Aug 27 2007
Couples Getaway – Healthy for the RelationshipAs written for our Honeymoons/Romantic Getaways site, “Sunrise Springs is the go-to Santa Fe choice of honeymoon and romantic getaway couples who strive to incorporate the holistic, handmade, natural and serene into their daily lives.”
There is enough variety at Sunrise Springs so that couples who have richly divergent interests will still find themselves having a positive experience. Fine food, live jazz overlooking the spring-fed pond, swimming, art classes, couples spa treatments, hot tubbing and the ever-present fireplaces provide a great environment for togetherness. Oh yes, there is also TV in many rooms and high speed Internet connections in all the rooms and casitas. There is no need to give up the conveniences of modern life. More on romance at Sunrise Springs.
Retreats and Meetings
The Sunrise Springs property is dotted with interesting buildings, all connected by plant lined paths. There are rooms with beautiful hardwood floors and large windows used for meetings, classes and private dining.
There is an arts center with pottery studio, Yoga studio, gift shop and lobby with indoor/outdoor koi pond. That’s one place I watched a family enjoy. The children were entranced watching the koi and the flow of the water. Head up another path and you will encounter the Peace Lodge Sauna, a large sauna designed with Native American influence. 12 plus a leader can enjoy the sauna at one time. Talk about team building!
Spa Samadhi
Samadhi is a Sanskrit term used in Hindu and Buddhist meditations. Sunrise Springs tells us we can “achieve Samadhi through mindful breathing and loving kindness. Simply, Samadhi is Bliss.” At the spa you can schedule massage, facials and the more typical spa treatments all with an eye to providing a natural experience.
What drew my eye was the Transformative Menu, and, in particular, the Medicine Helper treatment (80 minutes at $160). Imagine coming to Sunrise Springs after a devastating divorce or chemotherapy treatment. You are depleted and ready for a transformation. The “Medicine Helper,” provided by a skilled massage therapist trained under a Huichol (Mexican) Curandera, would provide you with something that you would not experience under traditional medicine. Concha, LMT, from Oaxaca, Mexico, would bring the medicinal powers of fresh herbs, massage, native song, prayer and smudging to bring you back to balance and harmony. The treatment helps you increase your capacity to feel joy in life. Can you see why it would be such a wonderful experience for those at a crossroads in their life?
I am not a Spa reviewer but I did speak with two young women who had experienced several treatments at Spa Samadhi. The raved about the skill of the practitioners and their intuitive way of knowing just what degree of touch and level of treatment would most benefit them. They spent their "girl time" sampling the treatments and vowed to return.
Blue Heron Restaurant
Continuing the theme of nature and healing, I found the setting of the Blue Heron with outdoor terraces and indoor windows overlooking the trees and ponds, to be a great place for a relaxing meal. The property's General Manager, Tracy Pikhart Ritter, a seasoned executive chef and a multi-talented woman, is devoted to the use of natural foods and organic gardening. Many of the vegetables served at the restaurant are grown on the property. My favorites were the Chicken Dumpling appetizers with soy dipping sauce and a perfectly cooked salmon entree with summer vegetables (I probably walked by them on the way to the restaurant), parsley brown rice enhanced by purple basil pesto. The meal was memorable, the service excellent and the setting... well, peaceful.
Fortunately the Blue Heron is excellent and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Otherwise, it's a bit of a drive for fine dining.
Why I'd Return to Sunrise Springs
There are things the brochures don't tell you. I wondered why the property seemed a bit over-grown. I soon find out that it is a nature preserve and, among other things, it is necessary for plants to live out their life cycle in order to re-seed. I enjoyed exploring the grounds, looking for birds and encountering a frog in the lily pond.
I was surprised by the dedication of the staff to providing a peaceful environment and great service. I was there for Santa Fe's Indian Market and the resort decided to provide a shuttle servce to the event. Parking near the Plaza was hellacious at best so this service was gratefully received.
I was also surprised at how little it took for me to relax. I didn't need the classes or the spa. Wandering the property, enjoying a frog in the pond, and circling through the healing garden brought peace to my soul. It's the little things that make Sunrise Springs so special.
A Few Tips
- Getting to Sunrise Springs would be difficult at night unless you know the route well. You will head down a narrow country road.
- If your interests lie primarily in shopping and dining in old Santa Fe, you will be driving. It's a little over 20 minutes away.
- If you have any walking limitations, you will have to let the staff know. The resort is made for ambling the paths through gardens and up stairs. There are handicapped accessible rooms and ramps, but I wouldn't want to try to figure that out on my own.
- The best way to enjoy Sunrise Springs is to plan to stay on site. Toss the keys to your car in a drawer and walk to the spa, the restaurant, to the pool and more.
Winter is coming. The many fireplaces at Sunrise Springs will be warming visitors. The hot tubs will soak your troubles away, and the atmosphere of the Blue Heron Restaurant inside is welcoming and festive. I hear the hot chocolate is always on. What a great place to retreat to this Winter.
For more information, Sunrise Springs has an excellent website. .
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accomodations for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
