Wellness Travel In Santa Fe: Spas, Hikes & Ranches

Here, how to plan your magical visit. 

Santa Fe mixes luxury accommodations with the mystical charm of the Southwest. 

The hotel is committed to sustainability, which you'll see through details big and small throughout: from electric car transportation to their partnership with Clean The World, an organization that upcycles bathroom amenities. We're fond of the various tasting experiences offered by the hotel, such as the tequila flights and American whiskey tasting.

I highly recommend looking into at least one of their excursions during your stay. (Read more at their Adventure Center and Spa menus.) We're drawn to the Journey to Abiquiu, which is a custom-crafted hike that has stops for yoga, medication, picnics, energy-clearing ceremonies, and breathtaking sightseeing. 

Regularly voted one of the best hotels in the southwestern United States, this is a gem of the region. The hotel is nature-centric, infusing design elements that feel immersive to the rugged beauty of the landscape. Not to mention, it has access to hikes just steps off the front door. 

There is no shortage of galleries, hikes, spas, and breathtaking sights to keep you feeling inspired.

According to research, setting aside weekly time for art can be good for anxiety and mental health. Maybe that accounts for the feel-good vibes emanating all over Sante Fe: The town is an artists' haven. Canyon Road hosts over 100 galleries, shops, and artisanal booths to enjoy—making it an easy one-stop location to soak in all the beauty. 

Or head over west of town to the Pueblo Loop and Alcove house trails, which will lead you to the Bandelier National Monument so you can see traditional pueblo housing. 

Without a doubt, the most famous is Ten Thousand Waves. Inspired by Japanese hot spring resorts, this is a sensory delight that incorporates several types of hot baths, body work, and facials. But the spas at the Four Seasons or Bishop's Lodge are also spectacular. An hour north of Sante Fe near Taos is Oja Caliente, where you can relax in the seven different hot mineral spring pools. 

It's located about an hour and a half's drive north of Sante Fe, and you should schedule yourself for a day's worth of activities so you get your fill—which should include exploration of the area's buffs and sweeping views. And should horseback riding be off the table for some of the group members, the Ranch hosts several other activities to keep everyone busy and entertained. 

Santa Fe's restaurant scene is not one to be missed.

One of the best-reviewed and rated dining experiences in the city, this restaurant should top your list of culinary experiences. The menu changes with the season with global influences. It's not just delicious, but the location is historic too: The Borrego House that the restaurant is located in was built 1756 and is a mainstay of Canyon Road. 

A local favorite since the 1950s, The Shed serves up Mexican dishes, margaritas, and tons of fresh, delicious ingredients. 

For a lively (and delicious) night out, Paloma is the place to be. The chefs craft flavorful dishes that are both rooted in traditional Mexican cooking and come with a distinctly modern flare. The restaurant is also committed to a sustainable food supply chain, features local artists throughout the décor, and regularly gives back to the community. 

Packing for the high desert means you'll want to stay cool in the midday sun but cozy at night. And save room in your luggage for what you'll pick up while there—some of the best jewelry artisans in the country are located in Santa Fe. 

Santa Fe is a magical, mystical place—one of my favorite locations in the world. Its stunning, rugged high desert landscape makes it a hotbed for nature enthusiasts and hikers as well as creatives looking to be inspired. While there, be sure to check out local and Indigenous artists—the city is home to some of the best galleries in the world.