The mineral springs at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa defy the parched high desert which surrounds it. Each day, 100,000 gallons of hot water bubble out of the ground and are captured in the spa’s public and private soaking pools. Located just over an hour’s drive from Santa Fe and about two hours from Albuquerque, Ojo Caliente is doable as a day trip for many New Mexican residents. If you want to experience the benefits of a vacation in the space of an afternoon, head to this hot spring resort in New Mexico that combines luxury with natural beauty.

Step away from your worries into a place of serenity and calm.

With several pools available, guests are spoiled for choice. Unlike many hot springs, the waters here contain no sulfur.

Translation: your new personal scent won’t be rotten eggs!

Ojo Caliente bills itself as the only hot spring resort on the planet to offer four separate kinds of mineral water: soda, arsenic, iron, and lithia.

Each offers unique health benefits to bathers. If you want to boost your immune system or beat fatigue, take a dip in the iron pool and enjoy crunching across its natural, pebble floor.

For digestive complaints or to escape the sun, head to the gurgling, greenhouse-meets-grotto that is the soda pool.

Be careful climbing in – this pool is deeper than the others.

Suffering from arthritis or ulcers? Brave the heat of the arsenic pool.

To commune with nature, slip into the cliffside pools.

The lithia pool is said to help digestion issues and depression.

The original Lithia Pump is no longer being used, but the lithia pools are still there for your relaxation.

Those seeking a more tranquil experience, or a swimsuit optional environment, can rent one of three private, outdoor soaking areas. A rustic shelter shades part of the pool, which is open to the sand and rose-hued cliff face. The arsenic spring waters here are kept at 103°.

The spa also boasts a mud pool.

For a unique experience, slather on mud the consistency of milk, bake until you cake, then rinse. Wear an old swimsuit – mud can stain – and bear in mind that the mud pool typically closes early.

Other on-site amenities include a restaurant, a wine bar and lounge that serves more casual meals.

You'll also find accommodations that range from RV and camping spots to suites and cottages.

Fun Fact: The resort is over 140 years old and the steam room and sauna are both housed in the original 1868 bathhouse.

Insider’s Tip: For maximum solitude, visit the mineral springs on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the least busy days.

Visit the website for Ojo Spa Resort in New Mexico to learn more about hours, pricing, and availability.

Have you been to this amazing hot spring resort in New Mexico? Or perhaps you’ve visited some of New Mexico’s other hot springs and swimming holes. Where do you go when you want to relax in the Land of Enchantment? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.