FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—May 16 2013, (Ojo Caliente, NM): New Mexico’s Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, one of the oldest natural health resorts in the US, has recently been recognized by local and national media, and an international publication for a range of accolades that honor this legendary oasis as one of the most unique hot springs spas in the world.

Prevention Magazine named Ojo Caliente one of the “50 Healthiest Eco Spas in America,” and HER Magazine, a popular New Zealand publication, named Ojo one of the “World’s Top Eight Destination’s for Indulgence,” putting it in the company of spas in the Czech Repuplic, Thailand, Australia and Sri Lanka, to name a few. Locally, the Taos News announced last week that Ojo Caliente has won numerous 2013 People’s Choice Awards, which will be published in its annual Best of Taos issue on June 14, 2013. Ojo’s awards include:

• First Place: “Best Massage”
• First Place: “Best Place to Pamper Your Skin”
• First Place: “Best Weekend Get”
• First Place: “Best Place to Take a Dip”
• First Place: “Best Place to Soak”
• Second Place: Best Place To Say "I DO"
• Second Place: Best Lodging For Visitors

This year marks Ojo’s 145th Anniversary. Antonio Joseph, New Mexico’s First Territorial Representative to Congress, opened Ojo in 1868 as one of the first natural health resorts in the United States. As a “sanitarium,” Ojo was known throughout the country as a place where thousands of people would travel to for the curative properties of the healing mineral waters

Recent improvements at Ojo include the creation of a new Mud Area that will be heated geothermally allowing year-round use, and is scheduled to open at the end of June 2013. The current Mud Pool will be converted to a Lithia Pool this summer.

Three of Ojo’s original buildings have been caringly restored and maintained, and today are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, including the Historic Bathhouse built in 1868; the Historic Hotel, built in1916; and the Adobe Round Barn built in 1924.

Ojo Caliente’s Recent Accolades
Featured Santa Fe Getaway – Travel + Leisure
Awards for Best Eco-Spa, Best for Affordability, Best for LGBT, Best for Mineral Springs – SpaFinder Wellness
One of the Best Desert Getaways – Outside Magazine
Top 5 Favorite Mineral Springs Spas & Top 5 Most Affordable Spas – Spa Magazine
50 Healthiest Eco Spas in America – Prevention Magazine

About Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
Just north of Santa Fe and south of Taos, you’ll find Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs’ secluded sanctuary. Deemed sacred by Native Americans of Northern New Mexico, Ojo is one of the oldest natural health resorts in the United States. Opened in 1868, and celebrating their 145th Anniversary, this legendary oasis is the only hot springs in the world with four unique, sulfur-free healing mineral waters including iron, arsenic, soda and lithia.

Ojo is both historic and fresh with eclectic charm in a relaxed and tranquil environment, and features eleven geothermal mineral pools including the popular Mud Pool. This authentic destination focuses on sustainable practices, and boasts a rejuvenating full-service spa. Treatments include a wide range of Native American- and East Indian-inspired therapies, which incorporate wild crafted and indigenous herbs, flowers and essential oils. The resort consists of 48 beautifully appointed New Mexico-style lodging units, including enchanting suites, charming cottages, an Historic Hotel and private homes. The Artesian Restaurant serves up fresh, inventive, locally influenced dishes, and international cuisine. Lighter fare, plus an extensive selection of local and imported wine and beer, and creative cocktails are available in the Wine Bar. Activities include yoga and access to thousands of acres of hiking and biking trails.

Ojo is marking their anniversary with a series of ongoing improvement projects including a new Men’s Changing Area, the creation of a new larger Mud Area and new Lithia Pool, all expected to be ready for Summer 2013. A remodel of the Main Bathhouse is scheduled for Winter 2013/2014, with plans to add new men’s and women’s spa guest changing facilities with a waiting area, plus a new steam room and sauna for all guests, and 12 newly remodeled treatment rooms.