Santa Fe: Body-Mind-Spirit & The Great Outdoors
BODY-MIND-SPIRIT
SHOP Body
333 Cordova Rd., 505/986-0362, bodyofsantafe.com
A one-stop shop for the body and soul, with an organic, vegan, and raw-food café; serene spa; cool boutique; child-care center; and movement studio with classes in yoga, Pilates, and Nia Technique ($12-$15). Clients float out of the spa (acupuncture, massage, Rolfing, facials, and body-scrub treatments are priced from $35), then linger in the boutique browsing soothing music, insightful books, great exercise gear, and natural body products. Check online for schedules.
PLAY Absolute Nirvana Spa, Tea Room & Gardens
706 Faithway St., 505/983-7942
Finding an exotic teahouse in the common room of a late-19th-century Victorian inn may throw off some guests. But sip fragrant green-tea leaves infused with jasmine blossoms and any perplexities vanish. Guests couldn't be more relaxed unless they also indulge in a massage and rose-petal bath at the adjacent Indonesian spa.
ESCAPE Ten Thousand Waves
3451 Hyde Park Rd., 505/982-9304, tenthousandwaves.com
De-stress at this rustic Japanese mountain spa retreat minutes from Santa Fe. Soak in outdoor hot tubs (from $14 for a 55-minute soak), relax with massage and body treatments (from $40), and have a healthy snack by the koi pond. Not ready for reality? Check into one of 12 minimalist guest suites at the Houses of the Moon, nestled among the pine trees, and you may never want to descend from the mountain. Rates from $190 in low season, $210 in high season.
ESCAPE Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs
50 Los Baños Dr. in Ojo Caliente, one hour north of Santa Fe, 800/222-9162, 505/583-2233, ojocalientespa.com
Soak away your cares in the serene outdoor hot springs at one of the country's oldest health resorts. Rustic cabins, a healthy restaurant, and stunning scenery combine for the ultimate peaceful getaway. Day access to the hot springs starts at $16.
GREAT OUTDOORS
SEE Randall Davey Audubon Center
End of Upper Canyon Rd., 505/983-4609, nm.audubon.org
In the 1920s, well-known Santa Fe painter Randall Davey transformed an 1840s sawmill into his home and studio. Today, the 135-acre property belongs to the National Audubon Society, which maintains the hiking trails. Free guided bird walks depart at 8:30 a.m. Sat., and $5 house tours begin at 2 p.m. Mon.
SHOP The Santa Fe Farmers Market
505/983-4098, santafefarmersmarket.com
Rows of organic lamb and buffalo meat, cheese, jams, salsas, chiles, and New Mexico fruits and vegetables are sold by several hundred regional farmers. Body products, crafts, and live music crop up everywhere, too-it's a very happy scene. The outdoor market runs Tues.-Sat., 7 a.m.-noon, from April's third weekend through October in Railyard Park, where Cerrillos Road intersects Guadalupe Street. The winter market runs Sat., 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov.-early April, at El Museo Cultural (1615 Paseo de Peralta).
PLAY New Wave Rafting Company
1101 Cerrillos Rd., 800/984-1444, 505/984-1444 newwaverafting.com
Explore the world-class white water of the Rio Grande with seasoned guides. River rafting trips run 5 to 16 miles through wild and scenic areas. From $43. Reservations required.
ESCAPE Ski Santa Fe
16 miles NE of Santa Fe on Hwy. 475 (Artist Rd./Hyde Park Rd.), 505/982-4429, skisantafe.com
In the Santa Fe National Forest, this 12,053-foot mountain has steep mogul trails for experts as well as easy runs with fantastic Santa Fe views. It's a great family destination with mountainside dining and a solid ski school. Snowboarders dig it as much as Nordic skiers. All-day lift tickets cost $49 adults, $35 children and seniors.
UNDERSTANDING SANTA FE