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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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
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.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn about indigenous healing practices from a traditional healer.
  • Journey to Ghost Ranch and marvel at the colorful landscape on a private tour of O'Keeffe country.
  • Enjoy private cooking demonstrations taught by local chefs.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
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.

Profile Image of Elena Junes
Elena Junes View biography
Elena Ortiz-Junes is a native New Mexican and member of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. She has worked for many years as a study leader and group leader for numerous organizations and universities, providing a unique perspective on the region and its rich cultural tapestry. She is a writer and founding board member of Red Media, an indigenous owned and operated media project that highlights Native writers. Elena is also a board member of the University of New Mexico’s Alfonso Ortiz Center for Intercultural Studies.
Profile Image of Lois Frank
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.
Profile Image of Patricia Padilla
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.
Profile Image of Elizabeth Mesh
Elizabeth Mesh View biography
Elizabeth Mesh is an educator, artist and actor with a master’s and license in art therapy. She has led thousands of people at the SITE Santa Fe art museum. She has also been on over 20 film and TV sets in New Mexico. Biking, hiking, blue skies and clean air make New Mexico a place she loves to share. Elizabeth has been teaching traditional and expressive art for two decades and has been featured on the Home and Garden Network Television’s segment “That’s Clever!”
Profile Image of Vannetta Perry
Vannetta Perry View biography
Dr. Vannetta Perry is a retired educator and lifelong resident of New Mexico who is deeply rooted in the southwest. Her family homesteaded and ranched in Southwestern New Mexico and farmed in West Texas. As an educator, Dr. Perry worked in the university setting, teaching biology and directing science outreach programs. Her love for travel was sparked when she led research studies in developing countries. Since retiring, Dr. Perry has continued to share her love of travel and education as a travel director and leader.
Profile Image of Debbie Widrick
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.
Profile Image of Ellen Morris Bond
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.
Profile Image of Norma Naranjo
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.
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.





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