[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2729″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2729.jpg” align=”center” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
One of my favorite places to travel when I need to relax and\/or recharge is beautiful Ojo Caliente Spa Resort in New Mexico. It\u2019s about a 50 minute drive from either Santa Fe or Taos, although the road is better from Santa Fe. I have been going there since the late 1990\u2019s when the parents of the current owners were operating it.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2627″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2627.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
The Historic Hotel, restaurant and the North Cottages were all there, as were some makeshift buildings in the parking lot, and most of the current pools and the bathhouse were in place. It was much more rustic than it is now, but always the waters were as warm and healing as they were when the native Tewa people lived there and built their pueblos on the mesas above the pools.<\/p>\n
Ojo Caliente features four different kinds of natural hot springs, each one with different healing benefits.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2630″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2630.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2629″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2629.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
One of my favorites is the Soda Pool because it\u2019s the only one that is covered so it provides shade on hot days and shelter from occasional rain. I also like to scan the original walls for rocks that look like people or animals \u2013 I know where there\u2019s a Tyrannosaurus Rex!<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2638″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2638.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2637″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2637.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
Next to the Soda Pool on the right side is the Iron Pool. Legend has it that when the native people were struggling, they would come here to get help. This pool is unique because the bottom is covered with very small stones, and the water seeps up through them. That feels wonderful on your feet.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2632″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2632.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2728″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Img-2728-640×480-1.png” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
On the left side of the Soda Springs are two Lithia Pools. Lithia is thought to improve mood and digestion. Too bad we can\u2019t make a dip in that pool mandatory. Both pools are set up so you can have the water cascade down to the top of your head or your shoulders \u2013 It makes for a great massage.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2725″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2725.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2719″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2719.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
The “double decker” pool on the far left is, I think, the older pool. The one on the right is more recent.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
I took a picture while sitting in one of Lithia pools. I wanted to show the view you have when you\u2019re “in it.” I looked sideways and a dragonfly had joined me! Perfect!<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2722″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2722.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
The last of the major pools and the smallest is the Arsenic Pool. This water is good for arthritis and skin conditions among other things. Arsenic won\u2019t harm you unless you decide to drink from the pool. I took this picture at night when this very warm pool is especially appealing.<\/p>\n
The waters were considered sacred to the native people who discovered them, and they still have that feeling today. The whole place is a \u201cwhisper zone\u201d which encourages people to go \u201cwithin.\u201d And every few years, the pools are blessed again by the Tibetan monks who come to Ojo to do special ceremony, and then enjoy the pools themselves.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2704″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2704.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2703″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2703.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
Besides the 4 major pools, there is a swimming pool which is a mixture of the waters, a mud bath pool, and a smaller soaking pool. Every pool has some seating available, but most people congregate around the swimming pool and visit the other pools from there. Their brochure says, “Revel in a range of activities including yoga and hiking. We think napping in one of our outdoor hammocks is a completely acceptable sport.” I totally agree.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2628″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2628.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2622″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2622.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2639″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2639.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2623″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2623.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
Both loungers and hammocks surround the pool, and the seating area is partially shaded. There is also an uncovered area for those who like to tan.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2668″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2668.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2645″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2645.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2646″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG-2646-640×480-1.png” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2647″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2647.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
Whether you come to Ojo for a “day soak” or plan to stay a few days, the main greeting area is up the sidewalk and to the left. It\u2019s a large, spacious room with a gift shop to the left, lodging check-in on the right, and day use spa signups in the center. The people who work there are super friendly and courteous.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2640″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2640.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2641″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2641.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2642″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2642.jpg” align=”center” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
If you are just coming for the day, or if you\u2019re staying here but your room isn\u2019t ready yet, you are welcome to use the pools and other facilities. There is a wonderful women\u2019s restroom with lockers to store things and great shower facilities. (I\u2019m guessing the men have similar amenities, but I haven\u2019t been there.) You are welcome to come early and stay late, and the storage lockers make that an easy thing to do. And if you want even more pampering, there are spa packages with a variety of treatments available and a sauna for your use.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2666″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2666.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2670″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2670.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2679″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2679.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2713″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2713.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
Hungry? In the same building that houses the historic hotel is an absolutely yummy restaurant and a smaller wine bar serving food too. The Artesian Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but the wine bar is only open in the evenings. The entrance for them and for the Historic Hotel is across the walkway from the office and fronted by an old-fashioned porch full of wonderful rocking chairs.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2614″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG-2614-640×480-1.png” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2672″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2672.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
On my last visit, I went to the wine bar the first night, and enjoyed a wine margarita and wonderful chips and dip. You can sit at the bar or at the high-top tables, and there are some couches for those waiting for dinner.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2716″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG-2716-640×480-1.png” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2715″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2715.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
Another night, I went to the restaurant and ordered my personal favorite, the trout. It is so fresh and perfectly cooked. They also bring you homemade muffins while you\u2019re waiting for your entr\u00e9e \u2013 delicious!<\/p>\n
Ojo has a variety of accommodations available. The Historic Hotel is the least expensive or you can stay at the North Cottages or Pueblo Suites. You can also book luxury accommodations with your own private tub. There are also whole houses available for “ladies\u2019 weekend away” or family reunions.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2619″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2619.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2712″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG-2712-640×480-1.png” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2680″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG-2680-640×480-1.png” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2681″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2681.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2690″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2690-rotated.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2684″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2684-rotated.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2688″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2688-rotated.jpg” align=”center” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
Another special treat that I give myself at least once while at Ojo Caliente is to book an hour in a private tub. It\u2019s fun any time of day, but I like evening best when the fire they build for you adds a special touch. All the private tubs face the cliffs, so you have your own special view and lounge chairs to relax in.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2700″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2700.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2691″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2691.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2692″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2692-rotated.jpg” align=”center” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
Evening at Ojo is also delightful because when the sun goes down, they light up the cliffs. That creates an even more magical place at night. Last time I was there, it was full moon which made for an especially beautiful night sky.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2709″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG-2709-640×480-1.png” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2701″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG-2701-640×480-1.png” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″]<\/p>\n
At Ojo Caliente, I always go to sleep feeling especially blessed. It\u2019s one of my favorite places anywhere, and I can\u2019t wait to go back again.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image 2729″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ src=”https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/IMG_2729.jpg” align=”center” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12.1″] One of my favorite places to travel when I need to relax and\/or recharge is beautiful Ojo Caliente Spa Resort in New Mexico. It\u2019s about a 50 minute drive from either Santa Fe or Taos, although the road is better from Santa Fe. I […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1503,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1486","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-mexico","category-ojo-caliente"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1486","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1486"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1486\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1552,"href":"https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1486\/revisions\/1552"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1503"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1486"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1486"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travelingwithcarolyne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1486"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}