Pet a chicken, train a puppy at New Mexico wellness resort

What is it? Sunrise Springs is a 28-hectare spa resort outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the United States. It specialises in integrative wellness, emphasising mindfulness and connection to nature in a semi-luxury setting. Sunrise Springs was recently purchased, renovated and reopened by the owners of the nearby Ojo Caliente spa.

What on earth is integrative wellness? It’s a holistic medical theory that encompasses physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health. Much of Sunrise Springs’ philosophy revolves around an enormous Native American medicine wheel in the centre of the resort (below). Its four quadrants correlate to the compass points and phases of life and their corresponding challenges. Staffer Diane Chase likens the medicine wheel to the I Ching or a Tibetan mandala.

Sounds a little out there. That depends on who you talk to. Many physicians, psychologists and therapists visit in search of innovative ways to help their patients. Doubters will tell you it’s a bunch of hooey. Sunrise Springs insists all its offerings are evidence-based, and staff frequently cite studies supporting non-mainstream methodologies.

So, what are these offbeat activities? Some are Native American-inspired, such as sweat lodge ceremonies. Many involve nature and the resort’s greenhouse, including making eye pillows, incense and bookmarks with local plants and herbs. Massages in the spa, yoga classes, juicing and nutrition seminars, drawing in the art studio and participating in animal interactions are other options. Or guests can just relax on rocking chairs and gaze out over the pond.