Ten Thousand Waves, Santa Fe, NM

The Ten Thousand Waves mountain spa is considered a day spa; however, they have facilities that include thirteen hotel suites. The spa feels like visitors have entered a Japanese onsen where guests can enjoy an hour or stay longer to enjoy all of the treatments they have to offer. The spa and lodge has plenty of street level parking and limited parking on the spa level. There are pleasant Japanese gardens, ponds and beautiful woodwork throughout the Ten Thousand Waves property. Ten Thousand Waves began in 1981 as a Japanese bathhouse with eight outdoor hot tubs and one room for massages.

Keeping with the tradition of Japanese bathing rituals there are indoor and outdoor baths. After a warm bath guests can take a plunge in cold water if they wish. The public bath area has facilities for women only and communal bathing. There are also private baths that can be used by guests and their party. The baths are maintained at about 104 to 106 degrees.

Visitors interested in a premium private bath have several selections that can be made. The first is the Shoji which includes a six by six foot tiled and stainless steel bath, a radiant heat/wet dry sauna, cooling bath with mattress, and walk in private cold plunge. The price for this bath is $35.00 for fifty five minutes and $45.00 for eighty five minutes per person.

The New Kojiro bath is a twelve by seven foot river rock bath with a wet/dry sauna, large sun deck, cold shower, tile cold plunge inside the fence and it can accommodate twenty two people. This bath is open from 9:00 am until the spa opens daily except Tuesdays. Then New Kojiro is reserved as a communal bath for lodging guests. The cost of this bath is the same as it is for the Shoji bath.

A waterfall private bath is a large free form polished concrete and rock bath with a wet/dry sauna, cold plunge and can accommodate up to twelve people in the bath and up to five people in the sauna. Prices are again the same price as the other two premium private baths.

Super premium baths include the Ichiban and the New Ofuro. The Ichiban is a self contained bathing area that has two giant ceramic tea cups set in a Japanese garden. There are no jets in these baths and a wet/dry sauna is also in the compound. There is a changing area that includes a private shower with Japanese seated bathing or American standing. Granite vanity mirrors, hair dryer and wicker clothes basket are part of the amenities. There is a Japanese toilet that has an automatic lid, heated seat, warm water wash, bidet, and choice of flush. This bath is $49.00 per person for ninety minutes. The New Ofuro has a smaller soaking tub and is handicap accessible.

There are thirteen suites available so that guests can stay on site. The rooms are designed in the Japanese ryiokan tradition. For guests on a budget there is a 19 foot Airstream bamboo trailer as well as luxury accommodations that include a full kitchen and fireplaces.