Escape the everyday and discover a unique wellness destination at Sunrise Springs Spa Resort, a premier New Mexico Resort that blends relaxation with self-discovery. Inspired by the summer camps of our youth, this adult camp experience offers a refreshing twist, complete with luxurious amenities and a focus on mindfulness. While the soothing natural springs are a central attraction, Sunrise Springs is more than just a place to unwind; it’s a sanctuary designed to revitalize your mind, body, and spirit.
Nestled in the serene La Ciénega Valley, just 15 miles south of Santa Fe Plaza, this 70-acre new mexico resort provides an idyllic setting to reconnect with yourself and nature. Guests can choose from an impressive array of around 100 daily classes, many designed to awaken your inner child. Imagine the simple joys of mastering hatchet throwing, expressing your creativity through clay sculpting, learning to bake traditional bizcochitos, or experiencing the satisfying thwap! of an arrow hitting the bullseye in archery class. Sunrise Springs, situated on a lush wetland, truly is the perfect new mexico resort for both relaxation and exploration.
Upon arrival at this exceptional new mexico resort on a sun-drenched afternoon, my first adventure led me to an unexpected location: a coop filled with an enchanting collection of 52 (or perhaps 54—they were quite active!) Silkie chickens. This “Chicken Chats” class proved to be a unique and calming experience. While the conversation was decidedly one-sided, the silkies communicated their fondness for dried worms quite clearly, enthusiastically pecking at the handful offered. Joined by four other guests and our instructor, we sat in a circle, gently holding the soft, fluffy chickens—a mix of Mohawked, blue-eared breeds with striking black skin and plumage in shades of gold, white, black, and charcoal—on our laps. Thankfully equipped with aprons (chicken encounters can be unpredictable!), we enjoyed the birds’ soft coos as they savored their mealworm treats.
A group of resort guests are sitting in a chicken coop, holding fluffy Silkie chickens and feeding them dried worms, as part of the "Chicken Chats" class at the New Mexico resort.
Emerging from the coop, a sense of peaceful amusement lingered. With time before my next class, I returned to my casita, one of Sunrise Springs’ elegant and spacious two-bedroom accommodations. Vaulted ceilings enhanced the airy feel of the room, which featured unique touches like a tree stump coffee table. A private patio, complete with comfortable deck chairs shaded from the New Mexico sun, became my tranquil reading nook. A thoughtful delivery of truffles and fresh strawberries added to the indulgent atmosphere. Lost in a magazine, I felt a wave of relaxation wash over me. Whether it was the gentle clucking of chickens, the sweet taste of chocolate, or the soothing sounds of water fountains throughout the new mexico resort property, a profound sense of repose began to settle in.
This sense of calm is, in essence, what the springs provide. This oasis has a long history as a place of rest and rejuvenation. Dating back to the early 17th century, the natural cold springs attracted weary travelers along El Camino Real. Nearby petroglyphs at La Cieneguilla reveal an even deeper history, pointing to the presence of Keresan-speaking Pueblo people between the 13th and 17th centuries. Andy Scott, also the owner of Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, another celebrated new mexico resort located an hour north of Santa Fe, opened Sunrise Springs in 2013 with a vision to honor this rich history – a history that guests can explore in another of the resort’s unique courses.
However, the present moment called. I realized I was running late for my 4 p.m. yoga class. Mark, the bald and tattooed instructor, offered a welcoming smile as I quietly slipped into the room and unrolled my mat. As a novice in the world of yoga, my body mirrored the silkies’ initial skepticism towards me. Mark’s encouraging words to “open up your body” and “feel its rhythm” guided the class. I glanced at the clock occasionally as my limbs tentatively explored unfamiliar poses.
Hammocks are placed around the Repose Pools at the New Mexico resort, inviting guests to relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Following the yoga session, the idea of sinking into the rhythm of the springs became even more appealing. The spring-fed Ojitos, private open-air pools each with a charming kiva fireplace, offered the perfect escape. Submerged in the warm waters for an hour, with cottonwood trees swaying gently overhead, the day’s tensions melted away.
Refreshed and invigorated, but also hungry and thirsty, I found myself at the Moon House Lounge, settling into a seat by the pond. Ducks playfully splashed in the water, searching for a snack, while the shadows of remarkably large fish moved beneath the surface. Henry, the friendly and attentive bartender, mentioned seeing one fish that was nearly five feet long—an impressive thought!
Dinner at the Blue Heron Restaurant was a tranquil affair. In the distance, the faint sounds of a band rehearsing drifted across the air, but otherwise, the atmosphere was defined by the quiet murmur of diners enjoying the outdoor patio under pear trees adorned with soft string lights. A glass of Pinot Noir paired perfectly with a flawlessly cooked flat-iron steak, enriched with a savory demi-glace. To conclude the meal, a delectable baked pastry filled with blackberries provided a sweet finale. This was definitely a far cry from typical summer camp fare.
Waking up shortly after sunrise, I experienced the rare gift of having this peaceful new mexico resort seemingly all to myself. A morning run along a trail winding up the hillside to the southern edge of the property was followed by a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. After a satisfying breakfast of eggs and coffee at Blue Heron, my 9 a.m. class awaited: Canine Play. (For feline enthusiasts, fear not – there’s also an Airstream dedicated to kitten cuddles). Mama Star, an 18-month-old English black Lab, greeted me with enthusiastic puppy kisses. Soon, I was seated in a puppy playpen, surrounded by Star’s four-week-old puppies, their eyes just recently opened to the world. They scampered, nibbled, crawled, and sprawled all over me in a heartwarming 20-minute cuddle session. The desire to take one (or all!) of these adorable pups home was strong, but each was destined for a meaningful purpose as a service dog through Assistance Canines of the West.
A close-up shot of a green chile cheeseburger from the Blue Heron Restaurant at the New Mexico resort, showcasing the juicy patty, melted cheese, and green chiles.
Torn between puppy adoption fantasies and reality, I made my way to my next class: Finding Your Place on the Medicine Wheel. Led by personal wellness counselor Michael Schroeder, this outdoor session explored core life purposes through ancient symbols. For the five women in the class, many navigating life transitions such as divorce or menopause, the hour proved to be deeply insightful and empowering. The session concluded with heartfelt hugs and tears, and a shared commitment to return to this transformative new mexico resort.
While a spa weekend, however luxurious, might not fundamentally alter the course of our lives, the pursuit of wellness and a rejuvenating escape remains invaluable. The spa industry is booming, with U.S. spa visits reaching a record 190 million in 2018, generating $18.3 billion in revenue. This growth reflects the increasing demand for wellness experiences, driven by factors like aging populations and a growing awareness of mental health.
A humorous close-up photo of a sign that reads "WARNING: You cannot take the puppies home." at the New Mexico resort, emphasizing the adorable puppies in the Canine Play class are not available for adoption.
In an increasingly chaotic and overwhelming world, Sunrise Springs provides an exceptional sanctuary for rest and reflection, continuing a tradition of tranquility that this location has offered for centuries. While the new mexico resort provides access to healers ranging from traditional curanderas to modern hypnotists, it was the abundance of serene spaces near water and trees that truly resonated with me. Countless inviting spots beckoned for moments of quiet contemplation, reading, or writing: a love seat by the pond, hammocks and chaise lounges beside the soaking pools, a chair nestled under a willow, a bench beneath a Russian olive, a swing under a cottonwood, large stones beneath an elm, along the koi pond, on the dock, Adirondack chairs on the patio, poolside… This property is truly an introvert’s haven.
A view of the Ojito pools at the New Mexico resort, showcasing the private, clothing-optional soaking experience offered in these spring-fed pools.
Of course, even introspection needs a balance. A little indulgence is certainly warranted, or so I reasoned at the spa as Roff, my masseur, expertly worked out knots using CBD oils during an hour-long massage. The cannabinoid, a natural, non-psychoactive compound from the cannabis plant known for its therapeutic properties, offered remarkable relief for persistent injuries. My body felt like warm, melted butter, so relaxed that standing up proved to be a slightly wobbly endeavor.
I eased back into the Repose Pools, the four new communal mineral baths, each offering a different temperature. Ducks continued their playful antics in the adjacent pond. Two women communicated silently through sign language. Eventually, I settled into a shaded hammock, resuming my magazine reading. Then, with a sense of reluctance, I dressed, got into my car, and re-entered the world, feeling refreshed and deeply renewed by my time at this exceptional new mexico resort.
Plan Your Escape: Discover the Refresh + Recharge package at Sunrise Springs Spa Resort, a leading new mexico resort, starting at $265 per night, including accommodations, breakfast, access to the Repose Pools, and unlimited activities (massages excluded). Day visitors are welcome to enjoy the communal Repose Pools for $30 per day or dine at the Blue Heron Restaurant, open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
