Wintertime can be stressful, especially this year, when work, play, and holiday plans may be hampered by restrictions on gatherings. In a season where nurturing ourselves and our connections with loved ones is so important, it’s good to know that there is a luxuriously relaxing opportunity for doing so: the spa. Santa Fe is rich with options proffering a variety of benefits, including spa treatments, lodging, and fine dining.

Spas, especially in Santa Fe, are bastions of relaxation. Lobbies scented with cedar and pine set the tone upon arrival, hot tubs are now almost exclusively private, and sanitization practices are firmly in place. Whether it’s to spend time with your best friend, your mom, your spouse, or just taking some time for yourself, planning a bit of time away from home, a body treatment or two, and enjoying a decadent dinner can reset your soul.

“People are looking to reconnect, they are looking for balance in these COVID times where we can’t intermingle with loved ones outside our families,” says Michelle Hutchens, Regional Spa Director for both the Inn and Spa at Loretto and the Eldorado Hotel in Santa Fe. “People want a journey, a retreat, and they need it even more than they did before. So, coming to a spa– just the atmosphere and environment– it’s beautiful.” To pamper Inn at

Loretto guests, among their many offerings is the Spirit of Heritage treatment; 110 minutes of bliss that begins with an aromatic foot soak and herbal tea, followed by the Sole Revival (also available as a standalone treatment) which focuses on pressure points and massage in the feet and legs, and finally, ending in a full body massage. They also carry a proprietary line of aromatic oils geared towards the five elements, as a wonderful gift or takehome splurge.

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado offers locally inspired treatments including spiritual enhancement and holistic wellness experiences. This season their menu highlights include a Warming Winter Scrub that features a cranberry-pomegranate scrub followed by a warming cinnamon-paprika body butter, and a chococlate truffle body wrap loaded with delicious oils and antioxidants. Like many businesses, Rancho Encantado is dedicated to the health and safety of their guests and has installed strict cleaning procedures and policies to that end. Director of Public Relations Michelle Duncan points out this is part of the relaxation experience. “Knowing you’re going to a place that takes every precaution out there, and then some, helps a lot,” says Duncan. These practices also apply to their casitas and luxury suites, making them an inviting place to experience a restful sleep.

As proof that spas continue to be a beacon of leisure and repose, Chief Operating Officer of Ten Thousand Waves Courtney Morris says their facilities are booking far in advance. “Lodging Lodging is filled to allowable capacity,” she says, “and tubs are booked out three weeks to a month.” Their on-site restaurant, Izanami, focused on upscale, small-plate dishes and a highlight of Wagyu beef, offers outdoor dining, curbside pickup and delivery. For winter enjoyment, they are in the process of installing heaters under the outdoor tables and offer indoor dining as allowable. Famed for a Japanese-themed serenity, Ten Thousand Waves also celebrates locals with special discounts. Mondays through Thursdays, Waribiki Rewards Club members (NM driver’s license required for proof of residence) receive 20% off massage and spa services. Their Wine Down Wednesdays are an opportunity to enjoy 50% off a bottle of wine after that massage and soak.

Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, a sister property to Taos’ Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, is the ultimate retreat for those seeking some solace and quietude. Posted signs invite guests to speak softly, creating an indoor and outdoor environment respectful of the beneficial sounds of nature. In observance of this attitude, Ojo Santa Fe is a 16-and-older resort and is also a pet-free environment.

“We offer daily yoga in the mornings, which is a wonderful way to start the day,” says Marketing Manager Nicole Barker.

Though pet-free, Ojo Santa Fe still finds that animals have restorative powers. Their Puppy Patch is populated with adoptable puppies from the Española Humane Society. By reservation, “guests can come and interact with them every day,” says Barker.

Ojo Santa Fe also caters to those seeking a holiday retreat. “We are open 365 days a year and have special holiday meals on each of the holidays– Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day,” says Barker. The Blue Heron, a waterside restaurant, features organic turkey, elk and vegetarian options.

New to their offerings are the Romantic Escape, the Girlfriends Getaway, as well as new spa treatments including the Cactus Flower Scrub and the Lavender Quench Hydrating Body Wrap.

Whether for a mere one-hour massage or an all-inclusive twonight getaway, spas are a special way to slow down, breathe in those lovely regional Santa Fe scents, and celebrate a loved one.