Mar 23 - Mar 28, 2025
New Mexico
Finding Your Bliss in the Land of Enchantment for Women
Program No. 21742RJ
Experience the restorative traditions of Santa Fe as you learn about traditional healing techniques, hike the red rock country around Abiquiu and enjoy local cuisine with expert chefs.
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800-454-5768
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Oct 26 - Oct 31, 2025
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6 days
5 nights
12 meals
5B 3L 4D
1
Program Registration, Orientation, Dinner
Santa Fe, N.M.
3
"Wild Women" Lecture, Canyon Road, Free Time
Santa Fe, N.M.
4
Ghost Ranch, Landscape Exploration, The Feasting Place
Santa Fe, N.M.
5
Yoga, Meditation, Cacao Experience, Cooking Demonstration
Santa Fe, N.M.
6
Program Concludes
Santa Fe, N.M.
At a Glance
Take a break from the stresses of daily life and escape to Santa Fe and the Land of Enchantment on a women-only educational retreat. Join other women as you relax in high desert beauty, stimulate your mind and experience new cultures. Learn healing practices used by indigenous peoples, and discover the curative power diverse traditions from other cultures have brought to New Mexico. Learn how to prepare delicious cuisine, gain flexibility with yoga and hike through glorious landscapes.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 4 miles over paved, uneven sidewalks and unpaved surfaces. Yoga appropriate for novices and experienced practitioners. Optional hikes of 1-5 miles on varied terrain with elevation gains. Elevations of 7,000 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Learn about Indigenous healing practices from a traditional healer.
- Journey to Ghost Ranch and marvel at the colorful landscape on a private tour of Georgia O'Keeffe country.
- Enjoy private cooking demonstrations taught by local chefs.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Lois Ellen Frank
Lois Ellen Frank, PhD, is a Santa Fe-based chef focused on Native American foods. She is also a Native American food historian, culinary anthropologist, photographer and James Beard Award-winning author. She is a featured instructor of the Southwest Indian Nations at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, and is chef and owner — along with Native Chef Walter Whitewater of the Diné Nation — of Red Mesa Cuisine.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Lois Ellen Frank
View biography
Lois Ellen Frank, PhD, is a Santa Fe-based chef focused on Native American foods. She is also a Native American food historian, culinary anthropologist, photographer and James Beard Award-winning author. She is a featured instructor of the Southwest Indian Nations at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, and is chef and owner — along with Native Chef Walter Whitewater of the Diné Nation — of Red Mesa Cuisine.
Patricia Padilla
View biography
Patricia Padilla was born into eight generations of Curanderas — an age-old Hispanic healing tradition. She ran her own alternative medical clinic in Lyons, Colorado serving the community as an acupuncturist and herbalist for 20 years. She also published and wrote for a local weekly newspaper for 24 years. After a lifetime of treating patients and teaching about personal and community health, she now lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico where she continues to work with people, writes, teaches and creates "one-of-a-kind" beaded leather bags.
Debbie Widrick
View biography
Debbie Widrick is a certified personal trainer with 35 years of experience in the field of health and wellness. She believes with her whole heart that developing a strong yoga practice is key to maintaining a strong healthy body and managing stress levels as we age. Debbie is a 200-hour certified instructor who teaches Viniyoga, Hatha, Restorative, power, and Vinyasa Yoga.
Ellen Morris Bond
View biography
Ellen Morris Bond has spent most of her adult years in northern New Mexico, graduating from the University of New Mexico Honors Program. She completed a Master’s Degree in Community Development at University of California-Davis. As a non-profit director, Ellen forged strong collaborations with local and regional organizations such as health councils, community foundations, tribal groups, hospitals, public schools, rural health clinics, and faith groups. She now volunteers with the local acequia/water organization and leads art and architecture groups at La Fonda of Santa Fe.
Norma Naranjo
View biography
Norma Naranjo and her husband Hutch have been planting and raising their own crops in Santa Clara Pueblo for more than 30 years. They farm much as their ancestors did over 500 years ago: without chemical fertilizers and pesticides, grass fed beef and home grown ingredients. Crops such as chili, chico corn, squash, tomatoes and cucumbers are canned, dried or frozen. During the feast meal, there is horno baking, tamale making and other traditional elements. This is a time to share cultural backgrounds.
Suggested Reading List
(11 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Finding Your Bliss in the Land of Enchantment for Women
Program Number: 21742
Georgia O'Keeffe and New Mexico: A Sense of Place
Georgia O'Keeffe and New Mexico is the first book to analyze the artist's famous depictions of Southwestern landscapes.
Garden in the Dunes
Our narrator, a precocious girl named Indigo from a nearly extinct Native American tribe, is adopted by a well-intentioned rich naturalist and his depressed wife. A thematically rich novel that illuminates the ways the two cultures interact with nature.
The Harvey Girls: Opportunity Bound (video)
This documentary tells the story of how over 100,000 railroad station waitresses opened up the doors of the American West and the workplace to women and change history. A James Beard Award finalist.
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/23102 (fees may be associated for a download)
A History of Spirituality in Santa Fe: The City of Holy Faith
Santa Fe city historian Ana Pacheco documents the rich religious and spiritual history of this high-mountain metaphysical community.
Ancient Peoples of the American Southwest
This illustrated introduction provides an in-depth look at the ancient cultures that first inhabited the pueblos and cliff dwellings of the American Southwest. Organized chronologically, it features hundreds of maps, mostly black-and-white photographs and site diagrams.
Radical Compassion: Learning to Love Yourself and Your World with the Practice of RAIN
In this heartfelt and deeply practical book, Tara Brach offers an antidote to today's ever-increasing onslaught of news, conflict, demands, and anxieties--stresses: an easy-to-learn four-step meditation that quickly loosens the grip of difficult emotions and limiting beliefs.
Spider Woman's Granddaughters: Traditional Tales and Contemporary Writing by Native American Women
A powerful collection of traditional tales, biographical writings, and contemporary short stories, many by the most accomplished Native American women writing today, including: Louise Erdrich, Mary TallMountain, Linda Hogan, and many others.
OM Yoga, A Guide to Daily Practice
Clear and concise, Cindi Lee's superb guide uses easy-to-follow illustrations to show poses.
A Thousand Voices (video)
From the proverb, “It takes a thousand voices to tell a single story,” this is a documentary that builds from thousands of voices to present one universal story of New Mexico’s Native American women.
https://www.pbs.org/video/a-thousand-voices-ivvvsd/
Mary Colter: Architect of the Southwest
This extraordinary book about an extraordinary woman weaves together three stories-the remarkable career of a woman in a man's profession during the late 19th century; the creation of a building and interior style drawn from regional history and landscape; and the exploitation, largely at the hands of the railroads, of the American Southwest for leisure travel.
Seed to Plate, Soil to Sky: Modern Plant-Based Recipes using Native American Ingredients
This enriching cookbook celebrates eight important plants Native Americans introduced to the rest of the world: corn, beans, squash, chile, tomato, potato, vanilla, and cacao—with more than 100 recipes.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
12 meals (
5B, 3L, 4D
)
4 expert-led lectures
6 expert-led field trips
2 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Program Registration, Orientation, Dinner
Location:
Santa Fe, N.M.
Meals:
D
Stay:
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Transportation for program-related activities will be via motorcoach unless specified otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Take the rest of the evening to continue getting to know your fellow participants, relax, and get a good night’s sleep for the full day ahead.
Day
2
Lecture, Walking Exploration, Traditional Healing Practices
Location:
Santa Fe, N.M.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity Note
Walking up to 4 miles over varied terrain with inclines.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we'll enjoy a presentation on the history of Santa Fe, as well as the history of healing practices in the area. Beginning with early Native American medicine men and Mexican curanderos, the Southwest has had a vibrant history of healing traditions and healers. With the influx of other cultures, these groups brought their own healing methods and techniques. Today, the area boasts contemporary practices brought by different religious and cultural groups, They all seem to exist together in relative peace and harmony. After the presentation, we'll enjoy a walking exploration of the historical downtown area and lunch at a local restaurant, before we return to the hotel for a presentation.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we'll return to the hotel for a presentation by Patricia Padilla, an eighth-generation “Curandera”. She will begin with a blessing ceremony and then introduce us to the history and importance of traditional women healers who continue to play key roles in their communities. After some time to relax, we'll depart on foot for our dinner destination.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy the rest of the evening to explore some of Santa Fe's nightlife, get to know fellow participants, or relax at the hotel.
Day
3
"Wild Women" Lecture, Canyon Road, Free Time
Location:
Santa Fe, N.M.
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity Note
Walking up to 5 miles on paved but uneven surfaces; extent of mileage walked during free time activities is according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will have a lecture on the "Wild Women of the Southwest" by a local expert who will discuss the many famous (and infamous) women who contributed to the arts and culture of northern New Mexico. Then, we'll depart on foot for Canyon Road.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we'll continue up Canyon Road for an exploration of Santa Fe's historic arts district. Home to the largest concentration of galleries in the country, Canyon Road was once a residential area and contains many historic residences. There will be some free time to explore on your own before returning to the hotel at your leisure.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like or sample the local cuisine. Santa Fe is known for the breadth and depth of its culinary offerings. Not to be confused with "Tex-Mex," northern New Mexico cuisine combines elements of Native American and Spanish influences. There are a number of fine restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Ghost Ranch, Landscape Exploration, The Feasting Place
Location:
Santa Fe, N.M.
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; traveling 150 miles over the course of the day. Elective: hiking up to 3 miles roundtrip with some elevation gains at Ghost Ranch.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we'll board the motorcoach and ride about 60 miles north of Santa Fe to the Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center. We'll have an on-board lecture about the area and learn more about its geology. Ghost Ranch was Georgia O’Keeffe’s first home in New Mexico was located on the ranch property. The ranch is now a retreat operated by the Presbyterian Church, which operates three small museums on site and also maintains several hiking trails into the red-rock country that O’Keeffe’s paintings made famous. We will enjoy a private tour with a local expert of the colorful landscape surrounding her home, which is now in private hands and not open to visitors. We will have the opportunity to experience the landscape that enchanted O’Keeffe so much that she moved permanently to the area.
Lunch:
Picnic lunch at Ghost Ranch.
Afternoon:
Continued explorations of Ghost Ranch followed by afternoon departure for Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. At Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, we will enjoy a presentation by Norma Naranjo, who owns and runs The Feasting Place. We will learn about traditional Pueblo Feast Day foods and how to cook using the hornos, traditional outdoor ovens. We will return to the hotel after dinner.
Dinner:
At The Feasting Place.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Yoga, Meditation, Cacao Experience, Cooking Demonstration
Location:
Santa Fe, N.M.
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe
Activity Note
Gentle yoga and Meditation (sitting, walking), getting on/off a motorcoach; driving up to 30 miles over the course of the day, approximately 45 minutes. Walking up to 2 miles, standing for up to one hour (distance walked dependent on free time activities).
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
After breakfast, we'll begin with a gentle yoga class in our meeting room followed by some guided meditation. After class, we'll walk to Kakawa Chocolate House where we will enjoy a presentation about the history and health benefits of cacao followed by a tasting. Lunch and the rest of the afternoon will be on your own.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. In late afternoon, we'll gather at the hotel, board our motorcoach and travel a few miles south of Santa Fe to Red Mesa Cuisine in Eldorado. Before dinner, we will hear from local chef Lois Ellen Frank, PhD, a Native American foods historian, culinary anthropologist, photographer, and James Beard Award-winning author.
Dinner:
At Red Mesa Cuisine, we'll enjoy a meal featuring regional cuisine prepared by Dr. Frank and Chef Walter Whitewater.
Evening:
We will gather for a closing to the program. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Santa Fe, N.M.
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
12 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
- Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
- Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
- May 18, 2025 - May 23, 2025
- Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
- Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
- Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
- Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 18 Reviews
Sort By:
This program was a mother-daughter trip for me. It was wonderful. We loved Santa Fe. The food and cultural experiences were a perfect introduction to this part of the country. Favorites were Ghost Ranch, Patricia Padilla, an eighth-generation “Curandera”, dinner at Red Mesa Cuisine. Being with a group of women was fun and an education of its own. The group leader, Elizabeth, was a delight. I highly recommend taking this trip.
— Review left June 9, 2024
I certainly found "my bliss" in Santa Fe. Whether it was learning about the culture and lands of Indigenous people, or immersing myself in the art of Georgia O'Keefe, I feel enriched and inspired.
— Review left April 27, 2024
This women-only program with a spirituality bent was WONDERFUL!!! Highly recommend.
— Review left March 24, 2024
Just completed Finding your Bliss in the Land of Enchantment. Ellen was our group leader and she was exceptional. The program was informative, interesting and fun. The art and artists of Santa Fe are great as well as the native influences and cultures of all the different pueblos. Program really highlights the wonderful history and culture of the Southwest.
— Review left December 2, 2023
This program provided for the intellect, the spiritual, the visual, experiential and the physical. Ellen was enthusiastic, well informed and prepared. The women who participated shared their experiences with compassion. Truly a RS jewel trip.
— Review left December 1, 2023
I was absolutely delighted with the "Finding your Bliss" program. I did not know what to expect, but this trip exceeded my expectations. I learned so much about the local history and culture and enjoyed all of the activities so much! The countryside was ablaze with Fall color and Santa Fe was such a beautiful and interesting place e to explore. I really enjoyed Georgia O'Keeffe's Ghost Ranch, The Feasting Place, and Red Mesa. Would have to say that our trip to Ghost Ranch and helping to prepare food at The Feasting Place were definitely highlights of the trip, but it was all amazing! I would definitely recommend this trip to others.
— Review left November 9, 2023
This was my first tour with Road Scholar, and it did not disappoint. I loved the informative lectures on Santa Fe and its surrounding area. The melding of two cultures, Native American and Hispanic, was fascinating to me. Our guide had such a calming, welcoming manner about her, and I felt that I could ask her anything. In fact, I enjoyed this tour so much that I am planning to travel to Santa Fe once again in the near future.
— Review left November 7, 2023
Fabulous program, strongly recommend it!
— Review left May 10, 2023
New Mexico is always a treat. Multicultural and rich history. March meant snow and rain, but we were undeterred. However it's smarter to go during sunnier weather. The other participants and our leader were delightful.
— Review left March 28, 2023
TOTALLY ENCHANTING BLISS
SISTERHOOD
— Review left March 26, 2023
The itinerary for this trip changed a lot between the time we booked and the time we went. I was very disappointed that we could not go to the spa and not really interested in two cooking classes. However the trip to Pesos National Park was unexpectedly interesting.
I would suggest that for future trips that the afternoon off not be on Wednesday when so many of the activities in Santa Fe were closed. This was known well in advance and should have been accommodated in the plans.
The hotel was very comfortable with a nice breakfast buffet and heavy snacks in the evening. The rooms are good sized and work well for two people.
— Review left November 28, 2022
Excellent! Packed with informative lectures, cooking classes, park tours and hikes, many meaningful activities and great food in a truly beautiful setting. Our leader C.J. was outstanding in her knowledge and love of the area, and always extremely helpful. We all enjoyed her warm and engaging personality.
— Review left October 22, 2022
If you are thinking about taking the “Finding Your Bliss” trip, my advice is yes, go! Our group leader Vannetta was top notch. She went out of her way to make sure we had a safe and unforgettable experience. The program was well organized; the activities and lectures were a true learning experience and loads of fun. We also had a great group of travelers. I hope Road Scholar adds more women-centered trips in the U.S. and abroad.
Susie F.
— Review left May 28, 2022
Great time, lot of variety from cooking classes to hiking at Ghost Ranch with a few classes in yoga, mediation, women of NM. Good steady pace. Signed up for another New Mexico adventure while there!
— Review left May 24, 2022
I have been to Santa Fe many times and I learned even more being on this trip. The itinerary was outstanding. Vannetta and the other presenters did a great job of highlighting New Mexico's uniqueness. I loved the trip. I would highly recommend.
— Review left May 24, 2022
If you are considering taking a Road Scholar trip don't hesitate to book it now! You will not be disappointed! In fact, you will have an unforgettable experience that will keep you coming back for more.
— Review left December 1, 2019
Such an amazing week! Santa FE is a beautiful city and this program explores not only Santa Fe, but surrounding areas. And the women are awesome - enlightening, empowering and joy-filled experience.
— Review left November 16, 2019
What an enjoyable week! The activities, the presenters, the location and the other participants will help propel me to a more blissful life. I hope to repeat the program in a few years.
— Review left November 15, 2019
