Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/85232
044: pinklifestyle Cowboy Country TRAVEL WRITER VICTORIA UGARTE VISITS SOUL'S REFUGE AT THE OJO CALIENTE RESORT & SPA IN NEW MEXICO Renowned American artist, Georgia O'Keeffe, lived and painted for five decades from a small cottage in Ghost Ranch, a 21,000 acre property located close to the village of Abiquiu, New Mexico. Rugged, wild, and surrounded by the red and yellow sculptural formations of the surrounding mesas, this is pure cowboy country. And after two hours at Ghost Ranch amidst the chalky red dust and scorching temperatures, my skin looked and felt like the craggy cliffs on O'Keeffe's canvas. In dire need of some pampering, thank goodness I had researched and earmarked a visit to Ojo Caliente, the resort and spa built around a superheated alkaline spring located approximately 80.4 kms from Santa Fe. Meaning "hot eye" in Spanish, Ojo Caliente was established as the first natural health spa in the United States. Visitors from all over the United States and the world come to this resort to soak for hours in the various mineral pools, each with their own unique properties that benefit different ailments and conditions. Sounding more inviting by the minute, it was only a half hour's drive from Ghost Ranch. We just had to check it out. Parking the car and strolling up the driveway to an adobe style 1916 structure, which is mysteriously set beneath iron-filled red cliffs, the resort emanated an almost ancient vibe. Almost. That feeling quickly dissipated as we headed to the front desk and discussed robes, lockers and pricing. While there were a plethora of treatments and massages that we could take advantage of, we figured the different mineral pools, the regular 87 degree pool, and the 107 degree arsenic pool (yes, arsenic!) were enough to keep us busy. Changing into our swimmers, wrapping ourselves in plush robes, and storing our belongings in the lockers provided, we headed out for an afternoon of uninterrupted bliss.