Fodor's Expert Review Ten Thousand Waves

Devotees appreciate the authentic onsen (Japanese-style baths) atmosphere of this 20-acre Japanese-inspired spa and boutique inn a few miles northeast of town. The 14 light and airy hillside cottages are settled down a piñon-covered hill below the first-rate spa, which is tremendously popular with day visitors, including hikers and skiers returning to town from the mountains that lie just to the east. The on-site Izanami restaurant serves some of the best Japanese food in town.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Although this is a full-service spa resort, it does lack an exercise room.

room

Stylistically reminiscent of the rooms you'd find in a Japanese ryokan, the sleek, uncluttered accommodations have marble or stone wood-burning fireplaces, fine woodwork, iPod docks, large flat-screen TVs, low-slung beds or futons, and courtyards or patios; two come with full kitchens, but breakfast is included in the rates.

Photo: Bessou Lodging room at Ten Thousand Waves

bathroom

This boutique spa resort's bathrooms continue the Asian aesthetic and are gorgeously appointed, including state-of-the-art Japanese toilets. Many have beautiful stone and tile work.

Photo: Bessou Lodging room at Ten Thousand Waves

Photo: Bessou Lodging room at Ten Thousand Waves

lobby

The lodging section of the property has a small but warmly appointed office for check-in, but it's not really a place guests typically hang out. The adjoining spa, on the other hand, has comfortable common spaces that are better suited to relaxing.

Photo: Bessou Lodging room at Ten Thousand Waves

pool

Although the resort has no pool, it does have a number of communal and private soaking tubs.

spa

This serene, artfully designed spa facility has private and communal indoor and outdoor hot tubs and beautifully appointed treatments rooms in which you can book a wide range of treatments, many with Far East influences, including shiatsu and Thai massage, Japanese organic-massage facials, ashi anma foot treatments, and yasuragi head and neck treatments. Among the pools, the private premium spa suites, which are completely self-contained and include a sauna, seated shower, and ceramic tubs, are a pleasure-inducing splurge.

Overnight guests can use the communal tubs for free.

Photo: Bessou Lodging room at Ten Thousand Waves

dining

With its high ceilings and soft lighting provided by hanging paper lanterns, Izanami continues the resort's Japanese aesthetic. It's open most days for lunch and dinner, and the deftly prepared izakaya-style Japanese fare, from pork gyozas to mixed-vegetable tempura plus a menu of skewers. On warm evenings, it's lovely to dine on the balcony, which has sweeping views of the evergreen-shrouded mountains.

Photo: Bessou Lodging room at Ten Thousand Waves

Photo: Spring Moon lodging room at Ten Thousand Waves

drinking

In the izakaya-style Izanami restaurant, you'll encounter one of Santa Fe's most extensive sake lists. There's also a short but well-curated selection of both domestic and Asian beers and a solid wine list.

Photo: Spring Moon lodging room at Ten Thousand Waves