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The Best Wellness Retreats in New Mexico Beyond Santa Fe: Hot Springs, a Monastery and a Taos Spa
The best wellness retreats in New Mexico are not all in Santa Fe. Our Santa Fe guide covers Ten Thousand Waves, Ojo Caliente, Bishop's Lodge and the city's other big names. This page goes further out: a luxury spa resort in Taos, the high desert landscape of Ghost Ranch, a Benedictine monastery at the end of a canyon road, a farm inn on the edge of Albuquerque and two hot springs, one in the Jemez Mountains and one on the Rio Grande. Every pick was checked against its own website in October 2026.
Best spa resort: El Monte Sagrado, Taos.
Best for landscape and solitude: Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, 21,000 acres.
Best silent retreat: Monastery of Christ in the Desert, Chama Canyon.
Best hot springs on a budget: Jemez Hot Springs, $25 for an hour.
The six at a glance
| Retreat | Where | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Monte Sagrado | Taos | Luxury resort and spa | A pampering weekend |
| Ghost Ranch | Abiquiu | Education and retreat centre | Hiking, art and quiet |
| Monastery of Christ in the Desert | Chama Canyon, near Abiquiu | Benedictine guesthouse | Silence and prayer |
| Los Poblanos | Albuquerque (Los Ranchos) | Historic farm inn with spa | Food, gardens and a spa day |
| Jemez Hot Springs | Jemez Springs | Walk-in hot springs | A soak on a road trip |
| Riverbend Hot Springs | Truth or Consequences | Hot springs resort with rooms | Open-air soaking by the Rio Grande |
1. El Monte Sagrado, Taos
El Monte Sagrado describes itself as New Mexico's luxury wellness retreat and Taos's only luxury resort. It is close to Taos Plaza, with rooms and suites, two restaurants (De La Tierra and Anaconda) and The Living Spa. Its packages change through the year; at the time of writing a Spa Indulgence package adds a $100 nightly credit towards a treatment when charged to the room. Taos itself is the draw too: the pueblo, the galleries and, in winter, the ski valley. At around 7,000 feet, take the first day gently.
2. Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu
Ghost Ranch is an education and retreat centre covering 21,000 acres of red and cream cliffs, the landscape Georgia O'Keeffe painted for decades. It is about 65 miles north-west of Santa Fe on US 84, between mile markers 224 and 225. Guests stay on the ranch and join programmes, workshops or guided activities, or just walk; the hiking trails up Kitchen Mesa and Chimney Rock are the classics. This is a retreat for people who want space and silence more than massages. Note that Upper Kitchen Mesa is closed to hikers from 15 October to 1 November 2026.
3. Monastery of Christ in the Desert
A long dirt road off US 84 leads up the Chama Canyon to this Benedictine monastery. The monks welcome guests who want to stay for a number of days, in renovated rooms in the Guesthouse and Ranch House with reading lamps, comfortable chairs and a religious image in each room. The setting offers what the monastery calls splendid silence and solitude. Guests can join the monks' prayer; read the guest guidelines on its website before you book through the online reservations system, and check road conditions after rain.
4. Los Poblanos, Albuquerque
Los Poblanos is a historic farm and inn in the Rio Grande Valley on the edge of Albuquerque, designed in 1932 by John Gaw Meem, the architect known as the father of Santa Fe style. It sits on an organic farm among lavender fields, cottonwoods and formal gardens, and the inn runs a spa, wellness classes and a well-regarded restaurant. It suits anyone who wants a restful base with good food more than a structured programme, and it is the easiest pick to reach from Albuquerque's airport.
5. Jemez Hot Springs, Jemez Springs
Formerly known as Giggling Hot Springs, Jemez Hot Springs is a small, walk-in mineral springs in the village of Jemez Springs, in the mountains north-west of Albuquerque. It does not take reservations: a one-hour property pass is $25 per person and two hours is $50, and if it is at capacity you buy the next available slot. Bring a water bottle, since the hot water and the altitude dehydrate you quickly. Groups of 10 or more can book before opening hours by phone.
6. Riverbend Hot Springs, Truth or Consequences
Riverbend calls itself the only hot springs resort on the banks of the Rio Grande, with open-air pools looking over the river in the small southern town of Truth or Consequences. It is open every day of the year from 8am to 10pm (11pm during daylight saving time), with the pools closed on Thursdays from 10am to 4pm for cleaning. You can visit on a property pass, book a private soak, or stay in one of its rooms, which range from simple to spacious. It makes a natural stop between Albuquerque and Las Cruces.
Planning a New Mexico retreat
- Distances are long. Taos to Truth or Consequences is a full day's drive. Pick one region rather than trying to do all six.
- Combine with Santa Fe. Ghost Ranch and Christ in the Desert are about an hour and a half from Santa Fe, so they pair well with a few nights in the city.
- Altitude. Northern New Mexico is high. Drink water and take the first day slowly.
- Book direct. The smaller places manage their own bookings and rules; read them first.
Heading west instead? Our guides to the best wellness retreats in Arizona and Colorado cover the neighbouring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wellness retreat in New Mexico outside Santa Fe?
For a full-service spa stay, El Monte Sagrado in Taos, which calls itself New Mexico's luxury wellness retreat and runs The Living Spa. For a quieter, more reflective stay, Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu or the guesthouse at the Monastery of Christ in the Desert.
Can you stay at a monastery in New Mexico?
Yes. The Monastery of Christ in the Desert in the Chama Canyon near Abiquiu has guest rooms in its Guesthouse and Ranch House for people who want silence and solitude for a few days. Read the guest guidelines and book through its online reservations system.
How much does a hot springs soak cost in New Mexico?
At Jemez Hot Springs in Jemez Springs, a one-hour property pass is $25 per person and two hours is $50, walk-in only. Riverbend Hot Springs in Truth or Consequences sells property passes and private soaks; check its rates page for the current price.
When is the best time for a New Mexico retreat?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Summer brings heat in the south and afternoon storms in the mountains, and winter can bring snow to Taos and the Jemez Mountains, which is lovely in a hot spring but needs care on the roads.
Is altitude a problem at New Mexico retreats?
It can be. Taos sits at about 7,000 feet, and many northern retreats are high. Drink more water than usual, go easy on alcohol and hard exercise for the first day or two, and talk to your doctor first if you have heart or lung conditions.
Sources: the retreats' own websites, checked 14 October 2026. Prices and packages change; confirm with each venue before booking. Back to the Retreat Central homepage.