I have been going to Ojo Caliente, which is about 50 miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico, for at least twenty years. On my first visit, the parents of the current owners were running it and it was fun, but very “cowboy rustic.” Since then, the next generation has taken over and brought in many modern conveniences, although there is still a tranquility about the location that probably goes back to the spirituality of the Native Americans who discovered and used the healing waters originally.
Unfortunately, in the summer of 2020, the original bathhouse at Ojo Caliente burned down, and they are still working to repair the damages. They are hoping for a grand reopening late in the summer of 2021, but in the meantime, focus has shifted to Ojo Santa Fe, formerly known as Sunrise Springs Spa. The legendary spring fed waters here were well known to the Native Americans living in the Taro and Keres Pueblos, and later to the Spanish who settled in the La Cienega Valley. It’s located at 242 Los Pinos Road on the south end of the Santa Fe Relief Route and near the historic El Rancho de las Golondrinas.
In early 2021, Ojo Santa Fe sent out an invitation email inviting anyone interested in a “Workcation” to come stay for five nights and get the sixth night free. Additionally, guests would be provided with a free massage, a free bathrobe, and a daily free immunity boosting blend of healthy ingredients. You were also invited to enjoy the free yoga classes, enjoy their outdoor activities, and purchase tasty meals at their restaurant. Since I was starting an online class called Writing the Middle Grade Science Fantasy, their “workcation” was perfect timing for me! I signed up for May 13 – 19, 2021.
Ojo Santa was a little hard to find the first time because there are no large signs for it on the main highway, but I soon learned to follow the signs for Los Golondrinas. The resort is beautiful — very green and lush with lots of shade trees and water. It is multi-level, so there are stairs, but beautifully designed with many places to sit and enjoy the scenery.
I chose to stay in the Cottonwood building rather than in a casita, and what I may have lacked in privacy, I more than made up for in views. The rooms were lovely, each with a full bath, a balcony or a patio, and a refrigerator. The only thing missing is a television – an intentional choice to promote “getting away from it all.” However, they do have free internet for those who absolutely must have their programs.
On the second floor of Cottonwood, there is a multipurpose room which also has the ice dispenser and a microwave. On nights that I feasted on leftovers, I ate there instead of in my room because it was so inviting and colorful. The fireplace façade is amazing.
Several nights, I ate dinner at the Blue Heron restaurant. Situated on the main body of water, the restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining. The food is healthy and tasty – in many cases a lighter spin on more traditional Mexican cuisine. I had the fish tacos one night and the blue corn enchiladas another – both were delicious. The restaurant serves wine and beer, but not “hard liquor” except as an ingredient in their specialty drinks. I tried an Ojo Stress Relief cocktail one night, and it was delicious.
Next to the Blue Heron is the Spa, home to wonderful massages and other body enhancing and soothing treatments. There is a locker room available with restrooms and showers, and a tranquility room with
Down the path from that are “the Repose Pools” – heated pods of water holding up to 8 relaxed people at a time. Everyone was carefully social distancing still when I was there and wearing masks when we were closer than six feet.
I also really enjoyed the salt water swimming pool which was close to my building. It is a large lap pool, surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs and hammocks. A multi-person hot tub is next to it and there is also a restroom/changing facility.
Mornings at Ojo Santa Fe are full of “comforting” activity. The yoga/pilades studio, Sages, was next door to my lodging and I took advantage of the proximity to take my first yoga class since Covid began. I had a great teacher, and it’s a wonderful exercise space. I came back another day for Pilades and had a similarly excellent experience. Downstairs from the exercise studio is an art or work area and restrooms.
Just outside the door is a long, narrow heated pool with underwater bench seats. The water flows from above your head in pipes turned to just the right angle to massage your shoulders and upper back, and there are comfortable lounge chairs in the sun or in the shade of trees. Lovely!
Want more to do? Try the hiking trails, with the mileage marked off so you can measure your progress. Or how about archery or other target sports or maybe disc golf. No shortage of choices.
If you don’t want to exercise, your mornings can still be full of stimulation. The local Humane Society brings dogs every morning to The Puppy Patch to interact with guests – what better way to start a day!! Of course, they hope that every puppy will find its forever home this way, but who can argue that petting a puppy isn’t good therapy.
Or if dogs aren’t your thing, there are always Silkie Chickens. Say, what? It’s true. Ojo Santa Fe is home to a group of the fluffiest chickens you’ve ever seen, and they don’t mind at all being the center of attention. There’s a “Chicken Chat” every day at noon.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, there is live entertainment and music at the Blue Moon, a small venue with its own food and drink menu. On certain Fridays, the Lightning Boy Hoop Dancers perform at the outdoor amphitheater. Watching their dancing was a rare treat. Lightning Boy is a non-profit raising money to teach young people the traditional hoop dances, and several of the performers hold World Championship titles for their age group. They obviously enjoy what they are doing, but they are very professional at the same time.
Ojo Santa Fe is a wonderful treat for the body, mind and spirit. It is not inexpensive, but I definitely think you get your money’s worth. An all-day pass (9 a.m. to 10 p.m.) is $55 which gives you access to all the pools and activities, a locker, and a robe to wear. Lodging packages vary depending on type of room and length of stay, but Ojo Santa Fe often offers specials – like a Romance Package or a Quick Fix get-away –which make staying there more affordable. They also offer military discounts and reduced fees for local residents.
I had a wonderful time, and I’m definitely planning to return!
