Santa Fe

 

The Internet cafe phenomenon is a relatively recent arrival in Santa Fe, and new outlets are popping up fast enough that it's hard to keep track. Check back on this list occasionally, as it's expanding.

Java Joe's

In two locations: 2801 rodeo road, +1 505 474-5282, and 2430 cerrillos rd. college plaza, +1 505 471-5637. 7am - 7pm 5pm sundays at the rodeo location, 7am - 9pm at college plaza. coffeehouse first, internet cafe second, but fun.

Santa Fe is a fairly safe city as regards violent crime, despite the widely publicized occurrence of occasional hate crimes. In reality, the crime rate, with the exception of residential burglary a definite problem in town but one unlikely to affect the traveler, is not high compared to other American communities of comparable size, and the visitor is very unlikely to have any crime-related problems. Some of the bars can get a little rough, with ethnic tensions frequently a factor despite the city's multicultural nature; simply don't stir up trouble and you should be OK. Otherwise, public areas are generally quite safe, and are well yet unobtrusively patrolled by the city police.

Much more of a problem is automobile safety, for several reasons. Many of the roads were built during a slower-paced, less-populous time, and lack the carrying capacity for the current crowds. Northern New Mexico has serious problems with drunk driving, and Santa Fe is not exempt from these, particularly late at night. Another factor is an inexplicably high density of bad drivers and/or decrepit vehicles with poorly secured cargo; natives often speak of having a "New Mexico moment" when something falls off the back of a pickup or trailer and into the roadway in front of an unsuspecting driver. This is a good place to practice your defensive driving, particularly along St. Francis Drive and Cerrillos Road the intersection of these two has been voted the most dangerous intersection in all of New Mexico. Running red lights is one of the state pastimes, and reaches its zenith in Santa Fe; be extremely vigilant when pulling away from an intersection when the light changes. On the positive side, most motorists are fairly tolerant if not always aware of pedestrians and bicyclists.

Finally, be alert for signs of health problems associated with high altitude, particularly if you venture out of town toward the mountains. The most common problems are headache and/or feeling tired may occur, drinking more water or going to lower altitude may help a trip down La Bajada to the reservoir will usually do it. Also pay attention during hikes and bike rides, remember you are at 7,000 feet--sunscreen is important, even in the winter. The dryness of the air combined with physical exertion will often leave you not sweating through your clothes even if it's 85 degrees out, and many people won't realize they are working hard without that. Dehydration is a common issue for visitors--bring more water than you might otherwise. Some visitors report increased sensitivity to alcohol due to the altitude.

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Ten Thousand Waves Japanese Spa and Resort

3451 Hyde Park Road on the way to the Santa Fe Ski Basin, +1 505 982-9304, (http://www.tenthousandwav...). A Japanese bathhouse with communal and private hot tubs, body wraps, several schools of massage, facials, etc., that can feel incredibly good after a day of skiing. Reservations strongly recommended, and mandatory if you're getting a massage or comparable treatments. Mainly a "day spa," but there are a small number of rooms for overnight stays, in the "Mid-range" to "Splurge" class.

The Spa at Loretto

211 Old Santa Fe Trail, +1 505 984-7997, (http://www.innatloretto.c...). Full-service day spa at the Inn at Loretto.

Tone

901 W. San Mateo Rd., +1 505 989-8552. Advertises itself as "Body and Face for Women;" more massage, facials, etc. Several of the hotels in town also offer spa services.

More pedestrian resources for the traveler laundromats, grocery stores, auto repair shops, etc. tend to congregate along St. Francis Drive, St. Michaels Drive and Cerrillos Road. If you look for these services downtown Plaza area, you'll pay extra for them without getting anything special in terms of goods and services; get away from the glamour district and save some money.

SpaNomad:Massage & Traveling Spa

On-Site Massage professional massage therapists come to wherever you are, +1 505 490-0591, (http://www.SpaNomad.com). A mobile massage service featuring Indian head massage, Hawaiian lomi lomi, Thai massage, body wraps and several other styles of massage in your own hotel or vacation rental. Mainly a "traveling spa," but SpaNomad also has trainings in Indian head massage and provides massage at several local events.