About Santa Fe

Absolute Nirvana is a luxurious spa in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Located in the gardens of the Madeleine Inn, a beautiful 1886 Victorian Queen Anne building, the spa is just a few blocks from The Plaza. We offer authentic Balinese spa and facial treatments, therapeutic, hot stone, deep tissue and Thai massage, as well as a large selection of relaxing and rejuvenating facials. Absolute Nirvana is locally owned and operated and uses many locally-produced products.

Our staff is made up entirely of Master-Level therapists, each with between 17 and 30 years of experience. We use only natural and organic products in all of our massages, spa treatments and facials. All treatments run a full 60, 90 or 120 minutes - no shortened hours at Absolute Nirvana Spa!

Once you check in at the spa desk, in the entry of The Madeleine, your therapist will accompany you to the spa, just a few steps away. In this pure and tranquil environment, free of computers and phones, you will have your own private room from start to finish. After your treatment you may want to relax in the spa lounge or our outdoor gardens, or to head back to The Madeleine to savor a cup of tea and a homemade cookie.

Nirvana is Sanskrit for "a place or condition of sublime happiness or fulfillment." At Absolute Nirvana you will find a soothing sanctuary offering tranquility and beauty for body, mind and soul.

The story of Absolute Nirvana and our family of inns started when I moved to Santa Fe, NM, from Paris, France, in 1987. I opened my first inn the following year, naming it for my young son, Alexander.

Shortly after the birth of twins in 1996 I purchased two additional properties. Following the tradition of naming the inns after my children, Hacienda Nicholas and The Madeleine were born.

I never imagined I would own three inns, much less a spa. However, after two trips to Bali I was so taken by the beauty of the island and its people that I felt compelled to try to bring some of that experience home with me.

Bali is a feast for the senses and the people are so full of grace. I loved the fact that most spa treatments in Indonesia use traditional remedies based on plants, herbs, and spices for health and beauty care.

I came home and got busy recreating the atmosphere of Bali: one of beauty, elegance, and grace, where the client is treated with reverence and respect. The intention was to feed all the senses with fabulous tastes, heavenly aromas, beautiful sights, soothing sounds, and wonderful textures. Within a year Absolute Nirvana came to life.

I feel so blessed and grateful to have had the opportunity to put together this family of inns, and to watch them grow and evolve, much as I have watched my own family grow and evolve. I believe passionately that putting care and attention into what we do matters, and I hope this personal commitment is apparent to every guest who visits us.

~ Carolyn Lee