Jemez Springs Bath House, New Mexico: A Review

I ventured into this bath house last year in the early part of July after exploring the hiking trails and back roads of the Jemez Mountains in North Central New Mexico. I first heard about this place from a blogger who made this particular place a destination spot after a traumatic break-up with a boyfriend. After being forewarned what to expect, like going for the 60 min. soak over the 30 minute one for only five dollars more, $17 over $12, and not being goaded into placing money into the tip jar for essentially nothing more than someone handing over a towel, I was fully prepared to enjoy my vacation within a vacation...if that makes sense??

People are Strange When You're a Stranger...

My first impression of this place, on the one hand it was quiet and relaxed, I think I was the only one there. On the other hand, I felt a little uneasy because all of the employees, which I believe numbered about 3 gathered in the lobby with nothing better to do than stare at me with curiosity! Who is she...what planet is she from...how did she get here, the list is endless. Although everyone was polite on the outside, I could feel their intensity on the inside. 5 minutes felt like 1 hour! Get me out of here I shouted to no one in particular. Pause. I'm sorry what was that? "Could I show you to your tub now Miss Coogan? Yes, that would be fine, thanks.

Every breath you take..every move you make......I'll be watching you

Although at first I was a little intimidated about getting into the tub, not to mention managing the hot and cold control knobs, afraid I'd scald myself with the hot water, I quickly got the hang of it and felt like a pro. All this while not having any clothes on and being a tad self-conscious about my new surroundings. Were they still talking about me...or did they disperse for lunch? Well anyways, after laying in this thing for hours, really only about 10 min., I was wondering when this stupid soak would be over with. I was getting antsy. Then something mysteriously happened... I finally started to relax and lo and behold, enjoy it. Who cared what they said, I was having the time of my life. I was having a ball! I wanted to scream, I wanted to shout, but instead I waited patiently until the attendant came over and told me my time was up and the masseuse was ready.

Here's the rub...

So the towel attendant shuffles me into a private room and a man by the name of Jalen enters. Thank God he didn't stare at me. Not knowing what to expect and feeling kind of vulnerable covered only by this flimsy towel from the dollar store that was about to fall apart, suddenly he leaves the room, but not before asking me to get underneath the covers. Well maybe not in so many words.....but you get the picture! Somehow I managed to disrobe and lay face down on the table before he came back in. For $37.00 I was treated to a nice, relaxing 1/2 hour massage by a man with slow hands and an easy touch. Yeah baby!

This is the end, beautiful friend
This is the end, my only friend

As I left the room, feeling the best I had in years, I quickly sauntered past the girls and that annoying tip jar and wished them all a nice day. I'm sure they were thrilled! I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear as I left congratulating myself for having the good sense to pay upfront ahead of time instead of waiting until the end. I did tip Jalen though, it was the least I could do!

No guilt, no shame, just a nice way to spend a great afternoon without breaking the bank.