5-Day Santa Fe Itinerary: The Ultimate Wellness Girls Trip Guide

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Advisor - Jill Groeber
Curated By

Jill Groeber

  • Santa Fe

  • Arts & Culture

  • Wellness Travel

  • City Travel

  • Nature Escapes

  • Food & Wine

  • Girls Getaway

Advisor - 5-Day Santa Fe Itinerary: The Ultimate Wellness Girls Trip Guide
Curator’s statement

I’ve always believed that the best adventures happen when you travel with someone who gets you. My friend and I have perfected the art of exploring together—we share the same pace, the same curiosity, and the same love for discovering hidden gems. Can I share a secret? There’s something magical about having a travel companion who’s up for anything, from early morning hikes to late-night margaritas. And Santa Fe in fall? It’s pure magic—think golden aspens, adobe architecture glowing at sunset, and the sweet, smoky scent of piñon wood drifting through crisp mountain air. This is why I’m excited to share our five-day Santa Fe itinerary with you. After years of exploring the Southwest together, here’s exactly how we spent nearly a week in New Mexico’s most enchanting city.

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Day 1: Arrival & altitude adjustment

Bishop's Lodge

Check into Bishop’s Lodge, your home base for the week. Santa Fe sits at 7,000 feet, so take it easy today. Spend the afternoon exploring the resort’s trails at a leisurely pace, relax by the pool, or book a treatment at the spa—all perfect ways to let your body adjust to the elevation. Drink plenty of water and skip the intense activities for now.

In the evening, head into town for dinner and a bit of shopping. Browse the unique finds at Shiprock Santa Fe for Native American jewelry and textiles, and Santa Fe Dry Goods for upscale Western wear and contemporary fashion. Cap off the night with dinner at La Boca, where Spanish tapas and a lively wine bar atmosphere welcome you to Santa Fe.

Day 2: Georgia O'Keeffe's Abiquiú

Ghost Ranch

Today calls for an early start and a scenic drive. Head north to Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio in Abiquiú, about an hour from Santa Fe. Book your tour in advance—they fill up quickly and offer an intimate look at where the legendary artist lived and worked. You’ll walk through her gardens, see her studio, and understand why this stark, beautiful landscape inspired so much of her work.

After the tour, drive a few miles north to Ghost Ranch, where O’Keeffe painted some of her most iconic works. Even if you don’t take a tour, the views alone are worth the trip—those dramatic red and gold cliffs are unforgettable. Grab lunch in the tiny village of Abiquiú or pack a picnic to enjoy with views of the surrounding mesas. Return to Bishop’s Lodge in time for a relaxed dinner at the resort.

Day 3: Spa day at Ten Thousand Waves

Ten Thousand Waves

Start your morning at Mille, a charming French bakery where buttery croissants and perfect café au lait set the tone for a day of pure relaxation. Grab a few pastries for the road, then head up the mountain to Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-inspired spa tucked into the piñon-covered hillside just outside of town.

Book a massage or facial, then spend hours soaking in the private or communal outdoor tubs with mountain views. The crisp fall air against the hot water is absolutely heavenly. When hunger strikes, settle in at Izanami, the on-site restaurant, for fresh sushi and Asian-inspired dishes that perfectly complement your zen state. Stay as long as you’d like—this is your day to completely unwind. Return to Bishop’s Lodge feeling renewed and ready for the rest of your adventure.

Day 4: Canyon Road, art & Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf

Spend your morning strolling Canyon Road, Santa Fe’s famous half-mile stretch packed with over 100 galleries, studios, and shops. Pop into Folklore for global textiles and folk art treasures, then browse the impressive selection at L’Ecole des Beaux Arts for quality art supplies and watercolors. Take your time—this is browsing at its best.

For dinner, head to The Shed for classic New Mexican cuisine and their legendary red chile. Pro tip: Get there early and add your name to the list, then grab a drink nearby while you wait—this local institution doesn’t take reservations and the wait is always worth it.

After dinner, experience the wonderfully weird world of Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return. This immersive art installation is unlike anything else—plan to spend at least two hours exploring the psychedelic rooms and mysterious storylines. It’s the perfect way to end your Santa Fe adventure on a playful, mind-bending note.

Day 5: Hiking & farewell brunch

Sante Fe

Start your final morning with a hike on the Dale Ball Trails or Atalaya Mountain Trail—both offer stunning views and a last breath of that crisp mountain air. Keep it moderate and soak in the fall colors one more time.

For your farewell brunch, you have two excellent options: Head to Café Pasqual, a Santa Fe institution since 1979. This cozy spot serves farm-to-table cuisine with global influences—their huevos motuleños and organic blue corn pancakes are legendary. The hand-painted murals and intimate vibe make it feel like a true local treasure. Expect a wait, but it’s worth it.

Alternatively, if you’re craving one last dose of luxury, visit Auberge Resort (even if you’re not staying there). Non-guests can dine at their restaurant or enjoy a treatment at the spa. The setting alone—with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains—is breathtaking and makes for a memorable final Santa Fe moment before you head home.

Need to know

Four things to know before you go

  1. Altitude: Santa Fe sits at 7,000 feet, so take it easy your first day. Drink plenty of water, limit alcohol initially, and don’t be surprised if you feel a bit winded. Listen to your body and adjust your pace accordingly.

  2. Weather: Fall in Santa Fe means cool mornings and evenings (40s-50s°F) with warm, sunny afternoons (60s-70s°F). Layer up! The sun is intense at this elevation, so bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Occasional rain showers are possible, but generally brief.

  3. Getting there: Fly into Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about an hour south of Santa Fe. Rent a car—you’ll need it for day trips and getting around. The drive from the airport to Santa Fe is scenic and straightforward.

  4. Key festivals: Fall is festival season! Check dates for Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta (late September), Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (early October, worth the drive), and various art markets and cultural celebrations happening throughout the season.

Advisor - Jill Groeber

Travel Advisor

Jill Groeber

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