Santa Fe - American Southwest - page 177

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Getting Pampered: The Spa Scene

If traveling, skiing, or other activities have left you weary, Santa Fe has a num-
ber of relaxation options. The Absolute Nirvana Spa & Gardens ( & 505/
983-7942; www.absolutenirvana.com), voted one of the three best spas in
town by the Santa Fe Reporter, offers imaginative Indo-Asian spa “experiences”
as well as massages and facials. The spa is open Sunday to Thursday 10am to
6pm, and Friday and Saturday 10am to 8pm. Prices range from $105 to $240.
Another option with a more Japanese bent is Ten Thousand Waves , a
spa about 3 miles northeast of Santa Fe on Hyde Park Road ( & 505/982-9304;
www.tenthousandwaves.com). This serene retreat, nestled in a grove of piñons,
offers hot tubs, saunas, and cold plunges, plus a variety of massage and other
bodywork techniques. If you call far enough in advance, you may be able to
find lodging at Ten Thousand Waves as well. The spa is open Monday, Wednes-
day, and Thursday from 10:30am to 10:30pm; Tuesday from 2 to 10:30pm; and
Friday through Sunday from 9am to 10:30pm (winter hours are shorter, so be
sure to call). Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

The City Different's newest retreat, Shánah Spa and Wellness Center

( & 800/732-2240; www.bishopslodge.com), at Bishop's Lodge Ranch Resort &
Spa (p. 149), offers a full range of treatments in a serene Native American-
style ambience surrounded by lush grounds 10 minutes north of Santa Fe.
Their signature natural stone massage features warmed river-smoothed rocks
from northern New Mexico. A hot tub and outdoor treatments—even one
in a tepee—add to the allure. Plan a trip there to include a meal at Las
Fuentes

7

, where you'll sample some of the region's best New American

fare.
Another luxurious option is Rockresorts Spa , at La Posada de Santa Fe
Resort and Spa ( & 505/986-0000; www.rockresorts.com; p. 145). Offering a
range of treatments from massage to salt glows, this spot offers free use of a
steam room, hot tub, and grass-surrounded pool.

in winter include snowshoeing, snowboarding, sledding, and inner tubing. Ski, snow-
board, and snowshoe rentals are available at a number of downtown shops and the ski
area.
SWIMMING
There's a public pool at the Fort Marcy Complex, on Camino Santiago, off Bishop's
Lodge Road ( & 505/955-2500; www.santafenm.gov). In summer, the public Bicenten-
nial Pool, 1121 Alto St. ( & 505/955-4778 ), offers outdoor swimming. Admission to
both is less than $2 for all ages.
TENNIS
Santa Fe has 44 public tennis courts and four major private facilities. The City Recre-
ation Department ( & 505/955-2100; www.santafenm.gov) can help you locate indoor,
outdoor, and lighted public courts.