Self-Care Guide to Santa Fe
Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of New Mexico, Santa Fe has a plethora of self-care options. Whether you're a resident seeking a rejuvenating day or a traveler exploring the Land of Enchantment, here’s our guide to a day of self-care.
A yoga class in BODY’s spacious studio
Kickstart Your Day
Begin your self-care adventure by dropping into a yoga class at BODY of Santa Fe. Led by experienced instructors in a naturally lit studio with tall ceilings, these group classes offer personalized attention for a holistic experience that is both challenging and welcoming.
Forest Bathing
After your yoga session, head up Hwy 475 on a beautiful mountain drive through the Santa Fe National Forest. Your goal is to find a spot for “shinrin-yoku”, a Japanese term for “Forest Bathing”, a mindful activity with physiological and psychological benefits. With more than 6,000 acres of groomed hiking trails within 10 minutes of Santa Fe plaza, we have a wealth of destinations for shinrin-yoku.
While most will head to Aspen Vista (especially during the fall when the trees transform into a golden wonderland), pull off to the left a few miles earlier into a small parking lot on the left side of the road. Here you will find Borrego Trail, where you can create a loop by taking Borrego trail to Winsor (turn left), and then another left on Bear Wallow trail. You will be rewarded with a babbling creek, lots of shade, and plenty of solitude.
Harsh Beauty
To feel like you’re in the midst of an old western movie, park at Diablo Canyon just west of town and enjoy a 6 mile out and back to the Rio Grande river. This is a desert landscape with dramatic cliffs and migrating tarantulas (in autumn). The BLM reports, “Diablo Canyon has been featured in movies such as The Missing, 3:10 to Yuma, and Cowboys and Aliens. The cracked basalt of Diablo Canyon offers some of the best multi-pitch tradition and sport climbing in New Mexico.”
Adventures on the Outskirts
The town of Glorieta, about 20 minutes east of Santa Fe, is a destination for outdoor adventurers especially mountain bikers. Push beyond your boundaries and get your adrenaline pumping as you soar through canyons and pines at high speeds on the Glorieta Zipline Tour. This is a self-care activity that the whole family will want to join.
Very Hot, or Very Cold Water
Venture to Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-inspired spa and hot springs sanctuary nestled in the foothills of the mountains on the way to Ski Santa Fe. Soak in a private outdoor hot tub to slow time down.
For a more natural adventure, head up HWY 63 in Pecos, and pull off to the side of the road (there are a lot of pullouts along the way) to take a rejuvenating cold plunge in the Pecos River. You’ll likely have to do a little rock scrambling unless you snag a spot at one of the small beaches. Your surroundings will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a plush forest in Colorado. If you are into fly fishing, bring your rod.
Lunch Stop
Replenish your energy at some of Santa Fe's healthy-living dining spots. Design your own salad at Vinaigrette, nourish yourself with a smoothie from Sweetwater Harvest Café, or sit at the community table to Café Pasqual’s for local organic Mexican fare.
For a cozy, farm-to-table experience, head to The Kitchen, where the menu is a celebration of seasonal and local ingredients. It’s located on the property of Plants of the Southwest, where you’ll wander amongst the smells and textures of plants that naturally thrive in Santa Fe. Remind yourself that you are hearty and resilient like they are.
Art Therapy in the Railyard District
Skip Canyon Road (just for this self-care day) and head to the high-end contemporary and regional galleries and art museums in the Railyard District. In addition to Site, check out Shadow and Light, the inaugural exhibition at the Vladem Contemporary (Sep 23-April 28 2024). Allow the art to open your imagination, inspire your own creativity, and unlock new possibilities in thought and direction.
If you are in the Railyard District on a Tuesday or Saturday, don't miss the chance to explore the Santa Fe Farmers' Market, where you can find an array of locally grown produce and artisanal goods.
Once you are sufficiently inspired, head to Tumbleroots’s pottery pub, where you can purchase a mound of clay to mold, or just smash (I found my favorite part was pounding the clay with different textures). Their sculptural clay ($9/pound) is a self drying so it does not need to be fired.
Massage at BODY
Your self-care journey isn't complete without a massage at the spa at BODY of Santa Fe. Choose from a variety of massage techniques and enhancements to melt away tension, tackle ailments, and leave you feeling refreshed. Allow yourself to linger in that after-massage haze as you explore the boutique. Book Massage
End Your Day with a Culinary Delight
For a memorable dinner, make a reservation on the historic Canyon Road at The Compound, a Contemporary American renowned restaurant with a farm-to-table philosophy. Or, if you seek a livelier scene, check out the patio at Paloma. Take your time with each bite and toast to a day well lived!
Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, Santa Fe's diverse offerings cater to your self-care needs. Come and experience the magic of the City Different, where wellness and well-being are woven into the very fabric of life.
