Set on 57 rolling acres surrounded by the rugged, natural beauty of the Sangre de Cristo foothills in New Mexico, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe is an idyllic and relaxing getaway. Guests have a variety of activities and excursions to choose from, including various historical and cultural tours, scenic hikes, horseback riding, and fine dining.

Located just minutes away from downtown shops and galleries, the resort is home to a world-class spa—a soothing sanctuary that is located on a spiritual vortex and embodies a fresh, holistic approach to wellness. It draws its inspiration from the kiva rooms used by indigenous Puebloans for spiritual ceremonies, offering a range of treatments that feature regional ingredients to nourish the mind, body and soul. Spa Director Gary Adkins takes us behind-the-scenes at the desert retreat, sharing recommended treatments, insider tips, spa bonuses, and more:

Why You’ll Love It: Guests love our dedication to incorporating the finest local and regionally-inspired ingredients into our treatments, from our Blue Corn Honey Renewal treatment and the Lavender Pinon Rejuvenation treatment, to our Mountain Spirit Purification treatment—which begins with a healing traditional smudging ceremony. Tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and perched atop a spiritual vortex, just minutes from busy downtown Santa Fe, our guests also enjoy our secluded, intimate location, which allows for total relaxation and solitude.

Key Features: The spa has a steam room, outdoor Jacuzzi, infused water, tea, and healthy snacks for guests to enjoy. We also have a special “warming room” where guests can relax pre or post-treatment.

Bonus: Our guests can enjoy access to the spa’s warming room, which is stocked with reading materials, Wi-Fi, snacks, refreshments and more. Guests are welcome to enjoy this cozy space pre or post-treatment for added relaxation.

Insider’s Tip: Many visitors to Santa Fe are unaware of the high altitude. To combat altitude sickness, guests can add a 10-minute oxygen treatment to their spa treatment or enjoy its healing powers solo. Guests are hooked up to an oxygen machine, and the oxygen is infused with a healing essential oil of choice. Guests then sit back and relax with an eye mask, while noise-cancelling headphones playing soothing nature sounds. These treatments can make all the difference in battling the high altitude of Santa Fe.

Snacks Served: The Spa serves healthy snacks such as almonds and cranberries, tea and infused water.

Unique Treatment: Our Mountain Spirit Purification Treatment, which is inspired by the Native American reverence for the earth, begins with a smudging of sage, followed by an adobe clay body mask. Next, a warm, restful scalp and foot massage connects both of your energies to heaven and earth. After your mask, refresh with a shower and receive your final gift: a juniper-sage massage using hot stones. (110 minutes/$300)

Splurge Treatment: The Spiritual Journey Treatment is one of our most decadent and immersive treatments offered at the Spa. This full-body treatment will lead you through a journey of peace and enlightenment to purify, restore balance, and renew vitality. Inspired by shamanic techniques of guided imagery and deep relaxed breathing, treatment begins with a smudging of sage, a dry brushing of the body, followed by an adobe clay mask and wrap. While wrapped, you will be guided through a spiritual journey. Following the wrap, you will lead to sit in the sauna to purify the body, followed by a Chakra balancing massage, which restores the mind, body and spirit. (110 minutes/$300)

Insider’s Favorite: Right now, we are offering a number of luxurious winter-inspired treatments, such as our Sugar Plum Restorative Oxygen Ritual. This special seasonal treatment is aimed to alleviate stress. Guests will begin with a sugar plum soufflé full-body massage to nurture and protect dry winter skin, followed by a healing clove oil scalp and facial massage, perfectly combined with a relaxing oxygen inhalation to help adjust to Santa Fe’s winter air and altitude. This unique ritual will leave you not only with a sense of calm but clarity of mind. (110 minutes/$325)

Featured Products: The Spa uses advanced quality skin brands such as Eminence, Elemis and Intraceuticals, which are incorporated into our facials. We also use Farmhouse Fresh for our specialized body treatments.

For more information and to book a treatment, visit the resort’s website and follow them on Instagram: @fssantafe

[Images courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado]

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado

198 State Road 592

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506

505-946-5700