Ten Thousand Waves Spa in Santa Fe

The phrase “Japanese-adobe bathhouse” was nowhere to be found in my vocabulary before visiting Ten Thousand Waves in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The world-renowned spa and bathhouse is thoughtfully situated just minutes from the Santa Fe National Forest, and well worth the journey outside of downtown.

Walking up the tree-lined steps to the hilltop oasis, I couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief as my cell phone reception died and my mind turned to the serene surrounding forest instead. The entire spa is modeled after traditional onsens, Japanese-style baths, long used for the social and health benefits of soaking in hot water.

Rather than a fluffy white spa robe, I was given a kimono to change into along with my bathing suit upon arrival. And then, it was time to relax. There are two communal soaking tubs with 108-degree water, but the The Natural spa package I selected included a private soaking tub to enjoy before the treatments began. For just $265, the three-hour spa experience included the premium soaking tub, a 50-minute therapeutic massage, a deeply relaxing yasuragi head and neck massage and an invigorating salt glow. With the cost of spa treatments at an all-time high, this seems incredibly reasonable.

The entire treatment was divine. Each member in my party commented afterward on how it was the best massage they had ever had — and we each had different therapists! The spa employees around 110 therapists, and all are trained in-house to perfect their style and provide a polished, exceptional experience.

Ten Thousand Waves is open year-round, but I recommend visiting in the summer or fall months to avoid trudging through the open-air spa in the snow.

21 Ten Thousand Waves Way

Santa Fe, NM 87501

505 982 9304