it's beautiful here.

Name: Ibrahim Loeks

Age: 31

Star sign: Virgo

Hometown: Santa Fe, NM

Describe yourself in 3 words or less:  adventurous, big heart, curious. 

What do you do here? I grew up in a family of bodyworkers and I've kept that tradition going performing massage and bodywork helping people on their healing journey.  Actually I have a grandparent and great grandparent that also did this work making me the 4th generation in my family to be doing this.  I also love being in nature and work part time as a Wilderness Guide.  This has taken me around the world to many beautiful environments, meeting amazing people and experiences that I'll cherish for a life time, like Mongolia this last year when the local chief let me ride around on his horse and hold his hunting eagle! You can get a massage with me through my website, and if I'm out of town I'll refer you to Santa Fe's finest.    

What makes this area so special?  New Mexico is super unique with ecosystems ranging from low altitude desert all the way to the snowy ramparts of the Rocky Mountains.  New Mexico is an outdoorsman or woman's paradise, it is easy to walk into nature here.  The Native traditions in New Mexico are still very intact, the traditional peoples weren't relocated from their land, the ceremonial cycles continue as they have for thousands of years, and this spiritual presence is palpable.  New Mexico is a place for healing, many people that are at the forefront of healing and bodywork modalities have made their homes here so there is a great resource here for those that are seeking.  

Favorite gallery? I'd start with checking out Temple + Tribe on Lena St in Santa Fe. They are an Art Space/Movement Studio. Right around the corner is a really good coffee shop called Ikonic, they roast their own beans. Then I'd walk Canyon Road where the art scene gets compared to NYC and Paris all the time.

Favorite hike? Rio En Medio, North of Santa Fe, for a shower under a waterfall, and old growth Ponderosa trees! Tent Rocks, South of Santa Fe, for some natural desert wonders!

Where should we ski? I grew up at Ski Santa Fe and it's a super fun mountain! Taos for the steeps, and a plethora of other little resorts in New Mexico all have charm. This is the Desert Rocky Mountains, which equals dry powder, the Cold Smoke.  When it's good here it is soooo good!

Where can we go fly fishing?  The Rio Grande, Pecos River, the San Juan, the Chama and so many local spots. Hit up my friends at Land of Enchantment Guides, they are out fishing all the time and will have the best beta. Also if you are in Santa Fe you can stop by the High Desert Angler, ask for Jarrett to get you off on the right start for catching some nice fish!

Best place to catch some live music? Skylight in Downtown Santa Fe. Say hi to DJ Dynamite Sol, one of the owners, tell him Ibrahim sent you. Skylight is bringing in so much awesome live music, you'll be surprised by the big name groups they're booking into our little town. 

Best place for a cosy, romantic dinner? Well my place of course, home cooking served by the Kiva fireplace! But out on the town, I love Andiamo for Italian and Geronimo on Canyon Road is exquisite.  If you like to cook, and have access to a kitchen during your visit, definitely hit up the Santa Fe Farmers Market for artisanal organic foods. Our farmers market has been rated in the top 10 in this country for the past decade! The market is near Downtown Santa Fe every Saturday morning year round. 

Favorite nearby getaway? For a romantic getaway I like to head north to Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs for their quaint rooms,  hot springs and delicious food.  

What is on your stereo? Bob Marley, Jurassic 5, and anything that is positive and pumps me up to get out and get some. I like an energizing message that inspires me to continue being the change I wish to see. A lot of positive work out there that needs doing and music is like a fuel for me.

Who is inspiring you right now? My girlfriend is super inspiring and all my friends that are getting it done.  

Words you live by... "Go big or go home" has been my motto for a long time. It basically means my only limits are those that I set on myself. I've been recently really into these words that come from the Hopi people, for me it really alludes to something beautiful and that is simplicity...  "All I have is my planting stick and my corn.  If you can live as I do you are welcome to live with me."

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