Ojo Caliente Spa in New Mexico
A Unique Spa Experience at Mineral Springs and Resorts Near Taos
The Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Spa and Resort in New Mexico is one of the oldest natural health spas in the United States. The Ojo Caliente, which literally means warm eye or hot springs, is a spa that embodies the very properties that create a natural spa.
The very word spa is the acronym for the Latin phrase, “Salud Per Aqua,” which means “health through water.” The Ojo Caliente is also the only hot springs in the world containing 4 different types of mineral water, each with distinct health benefits. Because of the water’s many healing properties, the Ojo Caliente springs have long been considered sacred by the Native American tribes of Northern New Mexico. The use of the waters can be traced back to the earliest human settlements in the region.
Location
The Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs and Resort, which offers day spa services and serves as a luxury spa destination and popular wedding resort, is located in Ojo Caliente, New Mexico. An hour’s drive from Taos, the resort has an abundance of soaking pools and offers a complete line of health and beauty services including hydrotherapy, massage, facials, nail treatments, salon treatments, and exercise classes. The resort offers a variety of lodging choices including private cottages, private homes, and luxury suites.
Mineral Waters
Geothermal studies have established that different native Ojo Caliente mineral springs have unique chemical compositions. The four types of mineral water and their properties include:
- Lithium: waters from the Lithia springs relieve depression and aid digestion
- Iron: waters rich in iron benefit the blood and immune system
- Soda: steam waters rich in soda promote tranquility and relieve digestive problems
- Arsenic: water rich in arsenic and iron is blended through several different pools on the property; arsenic improves skin conditions, arthritis and gastric ulcers.
Three outdoor mineral spas with kiva fireplaces for au naturel bathing, and seven indoor mineral pools are available. An outdoor mud mineral pool with a special blend of clay is also available during the warm weather for detoxifying mud baths.
Ojo Spa Services
For the ideal spa experience, a session in the mineral waters can be combined with another spa service. Yoga and mountain biking are also available for guests of the resort. In the spa, the widely celebrated Sundari skin treatments are available. The Ojo is also well known for its Signature Milagro Relaxation Wrap. This dry blanket wrap is an Ojo original. The spa encourage guests to soak in their geothermal waters first to increase their core body temperature. Then clients are wrapped, first in a light cotton blanket, then a heavier wool blanket, which accelerates the release of toxins from the body. All the while, Native American flute music is played softly in the background.
On a recent trip to Taos, my husband and I stopped at Ojo Caliente. The authentic southwestern setting and somewhat remote location created a holistic, spiritual atmosphere. The professional, congenial staff welcomed us and we enjoyed our twilight session in the hot springs. After a long day at the Red River motorcycle rally, a side trip to Ojo was just what we needed.
