Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa

Set between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico, Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa is a unique vacation retreat, perfect for young and old alike. This is not just another hotel, it’s an immersive experience of the centuries-old culture of the Santa Ana Tribe. The resort bears the name of its ancient village, Tamaya, defined as “a quiet and special place,” and just a few minutes on the property verifies that description.

The hotel is located on the Santa Ana Pueblo within 550 acres of sweeping views of the Rio Grande Valley and the encompassing Sandia Mountains. While here, visitors are encouraged to learn about the Tamayame, the tribal members of the Santa Ana Pueblo, and partake in activities that celebrate the culture and its ways of life.

The Santa Ana Pueblo is owned by all 850 members of the Pueblo and it’s the only Native American resort not attached to a casino. They envisioned the concept of the hotel in 1994, built it, and Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa opened in 2001. The Hyatt Corporation serves as management and has been involved since its inception. The resort features 350 guestrooms and suites embellished in Southwestern décor and adorned with cultural artifacts.

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa has an array of amenities like three pools, a fitness center open 24-hours daily, Tamaya Mist Spa and Salon, Twin Warriors Golf Club, and horseback riding at nearby Tamaya Stables. The stables offer guided tours with professionals such as former jockey, Robert Edwards, who will take riders through the magnificent valley and along the Rio Grande River. Bikes can be checked out so explorers of all ages can cycle through the Bosque trails and tour the Tamaya Cultural Learning Center. In addition, guests can book off-site activities such as Jeep tours, hot air ballooning, city tours, and nearby fishing.

There are plenty of culturally-focused activities at the property listed in the weekly Tamaya Times, the resort’s event newsletter, like a nature hike led by knowledgeable staff. Jewelry-making lessons are taught by gifted Native American artists and renowned Navajo designer Michael Nez. Guests can take home a lovely handmade canvas creation of their own after a watercolor lesson with landscape painter, Ruth Marcanti. Yoga classes with mindfulness expert, Halli Bourne, can be booked through the spa.

Since the property is entirely family-friendly, kids get activities of their own so their trip is as enjoyable as mom and dad’s. Camp Hyatt is a fun space for kids in which they can make new friends, create using traditional adobe bricks, make sand paintings, learn Native American games and swim. They also get to experience Srai Wi, which means “my children” in the Keresan language, the original language of the people of Tamaya. These activities allow kids to learn about the special culture of the Santa Ana Pueblo.

There are six restaurants on site to satisfy any craving: Recently renovated, the Santa Ana Café features a casual American fare along with local New Mexico classics. Corn Maiden, the most upscale of the options, features fine dining, wines and spectacular views of the Sandia Mountains. Rio Grande Lounge offers delicious cocktails and tequila samplings and is the social hub of the property. The Trading Post is a general store located off the lobby and features freshly brewed Starbucks coffee and a selection of hot and cold sandwiches, salads and snacks. Atush Bar and Grill has lovely views of the 9th and 18th holes of the Twin Warriors Golf Course and boasts a healthy breakfast, light lunch and refreshing cocktails. The Plaza Grill, open seasonally Memorial Day through Labor Day, features healthy salads, sandwiches, tropical cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

This unique getaway is not to be missed, particularly if children are in tow. Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa is not just an informative cultural experience, but it’s an enlightening and enjoyable vacation that is sure to be a family-favorite for years to come.