Santa Fe
More Than Enough Hands To Work On You

In order to find the American Southwest’s spiritual Mecca, you have to climb 7000 feet until you reach Santa Fe, New Mexico. Many talented Artists and New Age spirituals make their home here. In fact, I believe that Santa Fe has more massage therapists and artists per capita than any city in America.

The place is home to a thriving artist’s colony. After New York, Santa Fe is said to be the nation’s largest art market. With just under 70,000 permanent residents, the number of ingredients in this cultural melting pot is impressive. They don’t teach diversity here – they live it. In fact, the city’s rather unofficial name is “the city different”, a sort of San Francisco with turquoise.

Downtown historic Santa Fe has many fashionable one of a kind boutiques, outdoor markets and street artists displaying Indian jewelry. Many of the art galleries are located in the historic district. Here, you will find European and Asian antiques, oriental rugs and so much more.

Sedona is known as the epi-center of the “New Age” movement. But Sedona is quite pricey and many in Sane Fe see themselves as somewhat more authentic folk. Santa Fe is known as the “bodyworks” capital of the US. There are, at any given time, more devotees of various healing and cosmetic arts hanging out a shingle than any other small city in America.

La Posada Resort and Spa, is in walking distance to the Historic plaza. The architectural style combines Victorian with Adobe style Casitas. The Hotel is surrounded by beautiful, elderly trees. There are art sculptures placed throughout the property, but none of them talk back to you. The rooms are comfortable with Southwest colors and décor, fireplaces in the room (some gas some wood burning), comfortable bedding with Frette linens.

The Avanyu Spa offers a full range of services. After arriving late in the afternoon, we decided to try their invigorating Arnica muscle and joint massage. This mountain herb (Arnica) combined with Rosemary and Bay Laurel, (known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties) helps promote circulation and relieves muscle soreness. This treatment is ideal for those who are a bit jet lagged.

One of the Spa’s signature treatments is the Adobe Mud Wrap. This treatment is designed to exfoliate dull tired looking skin. First the therapist dry brushes your skin (good for circulation and exfoliation). This is followed by an application of mineral rich adobe mud on your entire body. The patient is then wrapped in a aluminum blanket to retain warmth while encouraging your muscles to relax. After a quick warm shower, the therapist applies a warm moisturizer blended with desert sage and Juniper oil.

The resort should be considered as a wonderful component to a vacation in Santa Fe that includes shopping, Art Galleries, Museums or simply enjoying the tranquility of the local street scenes. And don’t be surprised if the waiter serving you your cappuccino is a Tibetan Monk who teaches tantric kayaking on the side.