The Spa at Loretto

I made an appointment for the Oxygeneo facial. When I was already on the table, and the tech had done a first quick pass at cleansing, she said «there are some contraindications, so tell me if you have…» and proceeded to list a lot of things, including use of Retin-​A, which I do use. So, that particular facial couldn’t be done. I told her I was very disappointed that this hadn’t been explained when I booked, and her response was «well, I’ll tell the spa director.» I asked for just a basic facial, and it was very poor — I left with my hair pulled, and mascara under my eyes, and no apologies — for $ 140! Never again at this place.

April just gave both me and my mom the greatest facial of our lives. Hands down. The woman is magic.
And the lovely woman who is the nail tech, whose name I can’t remember because I’m an asshole, did a beautiful job. I have the world’s smallest pinky toenails, but she handled them perfectly without even laughing at me too much.
Honestly, can’t say enough good.

Being new to Santa Fe I searched for a professional and service orientation day spa. I found it at Loretto! Maureen gives a fantastic pedicure. Relaxing and thorough. My feet never felt better. Maureen is conscious and personable. This Spa is my go to place!

There is a reason why this spa has been ranked highly by Conde Nast Traveler multiple times… because the service is fantastic. It’s small and quaint and the hot stone massage I got from Rachel was the best I’ve ever had. I’ve had them at other top resorts before in Scottsdale and Hawaii but none expertly maneuvered the stones the way she did. She really got into areas that needed loosening up and set a high bar for the next time I get one of these. I did use the coupon. But coupon or not it’s worth every penny.

Kelley was so helpful to check me in, good selection of candles, women’s clothing. Staying at the hotel there is a separate elevator so don your robe and slippers and zip down to the spa. They even offered to walk me back to my room as I was so relaxed but I managed to float back to my room. It appeared I was the only one there and the special treatments and pampering I wanted was delivered in a sweet and joyful spirit.
Avery was amazing, the room was comfortable, heated table, blissful. Chakra balancing my first as I had wanted to do this for a long time, the massages you choose from were plentiful. Nice and clean.
As many spas as I have tried in Santa Fe this was the best. 20% coupon I did use.

Unilocal check-​in through Inn & Spa for a 20% off spa coupon! Great help since services are pricey. I arrived early, hoping to catch a last minute manicure, but no luck. Was told to sit in the lobby couch until the therapist was ready for me which was strange since other spas have locker rooms or other services, not here. My massage room was really nice with bath and shower. I chose the 50 min medicinal massage with spirit aromatherapy and a 30 min house-​made desert sage scrub add-​on with Rachel. It is a bit overpriced, but my massage and scrub were among the best experiences I’ve had. Parking for spa patrons is free, but finding the spa is a little tricky, receptionist desk is around a corner so you have to look around.

I am not a big spa person so I don’t have a ton of basis for comparison, but it was nice and relaxing.

I arrived to my appointment about 20 minutes early thinking I (as normally experience at spas) would be taken to a Women’s locker/​relaxation area with possibly a sauna… Not so here. Was offered tea or water and waited for my appointment by the spa’s front desk. So felt just a little disappointed.
But when taken to my treatment room I was so splendidly surprised that it was so large and very well finished with a high-​end spa quality feel. I had a 50 minute Elemental Massage and now wished that I would have booked an 80 minute session. It was absolutely wonderful and very relaxing!

Sweet spa at the Inn at Loretto. However, the Inn (as of March 2008) is undergoing renovations. Both my friend and I experienced sawing and banging noises during our treatments, which is NOT conducive to relaxation! Bummer.
Also, the staff is a bit too hustle and bustle, so the hallways and common areas are not quiet and zen-​like. I like my spas to be hushed and quiet — almost like a sacred place, so I can be as relaxed as possible.
Must-​have treatment: Tropical Fruit & Flower «NHA» Facial. Ask for Desiree and you will NOT be sorry. She was amazing! This was my favorite treatment by FAR.
Bottom line — I think there are better spas for your money in Santa Fe, but if you find yourself staying at the Loretto, pop in for a treatment and see how you like it!