“RIVERBEND: SIMPLE LUXURY ON THE RIO GRANDE” 5 of 5 stars TRIP ADVISOR REVIEW April, 2014 Jericho Walton, Columnist, Plains Speaking, Glenwood Gazette, NM What can one say about near perfection? I recently discovered Riverbend Hot Springs and I am hooked. The walkable town of Truth of Consequences is home to several natural hot spring spas, but if I never see another one other than Riverbend Lodging and Mineral Baths, I will be happy. General Manager, Jake Foerstner, and staff warmly and professionally greeted my two companions and me behind the protective wall and lovely xeroscaping at the front desk of Riverbend Hot Springs | 100 Austin Street, Truth or Consequences, NM, 87901 | 575-894-7625. During our quick check-in we were acquainted with the accommodations and the gentle rules/preferences/guidelines of the location. After check-in, because two of us were newcomers, we were treated to a short tour. The grounds are small, user-friendly, and bursting with flowers and beauty; honeysuckle twined up the pergolas and scented the air. Artistic touches were everywhere, both whimsical and beautiful. At night the grounds came alive with fairy lights in the trees, and gas-fueled flames that danced on top of bits of cracked glass in large, shallow bowls. The sound of additional water features surrounded us with calm. The full-time gardener was always busy but was, like the rest of the staff, silent and efficient. I dont remember seeing a single dead leaf or flower head. Soft voices are encouraged, as this is a retreat meant for relaxation, but one never felt restricted. Large groups are not allowed, and rightly so, in my opinion. It was difficult enough for us three women to keep our enthusiastic voices low. More accustomed to the wind-swept and dusty NM Plains, we were delighted to be there. Several private soaking rooms are available, but the public pools of varying temperatures (day passes are available to non-overnight guests for a tiny fee) are so inviting and pristine that we chose not to use our option for booking one. Appointments for additional spa-type services can be arranged by the staff, one needs only to ask. Riverbend is the only hot springs facility situated on the Rio Grande river. The pools are cleaned, power washed, and the ever-moving water is further refreshed with regularity. Areas are clearly marked as to where one can bring refreshments, and in what form and content. Liberal hours are posted and observed. Everything is clear. Have a question? Need more towels? Simply ask. In the mornings one can sit in one of five public pools to watch the river and the water birds. After checking the alignment of the deck chairs and tidiness of the grounds (one could almost hear the flowers snapping to attention), Margaret came around with a coffee pot and condiments basket to assure that ones peace was not disturbed in a chilly dash to the room or office for refills. It is the caring attention to small details that sets this place apart, and the details they are legion. I talked with Jake, the General Manager, for a short while before we checked out. Being a single woman ranch dweller, and enjoying home repair and improvement projects, I wanted him to know that I noticed and appreciated both the structural and hospitable details. I complimented him on the attention that was paid, from paint to pipes, for I have seldom seen such tiny beauties that all blend together to convey the feeling that the place and the people are there for YOU. Gorgeous rooms, a sauna, BBQ facilities (which can be fired up for you), filtered water, recycling bins, flowers, mosaic-studded walking paths, convenient hooks, tables, chairs, even resident kitties, EVERYthing was where it should be. The website does not do justice to the reality. I could go on, but the real treat would be coming to the Riverbend Hot Springs to see for yourself. The prices are incredibly reasonable and the improvements never stop. Treat yourself. You deserve it.
Posted on: Thu, 01 May 2014 13:17:58 +0000
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