02 Sep 2015
New Mexico integrative wellness resort features experiential, nature-based activities
BY Jane Kitchen
Sunrise Springs, an integrative wellness resort, has opened in Santa Fe, New Mexico, US in a historic property with natural cold springs. The resort features therapeutically designed programming and an integrative spa and is aimed towards guests seeking rejuvenation, balance, purpose, direction and connection in their lives, the company said.
Owned and operated by Andy Scott, who also runs sister resort Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, Sunrise Springs is set amid natural cold springs that were used by Native Americans and Spanish settlers. Former New Mexico governor John F. Simms called the property home in the late 1950s and early 60s; Scott acquired Sunrise Springs in 2013 and has been working to transform it since.
Set amid 70 acres of cottonwoods and spring-fed ponds, Sunrise Springs features 20 casitas, 32 guestrooms and a 5,500sq ft (511sq m) Integrative Therapeutic Spa (ITSPA) that combines an integrative medical clinic with a wellness spa and includes a team of medical doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health professionals, integrative care specialists and massage therapists.
“Here, guests can immerse themselves in a wellness lifestyle where they can learn, grow and thrive,” said Dr. David Hans, executive director.
The integrative wellness offerings blend Eastern and Western therapeutic practices with Native American teachings. Services at the spa include wellness evaluation, nutritional assessment, behavioural healthcare, acupuncture, chiropractic, psychotherapy, stress evaluation, spiritual counselling and a wide range of traditional spa services, including hydrotherapy.
“We have assembled a team of credentialed health and wellness providers who are committed to helping each guest create sustainable healthy living practices that can be incorporated into their daily lives at home,” said Hans.
The resort also features a medicine wheel, or mandala, at the centre, representing the interconnectedness and balance between the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical aspects of wellbeing. The resort’s offerings are guided by four principles: ‘nature bathing,’ ‘digital detox,’ ‘learning through experience,’ and ‘food as medicine.’
Daily experiential and nature-based activities include mindfulness, meditation, yoga and fitness, Native American teachings, expressive arts, as well as equine and canine interactions, which are designed to assist guests in developing self-awareness and self-esteem.
In partnership with Assistance Dogs of the West, the canine interactions include classes with adult service dogs as well as puppies-in-training, and aim to teach life skills such as patience, reinforcement, empathy, clear communication and compassion.
Therapeutic gardening is also offered in the raised-bed gardens, greenhouse and culinary classroom, and greens and herbs grown on the property are incorporated into seasonal dishes.
Sunrise Springs currently offers two all-inclusive packages: Wellness Exploration and Immerse & Thrive, in which guests receive customised integrative wellness plans and meet daily with a counsellor to process experiences and evaluate progress. Day packages are planned to launch in 2016.
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