A couple of days ago I experienced the best spa treatment I’ve ever had. Anywhere. Ever. The fabulous spa is at Ten Thousand Waves in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Communal baths at Ten Thousand Waves. Photo credit: Ten Thousand Waves

Santa Fe is one of my favorite places. There’s a magic in the air that’s hard to find elsewhere. If it wasn’t such a rich and wonderful destination all on its own, Ten Thousand Waves (just a few minutes from the main plaza) would make the trip worth it. I’d gladly visit Santa Fe just to visit Ten Thousand Waves.

The One Wave private bath at Ten Thousand Waves. Photo credit: Ten Thousand Waves

My experience at the spa recently with four other women was magical. The spa is somehow so much a part of the “Santa Fe vibe” even with its uniquely Asian theme. After settling in and changing into my robe, I made my way to the private bath reserved just for the 5 of us girls. We locked ourselves into the outdoor room and enjoyed the open-air soak for about 45 minutes before our spa treatments. (There are also public tubs, both unisex and co-ed, available as well as private baths.)

When it was about 10 minutes before my appointment, the receptionist called over a small intercom, beckoning me to the waiting area. I was already impressed, but what followed impressed me even more. I had the 80-minute Indo-Asian hot oil treatment ($159 for 80 minutes). No description prepared me for this experience.

After climbing on the table, the therapist poured warm oil over my body, gently kneading it over my back, arms, legs, and feet. She followed that by sprinkling me with an herbal blend that included the calamus root and some local herbs. Next, she gently massaged the powder into the oil, creating a muddy covering over my body. The therapist then repeated it on my front. She finished the oil treatment by pouring the warm oil onto my head and massaging it into my scalp. What an incredible sensation!

Spa treatment at Ten Thousand Waves. Photo Credit: Ten Thousand Waves

But that wasn’t the end of it. She wrapped my body in a tea-soaked sheet, cocooned me in a thermal blanket, and placed a cold cloth over my face. For the next 20 minutes, the therapist sat with me quietly, replacing the cold cloth and giving me sips of water from a straw.

As I showered with the large dual shower heads afterward, not only did my skin feel softer, my mind felt lighter. She’d scrubbed, massaged, and wrapped my worries away.

I’d definitely recommend Ten Thousand Waves to wash away your worries. The spa also has rooms available for those wanting to stay on the property. The Zen quality will help you relax even more, but you’ll have all the modern conveniences at your fingertips as well.

Pure relaxation awaits if you book a dip in the private Waterfall bath. Photo credit: Ten Thousand Waves

Ten Thousand Waves
3451 Hyde Park Road
Santa Fe, NM 87501
www.tenthousandwaves.com
505.982.9304 (spa)
505.992.5003 (lodging)