After you leave the busy Albequerque airport, drive the 30 minute drive to the Santa Ana Pueblo, and reach the Hyatt Regency Tamaya, a few thing will hit you:
- The resort lives on a huge expanse of beautiful, rugged terrain- going for miles.
- There’s a sense of tranquility and friendliness as you enter the beautiful hotel.
- This is a resort that is completely unique in its relationship with the Santa Ana Pueblo.
Residing on 550 acres of Tamayame land on the Santa Ana Pueblo, the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa is richly intertwined with the local history and culture.
When the Hyatt Regency Tamaya invited me to experience the Santa Ana Pueblo Feast Day festival (more on that later!), I knew I simply had to go.
From the ties to Native American culture and its incredible reviews to the beautiful nature and fun resort atmosphere, it was a destination I couldn’t resist!
Without further ado, here are 20 things you’ll find at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa:
1. Rooms with mountain views
The hotel is set between the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande River, making for a tremendous mountain backdrop to the hotel.
The rooms are impeccably decorated with earth tones and some Native American touches.
2. Fun activities
You’ll want to check the weekly schedule to find out what fun activities are going on!
We participated in brick making and bread making and had so much fun kneading dough and learning about how traditional adobe bricks are made.
Other examples of activities include dream catcher making, cowboy hat decorating, archery, cultural tours, and so much more!
These are fun activities for the whole family, regardless of age or experience!
3. Multiple pools
Cool off from the dry New Mexico heat by taking a dip in one of the hotel’s many pools.
There are three different heated outdoor pools and one whirlpool.
Especially fun for kids (and adults- who am I kidding!) is the water slide that shoots you into the main pool!
4. Including a pool just for adults
If you’re a fan of soaking up the sun in a quieter environment, there’s an adults-only pool option as well!
5. Beautiful restaurant options
The hotel has 5 different on-site restaurant options.
- The Santa Ana Cafe: This gorgeous cafe was our go-to for breakfast and lunch. With beautiful, newly-renovated decor, delicious indigenous and American fare, and a covered patio option, it made for the perfect meal setting. For breakfast, you can choose the breakfast buffet or order from the menu.
- Rio Grande Lounge: For a wonderful patio view of the Sandia Mountains while you eat, choose the Rio Grande Lounge. We enjoyed a dinner as the sun set, while listening to live music and sipping on fresh cocktails.
- The Corn Maiden: This beautiful restaurant offers exquisite food and fine dining! Where does the name come from? “The corn maiden deity is a symbol of sustenance, survival and life, and our restaurant is a celebration of delicious food, fine wines and good company – all with spectacular views of the Sandia Mountains” – The Hyatt Tamaya.
- The Plaza Grill: Situated next to the pool, the The Plaza Grill has lighter options for a bite by the pool. There are delicious cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more. Note that The Plaza Grill is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Atush Bar and Grill: This bar and grill is set at the Twin Warriors Golf Course, with great views of the ninth and eighteenth holes.
6. A gourmet midday snack with fresh bread and jams
For a snack in-between meals, head to the horno (the traditional oven) behind the Santa Ana Cafe for some fresh-baked bread in the late morning! (Check your schedule to double check the time!)
This bread is baked using a classic Tamayame method, and is so warm and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. It’s absolutely mouthwatering!
There are several butters and jams to pair with the bread, including a green chile butter that is best mixed with apricot jam- you simply have to try it!
7. Delicious food and drinks
When you’re ready for a full meal, head to one of the five restaurants listed earlier for some delicious food and drinks.
Pictured above on the left was my breakfast buffet from the Santa Ana Cafe, and on the right is a mojito made with fresh picked mint from the garden! It was the best one I’ve ever had!
Each restaurant offers different meals and cocktails, so be sure to check them all out! Each one will satisfy your cravings.
The foods are made with many local ingredients, such as blue corn, green chiles, and more.
8. Unique Santa Ana Pueblo artifacts
Throughout the hotel you’ll find beautiful Santa Ana Pueblo art and artifacts hanging on the walls.
Definitely stop and look at them up close- they are exquisite in their detail, handiwork, and beauty!
9. A Feast Day celebration
The Santa Ana Pueblo Feast Day happens twice a year, in July and December. We were lucky enough to attend the July celebration!
The feast celebrates Saint Anne, and during the celebration there is a ton of singing, dancing, and- you guessed it- feasting!
No photography or videography is allowed, so I don’t have photos to share with you, but it was an incredible way to be immersed in the indigenous culture!
We were invited into a local friend’s home where we were showered with generosity and too much food to handle!
After celebrating with his family, when we returned to the main celebration area, there was another feast lining the ground like a table, which was set up for all visitors!
Their kindness and overwhelming generosity are things I’ll never forget!
10. The Trading Post
This place is the perfect grab-and-go shop.
It has quick foods (burritos, pastries, etc.) and serves Starbucks coffee.
You’ll find pretty much anything you could need during your stay here!
While the rooms are stocked with the essentials, the Trading Post has additional supplies like sunscreen, sunglasses, asprin, dramamine, and other things you might need.
They also sell gorgeous woven blankets, saddle blankets, and shirts and other Tamaya gear!
11. Special events and live music
There are special events and live music at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya. During our visit, we got to listen to a traditional Native American flute player.
We enjoyed our dinner while listening to his soulful tunes, a reminder of the rich culture and tradition steeped in these grounds.
As storm clouds rolled in and thunder rumbled, we sat under the covered patio with excellent food, excellent company, and excellent music.
12. A hot air balloon experience with Rainbow Ryders
You can schedule a hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders through the hotel!
They’ll pick you up from the lobby at sunrise so that you can embark on your ride while the winds and weather are at their calmest.
Up in the air you’ll see mountains all around, as well as the beautiful river shining below!
Our hot air balloon went up over 6,000 feet, bringing us to an altitude of over 10,000 feet!
13. Golfing
If golfing is your sport of choice, you’ll have a wonderful time at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya golf course.
The Twin Warriors Golf Club is an 18-hole Championship Course.
14. Horse back riding at the Tamaya Horse Rehab
The Hyatt Regency Tamaya has such a wonderful relationship with the Tamaya Horse Rehab.
The Rehab is home to almost 100 horses who have been rescued out of a variety of bad conditions.
These horses enter a rehabilitation program which varies in length depending on the horse.
A lot of these horses are available for a trail ride, which we got to experience firsthand.
My horse, Dove, was so sweet and easy.
They teach you exactly how to ride, so don’t worry if you’ve never ridden before! We had a few first-time riders on our trip.
15. A rodeo every Thursday
The hotel provides discounts to the rodeo as well as a shuttle to take you there!
From barrel racing to cattle roping, you’ll find it at the weekly rodeo!
16. Biking and walking trails
Explore the property via bicycle with free bike rentals- they even have tandem bikes if that’s more your style.
Prefer to walk? These trails are perfect for a nice morning jog or evening stroll.
There are multiple trails- some take you to the river, and others take you to the horse stables!
17. A view of the Rio Grande
The Hyatt Regency Tamaya backs up to the Rio Grande.
We learned at the Cultural Center on property that at one point, the river actually was wide enough to where it covered the grounds that the hotel sits on! (An amazing feat, as the grounds are huge!!)
18. A relaxing spa
There are a variety of immersive spa treatments available at the Tamaya Mist.
I did the hot River Stone massage, but there are so many other great options! Notably, some use indigenous herbs (the Native Herbal Wrap) or incorporate blue corn flour (the Spirit Path)!
Check here for a full list of spa treatments!
19. Wildlife
Set in the New Mexico desert among the gorgeous Sandia Mountains, you’re bound to see plenty of wildlife on your stay.
You don’t have to wander far to see it; I captured this hummingbird in the spa courtyard!
20. Gorgeous nature
From beautiful lavender and mountain views to rainbows across the New Mexico sky, the Hyatt Regency Tamaya is rich in nature.
It’s a resort designed for everyone- from its kid’s club and adult-only pool to its many restaurants and incredible nature trails.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation- or both, you’ll find it at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya!
Safe travels!
Jasmine
6 Responses
Thanks for sharing this article. your article inspiring me to visit New Mexico, to enjoy with friends.
I’m so glad to hear that, enjoy New Mexico!
Planning a trip to New Mexico next year with a stay at the Hyatt Tamaya. Have been to Santa Fe many times but, not for years. Can’t wait to be back in the gorgeous location. It has always been my favorite place on earth.
Yay I’m so glad to hear it!! You all are going to love it! Definitely is a magical location!
Just planned a stay at the HYATT for this September. I would like some suggestions for restaurants in the area and local shops.
Hi Mona! I’m just now seeing this! We loved the restaurants right on site on the property; I didn’t explore the shops or restaurants around the hotel so unfortunately, I don’t have tips for you there. I hope you enjoy your trip!