Relaxation Getaway: Ten Thousand Waves in Santa Fe, New Mexico
High up in the mountains of Santa Fe you can find a hidden gem known as Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-inspired hot springs, spa, and resort. Coming from Los Angeles, I made the resort my destination for a few days of rest and relaxation and booked a few nights in the Rising Moon room. Each of the rooms are unique and intimate, similar to the amenities at Ten Thousand Waves.
Upon arrival, I was struck by the Japanese architecture, decor, and healing waterfalls nestled in the rustic setting of snow-capped mountains of Sante Fe. The calming waters flowing throughout the property and friendly staff make guests feel right at ease. As a resort guest, I was given access to the Grand Bath while my room was being prepared.
The changing areas are co-ed with Japanese heated toilets and custom spa products in the showers. Ten Thousand Waves modeled the bathing experience after the great hot spring onsen of Japan - there’s a grand bath and the seven private baths each have saunas, hot tubs, and cold plunge pools. The spa blocks time between each session to disinfect surfaces and to assure that the entire volume of water in the hot tub and cold plunge has gone through a complete filtration/sanitation cycle.
There’s no steam room on-site, but Ten Thousand Waves does offer six different massages, ranging from the signature shiatzu to a relaxing deep stone massage, facials, and transformation treatments. I opted for the signature shiatzu and it was probably one of the best massages I’ve had in my life (thank you, Thomas!). The spa provides loose-fitted clothing, and there was no oil used during the treatment. The therapist performs kata all over the body to unlock areas of tension and address underlying, structural issues with rhythmic pressure to move muscles and fascia, allowing them to go deep without using direct pressure. All therapists at Ten Thousand Waves are trained by Uchida-Sensei, a shiatzu master from Japan, and they work with him annually to refine their craft.
The Ten Thousand Waves Transformation combines the benefits of neuroscience and psychedelic medicine with the relaxed natural beauty, exceptional hospitality, and healing spa treatments of Ten Thousand Waves so guests can achieve new levels of personal insight and full-body restoration.
The resort’s on-site restaurant, Izamani is a very unique dining experience and worth the drive up the mountain even if you’re not going to the spa! I dined in the tatami room, for a traditional Japanese-style dining experience. Food is served izakaya style, with small plates, and the fish is flown in twice a week from Japan to ensure that it’s always fresh. My favorite part of the dining experience was the sake menu! Izanami has the first and only female sake sommelier in the United States, and she has stocked Izanami with a special sake menu that can’t be found anywhere else but Japan. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and provided a special sake tasting and dining experience.
Insider tips: The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays for lunch, so I would plan accordingly as a guest, or pick a different day to go to get the full experience at Ten Thousand Waves. You also need to reserve a table in advance, though they will prioritize resort and spa guests without a reservation.
Book your trip to Ten Thousand Waves in advance to get your preferred room, and while you’re at it - book your private bath and massage treatments! I booked my trip to Ten Thousand Waves four months in advance to get two nights in my preferred room. Hot tubs are booked 45- days in advance.
[Images courtesy of Ten Thousand Waves and Melissa Tillman]
Melissa Tillman (@pictureit_likethis) is the Founder & CEO of Nonprofit Growth Advisors, a Los Angeles-based consulting firm established to help nonprofit organizations create efficient and sustainable processes and programs that lead to growth and long-term impact for the communities they serve. She has a passion for human rights, adventure, and pampering, and finds her balance by chasing spa days and sunsets around the world.