OJO CALIENTE

April 3, 2013…a slight, but amazing detour on the way to Taos!

What a fantastic couple of days! We were totally ‘off the grid’ but loving it! Half way between Santa Fe and Taos is a magical place called ‘Ojo Caliente’. The site features mineral pools that have been in use by the indigenous people for thousands of years and is now a world class spa. Ojo Caliente is one of the only hot springs spas and resorts on Earth featuring four healing minerals: Arsenic, Lithia, Soda and Iron in naturally sulfur-free waters.

Oho Caliente

Reception building at Oho Caliente

Oho Caliente – There are some fireplaces where you can sit and stay warm on cooler days

We stayed in their campground for 2 nights and indulged ourselves in their wonderful waters. We sort of lucked out as the campground is pretty rustic and is run almost as an afterthought to the hotel and cottages at the spa … the reservation system leaves something to be desired and we had to change campsites about 4 times before we found one that wasn’t already spoken for. The lucky part is, because of the hassle, they ‘comped’ us 2 passes into the public pools AND threw in a 50 minute private pool session.

Campground at Oho Caliente,

The public pools are great … there are several of them and they each have a different mineral composition. They are small with maximum capacities of between 10 – 20 people. They are strictly ‘whisper’ zones and people use them for not only relaxation, but meditation and prayer. There is also a larger pool which is not as hot and more relaxed as to noise levels.

Oho Caliente,

The main pool at night

The private pools tho are awesome! They are about 30’ square and are surrounded by high walls of adobe but open to the stars. We booked the pool at 8 pm and it included a fire in the kiva fireplace. It was magical! The night was totally black and the stars were out in full force. And because it was private … we were able to enjoy it ‘au natural’!

The private pool with the wood fireplace glowing in the background

We also had the most amazing meal at their restaurant as well!

The Restaurant at Oho Caliente

During the day there are numerous hikes in the area taking you to various places like an old mica mine and lots of ruins. It is a place not to be missed if you’re ever in the area!