Ten Thousand Waves: a World-Class Romantic Weekend Getaway in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, located just outside of the oldest city in the continental United States, Santa Fe, New Mexico is a romantic mountain spa resort that will simply take your breath away.

As a long-time resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico-The City Different-I think the luxurious spa resort Ten Thousand Waves is one of the most delicious destinations in our small town. Santa Fe has been chosen by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine as the country's Number Two tourist destination. And Ten Thousand Waves is a favorite of both locals and tourists alike. I try to make a visit at least a few times a year, usually with my handsome husband in tow for a romantic mini-vacation.

Despite its location in northern New Mexico, Ten Thousand Waves has the feeling of a Japanese onsen. When you enter The Waves, you enter a quiet world where you're enveloped in the aromatic and fresh smell of the piñon and pine that are indigenous to our Rocky Mountain foothills. There are hot baths, saunas, and cold plunges, most of which are outside with big mountain vistas or sheltered by the pine and outcroppings of stone. The water for the spa comes from a highly mineralized 900-foot deep well, and it's sparkling clean. Ichiban is one of my favorite baths. It's also the owner's favorite! You can see the mountains from the wooden deck where you can relax outside of the bath while cooling down, and there's also a small and lovely sauna for you to use.

A variety of massages are available, including my personal favorite The Flowing River Stone Massage in which the massage therapist alternates hot and cool stones in her practice. It both relaxes and energizes, and I don't think I've ever felt so yummy. After one of those, I'm ready to melt into a cozy, world-class bed with my significant other. Spa treatments include a Deluxe Herbal Wrap and a Salt Glow. There's nothing like Ten Thousand Waves' signature Japanese Nightingale Facial to put a glow on your skin and some serenity in your soul.