Over a decade ago, I had a work trip to Albuquerque, NM, and since then, I've harbored a desire to visit Santa Fe. This longing was further stoked by an inspiring Instagram story from Banana Republic in February 2023, tagging Ojo Caliente, a surprisingly affordable spa located north of Santa Fe. I knew the time had come to make this trip a reality. So, I reached out to my adventurous friend, Sheri, and she was all in! (You can read about her balancing act in her Juggling Act feature article, where she shares how she manages her business, marriage, and family.)
Neither Sheri nor I had been on a girls' trip since my bachelorette party more than a decade ago, so it was long overdue. We hopped on a Southwest Airlines flight from Nashville, TN, to Albuquerque on a Thursday and rented a maroon Jeep Wrangler at the airport. Our journey to Santa Fe, just an hour north of Albuquerque, commenced immediately upon landing. After a day and a half exploring Santa Fe, we continued our adventure north to Ojo Caliente, which was about an hour's drive from Santa Fe. We were fortunate enough to bask in Ojo Caliente's magic for two unforgettable days.
Santa Fe and Ojo Caliente offered incredible experiences filled with culture, art, and relaxation. I'll be splitting the details into two posts to give each the attention it deserves. So, read on to discover where Sheri and I dined, shopped in Santa Fe, and the spa services we indulged in, as well as our enchanting Ojo Caliente experience. This trip has been etched in my memory, and it was so incredible that we're already considering making it an annual tradition. Girls' trips are truly life giving!