If you aren’t able to fly to Japan right now, how about experiencing a traditional Japanese onsen right here in New Mexico? Ten Thousand Waves spa and resort in Santa Fe, NM is incredibly similar to the hot spring spas in Japan.
I stayed at Ten Thousand Waves spa one night in December, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Here’s how my stay went — and why you need to book your stay at Ten Thousand Waves spa soon, too!
About Ten Thousand Waves Spa
Ten Thousand Waves spa and resort is inspired by the Japanese mountain hot spring spa resorts, and, yes, it really is in New Mexico! It’s in the foothills of the mountains near Santa Fe.
I expected to be driving mountainous roads for quite a while to reach the resort, but it’s really only 10 minutes from downtown Santa Fe. Just a short drive to reach a forested, peaceful, secluded property.
The resort has been fine-tuning their spa experience since 1981.
It seems like a hidden gem, but it has been legendary for quite some time.
What is the point of an onsen?
Onsens are hot springs used as public or private bathhouses. They are typically outdoors. There are thousands of onsens in Japan, which have been used for centuries. Onsens are a rich part of Japanese culture.
Many people use onsens in order to relax, reduce stress, cleanse, or even relieve pain or sore muscles.
The Rooms at Ten Thousand Waves Spa
Our stay at Ten Thousand Waves was one of the best hotel experiences of my life.
We stayed in Rising Moon, a second-floor, one-bedroom with a living room area. It was more like an apartment than a hotel room.
There are 16 such rooms at the resort, and you can view them all on their website.
Amenities in the Rooms
The staff made up the sofa bed for us and included so many wonderful details — from the Buddha-shaped chocolate on our pillows to the blue kimonos that kept us warm walking to and from the spa.
Inside the room, there was also a lantern to light your way around the resort at night, yuzu scented shampoo, and granola and yogurt for a quick breakfast.
Once we checked in, we did not leave the resort until it was time to check out. We soaked in every second here, trying to make the most of it. I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited about a hotel before, but this one was incredible.
There Are a Lot of Stairs, But You Can Use the Shuttle to Get Around
There are a lot of stairs around the resort, and it can get tiresome getting from place to place, so a free shuttle service is offered to all guests.
Simply call the front desk and request it and the shuttle will be at your doorstep in minutes.
We used the shuttle to get to/from the restaurant and the spa one morning (it was cold).
Hot Springs at Ten Thousand Waves Spa
What would be a Japanese onsen without hot springs and spas?
The hot tubs are the main event at Ten Thousand Waves spa as the whole resort was designed around the power of sitting in hot water surrounded by nature (or so their mission statement says).
When the resort says they’re inspired and modeled after Japanese onsens, they really mean it. It’s gorgeous, and there’s a sense of serenity here.
Spa Features
Ten Thousand Waves spa features an incredible on-site spa with 8 hot tub areas and fully equipped, gorgeous locker rooms as well as treatment rooms (for massages and facials).
When you check in, you’ll be given a kimono robe to wear around the resort, which definitely adds to the experience.
Photography isn’t allowed inside the baths for privacy reasons, but there are photos on the Ten Thousand Waves website if you’d like to see what each hot tub area looks like.
Is the Spa Included With Your Stay?
A soak in the Grand Bath is included with all stays. Guests also have free access to foot soaks, sauna, and cold plunge.
What’s Included:
- Grand Bath
- Foot soaks
- Sauna
- Cold plunge
- Access to locker rooms
The spa opens an hour early for overnight guests to enjoy these amenities without the outside crowds. We did this, arriving at 7 a.m. on the dot, and shared the Grand Bath with two other couples.
If you don’t want to do the communal Grand Bath, you can also book private hot tubs for an extra cost.
Where to Dine at Ten Thousand Waves: Izanami
Izanami is the only restaurant at the resort, and it is fantastic. They serve Japanese-inspired dishes, and everything we ordered was incredible.
Start with their loose-leaf tea. We ordered the gyokuro, a shaded green tea from Japan that is known as the tea of emperors. Past royalty have requested this tea as its the highest grade of green tea.
There are amazing vegetarian options. We ordered the vegetarian bento box including tofu that was handmade in-house. We also ordered the vegetarian bibimbap, which was served in a 500-degree stone bowl.
End your meal with the incredible yuzu cheesecake, which has handmade crust and delicious citrus flavor. My mouth is watering all over again.
Make your reservations in advance on OpenTable or on their website as they book up quickly.
You can view all their menus on their website.
When to Go to Ten Thousand Waves Spa
If you’d like a snowy atmosphere, go in the winter.
We went in December, just before New Year’s Eve, and loved how beautiful the snow looked. It didn’t actively snow while we were there, but snow was on the ground and it made everything all the more lovely.
Christmas break is one of their busiest times, so expect the rooms to be booked well in advance.
Other times of the year, I’m sure, are just as nice with all of the forest greenery.
You really can’t go wrong, anytime of year.
How to Book a Room at Ten Thousand Waves Spa
Go to the Ten Thousand Waves website to view photos of each of their lodges.
Once you’ve decided on your top picks, check out the availability for each one.
Then book your stay as soon as possible! They book up fast.
There is a 2-night minimum stay. We were able to stay only one night due to the nights immediately before and after being booked already.
The Ten Thousand Waves resort is a treasure and a truly enchanting experience. I can’t wait to be back one day!
Other Things to Do Around the Resort
While there’s nothing within walking distance of the resort aside from trees and hiking trails, there’s plenty within driving distance. We only had time to explore downtown Santa Fe on our trip, but with more days, you can do much more.
Explore Downtown Santa Fe (10-minute drive): I’d suggest walking around the historic Santa Fe Plaza and visiting a few museums, such as the New Mexico History Museum and Palace of the Governors (both included in one ticket), the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts and the New Mexico Museum of Art. You should also check out The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, which is free or by donation.
Visit Bandelier National Monument (1-hour drive): This site is part of the National Park Service, so annual NPS passes are accepted. Here at Bandelier National Monument you’ll find cave dwellings, petroglyphs, trails, and beautiful canyons.
Visit Taos Pueblo (1.5-hour drive): Taos Pueblo is a living Native community with gorgeous adobe houses, which have been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years. Admission is open to the public to witness this historic UNESCO World Heritage Site. See hours and prices on their website.
Go on a hike (5-to-30-minute drives): There are several hiking trails off the main road near the resort, and you can see the trails on a map on the ten thousand waves website.
Skiing (30-minute drive): During winter, there is a ski resort open just up the mountainous road from the resort. Visit Ski Santa Fe to learn more.
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Wow great article it was a magical place!!