Ten Thousand Waves - Whether you’re baby boomers still in love, high school sweethearts, or a visiting couple looking for a tryst under a spellbinding moon, this Japanese-themed mountain spa has been a romantic getaway since it opened in 1981. Ten Thousand Waves may no longer be exactly a secret, but its tucked-away location off Hyde Park Road, and the endless steps (lit by lanterns) you must climb to reach your destination, weave their magic. Try one of some twenty different massages, soak in private hot tub under the stars, or gaze into each others’ eyes over a light bite to eat. With views of the mountains, the Ichiban room (indoor cooling berth with mattress, plus sauna) is described by the owner as the most romantic setting there. Be sure to make reservations in advance. 982-9304.
Stroll Canyon Road – In the sixties, this sleepy but raucous street’s bars and restaurants, were rarely without brawls, even shootings. Stories of cowboys packing “six shooters” and on horseback are true. Today, there’s hardly a more fashionable and romantic (and safe) street in the city. A wide range of art and photo galleries, book stores, high-end as well as reasonably-priced restaurants, coffee bars, and a tea house are void of a Key West honky-tonk atmosphere. The subject of many travel articles, strolling Canyon Road is a two to three hour activity if you want to glimpse the city’s cultural soul and possibly your own. It’s hard to go wrong in choosing an eatery, but I particularly recommend San Miguel (corner of Canyon and Camino Del Monte Sol). The menu offers Mexican and northern New Mexican cuisine and breakfast is served all day. Lunch for two is around $25. When it’s warm, you can sit out on the Spanish-styled flagstone patio for some of the best people watching in town.
Salsa Classes - No, not cooking, though that can be romantic too (see below), but dancing, Latin style. If you and your sweetheart are suffering relationship burnout, or you love music and don’t mind teaching your body radically new tricks, there are several places to help. Some of the setting may not seem romantic, but once you surrender to the mood, your intimacy curve will hit the stratosphere. Try Dance Station (901 W. Alameda, in the Solana Center, phone 505-989-9788), Pomegranate Dance Studio (535 Cerrillos Road and Paseo de Peralta, phone 316-4234), or Charisma Dance Studio (1918 Hopewell, phone 982-5833).
Cooking Classes – “Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” Not sure who said that, but one can add that cooking is a lot like making love, because as professional chefs know, eating is all about pleasing the senses. And what could be more romantic than surprising your sweetheart with a special meal you weren’t supposed to know how to make? Once you impress her, you can take classes together. Maybe you might end up opening a restaurant? If you already have that special touch in the kitchen, these places will push you toward top chef status: Santa Fe School of Cooking (16 W. San Francisco St., phone 983-4511), Las Cosas Kitchen Shop (181 Paseo de Peralta, in De Vargas Mall, phone 988-3394), or Cookworks (316 S. Guadalupe St., phone 988-7676).
Wine and Appetizers in the Bar at Geronimo - The bar at Geronimo, one of Santa Fe’s four-star restaurants, is hardly spacious but unless overwhelmed with patrons, which is rare, it doesn’t feel cramped. Small tables are clustered around a fireplace; the bar has no more than a dozen stools; the lighting is discrete; a vase of fresh flowers defines the room; and the wine list intrigues the most sophisticated oenophile. This is not an inexpensive date, but you can nibble on the spicy Maryland blue crab cakes, and sip a glass of Van Duzer 05 pinot noir, and never feel the need for dinner. The staff here are incredibly well trained and sophisticated. Talking to the Geronimo bartender may be better than a session with your therapist, and bring you back next week.
Travel the High Road to Taos - From Santa Fe, allow at least half a day for this utterly romantic and scenic journey to Taos, beginning at U.S. 285/84 north. Eventually, you will head east on N.M. 503, which takes you to the Nambe Pueblo. Set in the panoramic foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Pueblo was almost destroyed by Spanish conquerors when they learned of its cultural and religious importance. Located above the Pueblo is the Nambe Falls Recreation Area (offering swimming, lake fishing, an amazing double-drop waterfall, plus camping for a small fee). N.M. 503 turns north onto N.M. 520, which takes you through the small community of Chimayo. Known for its decorative Spanish weaving and crafts, superb Northern New Mexican cuisine (a great spot for breakfast or lunch), and a famous, oft-photographed church, Chimayo was founded in the early eighteenth century. From Chimayo take N.M. 76 on a northeast climb through the Jemez Mountains. When you get to Truchas, the road makes a turn toward other destinations, but if you want to experience an authentic New Mexico small town, drive further east into the village some true beauty, I recommend driving farther into the village. Looking east, you feel like you are on top of the world. As you come upon the next village, Las Trampas, the Truchas Peaks punctuate the eastern horizon, making the sight almost surreal. From Las Trampas take N.M. 518 north to Taos.
Autumn Afternoon Drive to the Ski Basin – Pack a picnic basket, blindfold your sweetheart, and promise her a glimpse of Xanadu. As you get closer to the ski basin, let her behold the panorama: aspens jumping out at you like a diorama, their leaves a breathtaking palette of golds and russets; undulating purple mountains; and air so crisp and pure it should be bottled for posterity. Grab the picnic basket, hop the chairlift, and enjoy the brie and provolone when you reach the top. After the crème brûlée, you can pop the question along with a bottle of Bollingers….because she deserves the best.
