what, exactly, defines a slump?

In short, the US is in an unprecedented situation with many possibilities ahead.

Let’s take a look at differing viewpoints from three major publications on whether or not the US is in a travel slump. (To clarify: this ‘slump’ refers to travel to/throughout the US from both domestic and international visitors.)

Take #1: Business trips are showing resilience in the tourism sector

According to Monica Pitrelli, reporting for CNBC, business trips to and from the United States have shown steady numbers throughout 2025. According to data from SAP Concur, the US was the top global destination for businesspeople this year.

That’s worth noting when it comes to Canada. Though the US and Canada are facing intensifying tensions, around 80% of outbound flights from Canada for business were heading to the US.

In short, corporate interests haven’t been tarnished by geopolitical topics.

Take #2: Overall visitor numbers are down this summer—but not for all states

According to some of the anonymous minds behind The Economist, not all publicity is good publicity when it comes to tourism. Taking a fine-tooth comb to the travel data available—such as daily passenger arrivals into the US—there’s been a sharp decline in the number of travelers visiting the US compared to 2024.

Between May and July, tourist visits to the US dropped by 5.5% compared to the previous year. Canadian visits are down 13.2% during that time for flights, with a whopping 30% decline for visits by car.

On a brighter note, while tourist visits to New York, Chicago, and Boston all dropped, they increased slightly in Florida hotspots like Orlando and Tampa. Other reports hint that some domestic travelers have been spending even more during trips, which has helped soften the financial blow of lower visitor numbers for some hospitality groups.

Take #3: US travel slump is intensifying for leisure travelers

Sarah Barltop of The Express has reported that tourism and aviation stats from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America have shown sharp declines in US travel. According to figures from the US, inbound visits dropped by 3.4% compared to last June, except for flights to/from Mexico and Canada.

The total figure from 2025 is only about 80% of pre-pandemic travel numbers from 2019. Travelers from countries like Ecuador, Colombia, Spain, and Ireland have dropped from 24-33% from previous years.

According to Barltrop, main issues concerning the travel drop are related to geopolitical tensions, economic fears, and US reputation amongst travelers.

The Top 12 Venice Hidden Gems According to its Tourism Board

A while back, I covered how to research locations (from attractions to restaurants to spas) when visiting a country that uses another alphabet.

One tip I offered was relying on the local tourism board.

As a travel writer, I regularly rely on local tourism authorities to learn about specific regulations, new openings, and—the Holy Grail—recommendations on what to do.

Those recommendations can be incredibly insightful in busy tourist hubs where tourists have a lot to dig into in a short amount of time, meaning they stick to the ‘tourist track’.

In a city like Venice, that’s doubly true.

First, because Venice is usually very busy, meaning you’re more likely to miss hidden gems and alluring side streets thanks to the hustle. Second, Venice is a complex city to navigate thanks to its unique canals, making it even more likely that you’ll miss out on a secret find.

But the Citta di Venezia’s tourism authority wants you to enjoy your time in the city. They want you to slow down, meander, eat, observe, and, overall, invest on a mental and emotional level in the city.

Most importantly, they want to educate you on the ‘art of getting lost in Venice’. To do so, the Citta di Venezia has rolled out a list of Venice’s hidden gems that too many tourists miss out on. They’re divided into four sections, covering churches, gardens, bridges, and the famous squeri.

Best Venice hidden gems according to the Citta di Venezia

Secret Venice spots: Churches

Colorful Crucifix Cross Basilica Church of San Sebastian Chiesa San Sebastiano Venice Italy (Getty)

In the Cannaregio district, don’t miss out on the hidden Church of Maddona dell’Orto. It’s the final resting place of the famous Venetian-style Renaissance painter named Jacopo Robusti, referred to in Venice as Tintoretto.

In the same district, you can explore the Church of San Giobbe. This church is one of five votive churches that were built post-plague, along with the Church of San Sebastian, below. It’s one of the oldest in the city, dating back to the 14^th century.

In the Dorsoduro district, you can find the Church of San Sebastian. Most visitors head there in the hopes of hearing the choir sing, along with exploring Renaissance works.

In the Santa Croce district, you can explore the Church of San Giacomo dall’Orio, one of the oldest churches still standing in the city. Its roof dates back to the 13^th century, but it was likely founded as early as the 9^th century.

Secret Venice spots: Gardens

Inner Courtyard of the Church of San Francesco della Vigna Venice with ancient cemetery (Getty)

When you’re reading to escape the noise and hustle, head to the Castello district and enjoy the greenery in San Francesco della Vigna convent gardens, set inside the church courtyard.

In Connaregio, you can visit the famous Scalzi Church, which is located near the Santa Lucio station for easy access. Again, you can find gardens in the interior.

In Santa Croce, a visit to the Palazzo Soranzo Cappello will also give you access to a quaint green space where you can soak up Venice’s quieter, more introspective side.

The Dorsoduro district also hides a gorgeous interior garden as part of the Ca’ Zenobio degli Armeni. As you head into the gardens, you can stop to enjoy the gorgeous Baroque art… and you might recognize a few spots from Madonna’s famously controversial music video for Like a Virgin, which was filmed inside.

Lastly, don’t forget about the Giardini Reali in the San Marco district and Castello Gardens or Giardini della Biennale in the Castello district.

Secret Venice spots: Bridges

Nearby the famous Rialto Bridge in the San Polo district waits Ponte delle Tette, which (roughly translated) means Tit Bridge in English. (Should we go with Breast Bridge? Or, if we’re feeling playful, Booby Bridge? Just a thought.)

The name isn’t gratuitous, either; this is where courtesans once met their clientele back in the day, and were ‘allowed’ to show their breasts to attract clients. The idea behind decriminalizing the act was to discourage homosexual affairs.

In the Dorsoduro district, don’t forget about the Ponte dei Pugni, which (again, roughly translated) means Fist Bridge in English. Similar to Florence’s Calcio Storico, this bridge is where two rival clans (the Castellani and Nicolotti) used to meet up for a casual fistfight.

Venice’s best hidden gem: the Squeri

VENICE, VENETO, ITALY – 2015/09/06: The squero di San Trovaso gondola boatyard. (Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)

If you’ve got a thing for Venice’s gondolas, don’t miss out on the Squeri. This spot in the Dorsoduro district is home to multiple workshops where Venice’s most skilled craftsmen repair and build gondolas according to centuries-old traditions. Look for Squero Domenico Tramontin & Figli, along with Squero San Trovaso.

The World Tour of Oopsies – Chapter 13: The Recap

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I had to unlearn many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Catch up on the World Tour of Oopsies:

Three years in…

My world tour of travel stories started with a scorpion sting in rural Cambodia (see: Ch. 1) and ended with a horse bite in rural Costa Rica (see: Ch. 12).

The tales in between mark a very action-packed start to my travel initiation. At their start, I was sixteen and thirsty for culture, especially in the realm of spirituality. By the end, I was nineteen, and falling in love with people at festivals.

These three years were important to my life’s trajectory; I was young enough not to be changed by what I saw and learned, but to be shaped. As a malleable teenager, I was actively molded by these experiences.

The Recap

In case you’re joining my world tour of travel stories now, here’s a little rundown of what happened in my first years of travel, from ages 16-18, as a very ordinary Midwesterner.

At age sixteen, I traveled to rural Cambodia and went on a homestay on a small island near Kratie. I was stung by a scorpion in the middle of the night at one point, then had my first taste of communal bathing via bucket shower.

At age seventeen, I traveled to India’s provinces of West Bengal and Sikkim. I visited one of Kali Ma’s most famous temples, where I witnessed a goat sacrifice—and the slap of the century. My group later forged into the Himalayan Foothills (which were the biggest mountains I’d ever seen) before getting booted out of a village for not passing the vibe check, and then doing a silent retreat at a famous gompa.

I learned about true compassion, true wisdom, and how to have a full-on spiritual vision with breathwork. Shout-out to the ujjayi breath (see: Ch. 8).

At eighteen, I headed off to a hippie-ish, alternative learning college (now LIU Global) where freshmen were shipped off to Costa Rica to study environmentalism, foreign investment, and more. There, I learned the secret of the universe, about the spirituality of surfing, about Burner festivals, and why talking trash to horses never pans out.

As my first year of college came to an end, I had a choice: head to my college’s campus in Guangzhou, China, or Bengaluru, India.

Tune in next week to see where I go on my ongoing world tour of travel stories, and what sort of misadventures I get myself into next.