Category: Travel

Categories
Travel

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs and Spa, New Mexico

Capture3

I don’t know about you but a day relaxing and enjoying hot mineral springs is a perfect way to unwind and spend time with nature. It is also one of my favorite summer and weekend activities.  Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs and Spa is by far one of my favorite mineral springs resort not only in Northern New Mexico, but in all of New Mexico. It is perfect day trip or weekend getaway any season of the year. About a two hour drive from Albuquerque or little over an hour from Santa Fe, it is a perfect day trip destination.

Capture8

Tucked away in La Madera Mountains of New Mexico this is one of  the oldest spring resorts in the United States. The sulphur-free, geothermal mineral waters which bubble up from the ground have flowed from a subterranean volcanic aquifer for thousands of years. It offers more than 10 pools with four different types of mineral water: lithia, iron, soda and arsenic.  Temperatures range from 80 to 109 degrees. These pools are not only an excellent place to relax and rejuvenate but are said to have many healing properties. Private pools are available if you’d like to share time away from other resort goers.

Capture

The resort provides not only mineral springs but a cozy atmosphere to rest away in the many hammocks and lounge chairs. Not to mention the unique mud pool where many resort goers cover themselves in mud and relax.

Capture5

If the mineral springs are not enough for you the spa provides a variety of services from traditional massages to hot stone massages and scrubs.  A restaurant on site to dine in and enjoy a meal as you spend the day soaking and relaxing is the perfect touch to fully enjoy this hidden getaway.

img_5500-1

If a day trip is not enough for you, book a room and enjoy a nights stay in one of the lovely rooms located on the property. Also, enjoy a yoga class or a hike around the beautiful Northern New Mexico landscape.

Capture1

Categories
Travel

Monte Sagrado Resort-Taos, New Mexico

If your traveling through Northern, New Mexico, Taos should definitely a must stop on your list of sights to see. This beautiful Northern town is full of natural beauty, culture and adventure. It’s perfect place to getaway for the weekend. There are many things to see and do in  and around, Taos, from skiing and snowboarding at Taos Ski Valley to walking across the Rio Grande, Gorge Bridge. You can get lost on the plaza, enjoy some local shopping, eat New Mexican dishes and sip cocktails and listening to live music on a patio.  With lots to see and do to keep you busy during the day in Taos a perfect evening calls for a stay at The Monte Sagrado Resort in Taos. There’s no other Northern New Mexico Resort like it!

 

This hotel in located in the center of town, just off the plaza where food, drinks and shopping are available. This resort is like no other in the area, beautiful, tranquil, welcoming and is surrounded by the beauty of nature. I was lucky enough to visit just after a snow storm, which added extra wonder to my stay.

img_1364

If possible request the Native American Suite with an outdoor balcony. The view is breathtaking any season of the year. The suites are roomy with a private master bath, large bathroom with walk in shower and living area with fire place. You’ll will most certainly enjoy your evening relaxing, after a day of skiing, sightseeing or shopping.

img_1298Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit! The property has a tropical indoor pool and hot tub area with plants, flowers, and water to help you relax and enjoy your stay. The hotel lounge carried dinner style food items and make cocktails to order. They didn’t mind making drinks in a to-go cup to carry to the pool, either!

img_1296-1

You’re sure to leave wanting to come back!

 

Categories
Travel

Traveling Arches National Park

Utah has a beauty all its own. Every time I’ve been lucky enough to explore this gorgeous state I’m left in awe by it’s natural beauty. Arches National Park was no different. Here’s some tips and tricks I picked up along the way. Hopefully they help planning your trip a little easier.

Moab, Utah is the closest city to Arches National Park. There are multiple hotels and RV parks in town to rent and enjoy your stay. There’s also lots of restaurants and places to eat in town.

First, plan according to the season you are visiting Utah. Summer months get hot and in the winter you’ll more than likely be greeted with snow.  Believe it or not, I visited Arches on The 4th of July! Kid you not! July brings the heat and this year was no different. With many sites to see and trails to hike, I began about 6 am. I know, it sounds crazy, but at this time of year it’s the only way to beat the heat and truly enjoy the hike. There are several arches around the park to hike too. The hike to the Delicate Arch pictured was about 2 miles, give or take. A little less than 4 miles out and back. Depending on the time of day and season the trails are highly congested and the earlier you set out the better. Trust me, heading back down nearly two hours later and seeing the folks just starting the trail with a temperature of more than 90 degrees, I was happy I started early in the morning. It also helps with parking. There are lots of spaces up and around the trail head. Early in the morning it was easy to find a parking, later parking was congested and harder to find. As you drive around the park to different areas of the park some places are more popular than others and are more congested. Some trailheads are easy to drive up to and begin hiking.

Make sure you pack your water, even the early morning heat can weigh on you and you’ll need to hydrate. I took my camel pack and I had more than enough water for the day. You’ll be happy you have it when you reach the trail end and have some time to rest and enjoy the scenery. I always have at least a granola bar in my pack.

Packing a lunch in a cooler is a really good idea. There are several sites to stop, park and hike through the park. Depending on how long you spend exploring it’s nice to have a lunch break before heading up more trails and driving through the rest of the park.

The beautiful of Arches National Park will certainly not disappoint and is a must see in the Southwest!