Upscale Dining in a Robe at 10,000 Waves in Santa Fe, New Mexico - (Food, Wine, Travel Magazine, Winter 2020 )

It was a dreamy and unforgettable experience. It was a wish-list item I’d wanted to cross off. It was a visit to Izanami at Ten Thousand Waves like no other.

Ten Thousand Waves Spa and Resort has been a renowned Santa Fe, New Mexico travel destination since 1981. Located 1,000 feet above the city (and the the closest accommodation to the Santa Fe skin area), the resort feels a world away. We were blessed to be hosted for a day of relaxing bliss and top- notch dining.

From the moment my partner and I stepped foot on the magnificent property inspired by Japanese mountain hot springs, we were enamored with the serene energy, architecture, stillness and the junipers and pinion filled mountain surrounding us.

Relaxing in The Hot Springs

Prior to dining, we decided to take a dip in their natural hot springs. Soaking underneath a blanket of stars in their healing communal waters was almost indescribable. I personally felt like I was transported back to a traditional onsen (bathhouse) in Japan. The resort also features private tubs for rent, as well as a women’s only tub, cold plunges, saunas, and a full spa menu.

After relaxing in the hot springs for a while, we were ready for dinner. And to our surprise it was suggested we stroll over in our robes. Yes, we were encouraged to eat at a James Beard- nominated restaurant in our robes. And may I say that we did so happily and gracefully.

Dining at Izanami

Izanami, the resorts restaurant, showcases a gorgeous interior design, with ceiling beams salvaged from Japan, and handcrafted New Mexican woodwork. The restaurant serves an upscale izkaya experience that includes four categories of Japanese small plates- cold, hot, Japanese charcoal-grilled, and fried. There small plates are of no surprise, perfect for sharing.

A majority of Izanami’s food, veggies and meat is sourced from organic and sustainable purveyors, many local.  For those with Celiac disease, or are gluten intolerant, Chef Kiko will be your new favorite person. The kitchen has a dedicated fryer, and all of their fried menu items are gluten-free. A blend of rice flour, corn starch, and potato flour creates the perfect breaded crisp. In addition, the menu features several vegetarian and vegan options.

Favorite Menu Items

Fortunately, we were able to partake in both their omakase (chef- selects items) friend menu items on the day of our visit. Since the restaurant had just received their fresh shipment from Japan, we started with a sashimi plate of fresh salmon and hibachi. We then moved to the gluten-free fried menu and all we could say was “Wow”. The tori no karaage, a chicken, lemon and spiced mayo dish was so incredible, we purchased two orders and even considered a third. The ebi age fried shrimp dish, served with Aji Amarillo sweet chili was delectable. Shichimi fries made from russet potatoes, shichimi togarashi, and yuzu aioli was scrumptious, as were the gobo fries prepared with burdock root and seasoned with wasabi sea salt. We couldn’t think of anything else that could make our dinner any more ideal.

Though we didn’t have the chance to sample the wagyu beef during our visit, we learned the meat is sourced from Nebraska and Miyazaki, Japan. Both are renowned to be the most amazing meats diners will eat.

Another popular option for diners is the Shabu Shabu Omakase (Japanese hot pot). The pot of either a meat or vegetable- based broth is delivered to each customer table, and when it boils, a selection of vegetables, meat and noodles can be added to the soup. Meal finishers feature top-shelf sake and beautiful desserts- all made in- house.

Staff at both the spa and restaurant were phenomenal and accommodating. My personal dietary restrictions were taken seriously and they happily answered all of my questions regarding menu items and preparation.

Ten Thousand Waves was an unforgettable experience, and we so look forward to returning for an overnight stay, a private bath, a sample of their Shabu Shabu, along with the alluring services of their award winning spa. I can easily understand why guests would never want to leave the resort when they visit. It’s a magical all-inclusive experience for the body, mind and spirit- one we’d love to experience again.

A big thank you to Duke who helped arrange this perfect visit. #hosted #santafe #visitsantafe #cityofsantafe  

Visit this magical location here.