Known as Colorado’s spa capital, Glenwood Springs sits at the confluence of two rivers, surrounded by steep canyon walls. Its giant geothermal pool is legendary, fed by natural hot springs that also supply spa resorts and bathhouses across town. Nearby, the Vapor Caves offer a rare chance to bathe in naturally heated caverns, while rafting, hiking, and skiing fill the days outside. Glenwood feels restorative yet lively — a place where wellness and adventure flow together.

Named for the steaming mineral waters that rise along the San Juan River, Pagosa Springs is a sanctuary of outdoor soaking. Bathhouses and riverside pools invite visitors to slip between hot springs and cold plunges, often with snow-covered peaks in view. Beyond bathing, the surrounding wilderness offers hiking, skiing at Wolf Creek, and summer rafting. The town is relaxed and welcoming, its rhythm shaped by the river and the springs themselves.

One of the oldest natural health resorts in the United States, Ojo Caliente has been a sacred bathing site for centuries. Its mineral waters — ranging from iron- and soda-rich pools to arsenic and lithia baths — are said to carry distinct healing properties. Today, adobe spa buildings and rustic-chic lodgings surround the springs, blending Native heritage with modern wellness. Set against New Mexico’s high desert, Ojo Caliente feels timeless, elemental, and deeply restorative.

Santa Fe is a city of adobe walls, turquoise skies, and creative spirit. Its historic plaza anchors a blend of Pueblo, Spanish, and contemporary influences, while galleries and artisan workshops fill its streets with colour. Food is central here — chile-spiced dishes and farm-to-table dining — as are wellness rituals, from desert spas to nearby hot springs. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains rise just beyond, offering trails and ski slopes. Santa Fe feels both ancient and innovative, a cultural capital infused with warmth.

Stretching along the Rio Grande, Albuquerque balances desert landscapes with a vibrant urban heart. The Old Town preserves adobe heritage, while modern districts pulse with breweries, street art, and festivals. The Sandia Mountains frame the skyline, accessible by hiking trails or the dramatic aerial tramway. Wellness takes many forms here — from spa resorts drawing on Native traditions to nearby hot springs in the desert. Each autumn, the sky fills with colour during the International Balloon Fiesta, a fitting symbol of Albuquerque’s spirit: expansive, joyful, and always rising.