A Hot Spring Health Spa Vacation
New Mexico has dozens of hot springs, those geological marvels whose nutrient rich minerals from deep in the earth's surface bring you peace of mind, body and spirit ?- and the perfect health spa vacation! When Spanish explorers came across the New Mexico desert nearly 500 years ago, they were looking for gold, but instead found hot springs. While it was nothing they could build a fortune from, before long they were as convinced as the Native Americans that hot springs provided deep comfort to the mind, body, and soul.
Hot springs bubble up all over the state. Used for centuries, the waters that journey up from deep in the earth are loaded with healing minerals. A hot spring health spa vacation allows you to take the time to relax totally and let the warm waters take you over.
There are over 70 hot spring locations in New Mexico, ranging from the luxurious spa resort, to remote unattended hot springs accessible only by a long hike through mountains.
But the developed hot spring locations are usually excellent yet affordable health spa resorts. Below are some ideas for a great New Mexico health spa vacation:
- Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs. One of the oldest health resorts in North America, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs was once considered a sacred place by the ancestors of the present day Pueblo Indians who inhabited the mesas and valleys surrounding these waters. Ojo Caliente is the only natural hot spring in the world with the remarkable combination of four geothermal mineral waters.
- Faywood Hot Springs. Located in southwestern New Mexico, between Silver City and Deming, this geothermal spa resort has many outdoor public and private soaking pools for those who wish to partake in its healthful and rejuvenating mineral water baths. There are separate clothing-required, clothing-optional (naturist), and private bathing areas. There are also private cabins, tent sites for camping, pull through RV sites and a teepee for overnight lodging accommodations, as well as massage therapy and a 1200-acre ranch for picnicking, hiking, bird watching, and relaxing solitude
- Riverbend Hot Springs. Known for its low-key approach to health spa resort vacationing, Riverbed is neither a hotel, nor a bed & breakfast, Riverbend is located in the vividly named town of Truth and Consequence, New Mexico. It offers free hot mineral springs for all overnight guests, offering private or family suites as well as budget accommodations including camping and RV.
- The Marshall. Also in Truth and Consequence, The Marshall has been around since the early 1900's, and its current owners continue to manage the heath spa resort in old school fashion. The resort features seven choices of moderately priced rooms and 5 hot spring pools.
New Mexico offers other opportunities for improving fitness and wellness. Besides the many outdoor athletic options - skiing, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and horseback riding - many health spa resorts offer supervised workouts in Pilates, yoga, and various styles of dance.
However you choose to nurture yourself and improve your sense of well being, New Mexico is one of the best places in the world to do it.
About the Author
Alex Russel is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn, NY. Lucky enough to grow up in Europe with family all over the world, he has been a consummate traveler his whole life. Since graduating from Syracuse University he has worked at many different media companies in fields as diverse as film, TV, advertising, and journalism. He holds a dual bachelor's degree in English and History.
