The Three Best Hot Springs in New Mexico

It's winter in New Mexico and that means it's dry and cold. It's time to go take care of yourself after the holidays. Why not go find a nice hot spring to soak in.

In New Mexico there are plenty of hot springs to soak in. Some of them are nearby and others are a long hike away. But since New Mexico is one of the most interesting states geologically, you won't run out of options.

But if you're in a hurry and want to know where the best ones are without trying all of them, we've got you covered. Here are the three best hot springs in New Mexico.

1. Ten Thousand Waves

If you're looking for a close place to soak, one of the most incredible places isn't far from Santa Fe. Ten Thousand Waves is a Japanese style hot springs resort in the foothills of the Sangre De Cristo mountains. It includes a world class spa, seven hot tubs including a women's communal bath, and a restaurant and hotel.

The tubs are around 104-105 degrees. The garden atmosphere is exceedingly relaxing and you will feel like you're not longer in the land of enchantment.

The spa includes multiple care package options. These can include massages, facials and exfoliating skin care (which, according to this exfoliate.com article, you should exfoliate regularly, especially in the winter).

2. Ojo Caliente

Farther up into the mountains is an ancient native american healing site. The old village no longer exists, but the springs in which they bathed are still there. Ojo Caliente is a resort on par with anything European but with a New Mexican flare.

The spa atmosphere extends throughout the entire facility. If you stay at their hotel, you receive your own bathrobe and can walk the short distance from your room to the tub in comfort.

Each pool includes water with a different healing mineral. And if you want to cool off, there is a large deep swimming pool.

If you don't want to pay for a spa package, you can take advantage of the mineral mud bath. Lather up all your exposed surfaces and then lay in the sun until you're baked. Then slip into the warm mud bath waters and rinse off.

Once you've soaked, you can go and enjoy a meal at their world class restaurant. They serve local fare and it is delicious.

3. Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

A bit farther away down the highway is Truth or Consequences, New Mexico formerly known as Hot Springs, New Mexico. It's a blip on the map right next to Elephant Butte, and if you blink, you'll miss it.

Originally a mining town, Truth or Consequence became a small resort town in the last century. Multiple hotels, bathhouses, and resorts exist in Truth or Consequences, and you can pick one according to your budget and preferences.

The only spa with outdoor baths is Riverbend Hot Springs. Their tubs are along the river and they offer hourly rates as well as full accommodations in one of their rooms.

If you're looking for a cheaper place to stay, Pelican Spa and hotel is an eclectic and inexpensive location. Their baths are in a house separate from all but one of the rooms. But their baths feature unlimited soaks and they are first come first serve for guests. Each room is decorated to a different theme. And all the walls are filled with local art.

The town of T or C is an art haven. Every other store front is a gallery. There are two cafes in town, a small theater with one screen, two used books stores, and an excellent Italian restaurant.