For years, the allure of New Mexico has beckoned, promising a unique blend of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s almost bewildering to think it took so long to finally experience the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, a premier destination nestled on the Santa Ana Pueblo land, just a short drive from Albuquerque. This enchanting resort, steeped in Native American heritage and surrounded by the serene high desert, proved to be the perfect choice for a local weekend escape with my husband, Hank. With stunning scenery, authentic Native art, rejuvenating indigenous spa treatments, top-rated golf courses, and award-winning cuisine, Tamaya Resort easily climbed to the top of our getaway wish list. Our experience far exceeded expectations.
Having relocated to New Mexico from the East Coast over a decade ago, we’ve explored much of its terrain, yet it retains an air of mystique and otherworldliness. More than just its famed landscapes and expansive skies, New Mexico resonates as an ancient and spiritual place, connecting deeply with the soul.
Tamaya, translating to “a quiet and special place,” is indeed that – a historic Pueblo with roots stretching back over a millennium. The original Pueblo of Tamaya, now a preserved historical site, is located on the northern banks of the Jemez River within the Santa Ana Pueblo, a mere nine miles from the contemporary resort. This proximity ensures a strong cultural connection and influence throughout the resort experience.
The Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, a harmonious partnership with the Santa Ana Pueblo, spans 500 acres and is thoughtfully designed in the traditional Pueblo architectural style. This commitment to Native American heritage is more than just aesthetic. Guests can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of cultural activities, reflected in the resort’s daily calendar. From captivating Native American dance and flute performances to enlightening bread baking and pottery making demonstrations, and guided art tours showcasing indigenous artistry, the resort offers authentic cultural engagement. Beyond cultural enrichment, the resort boasts a range of recreational activities, including scenic trail rides, unforgettable hot air balloon adventures, captivating storytelling sessions under the starlit New Mexico sky, and a lively weekly rodeo complete with a cowboy-style dinner. Three inviting outdoor heated swimming pools provide relaxation and leisure for all guests.
Strategically positioned between the artistic hub of Santa Fe and the vibrant city of Albuquerque, Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort New Mexico serves as an ideal base for exploring the region’s attractions. However, with its extensive amenities and immersive experiences, the resort itself is a destination worth savoring. We intentionally planned a romantic, resort-centric getaway, but for families or those seeking cultural immersion, Tamaya offers a wealth of on-site and nearby activities to delight guests of all ages.
One of the highlights of our two-day retreat was undoubtedly the Ancient Drumming spa treatment at the Tamaya Mist Spa. This signature 90-minute experience beautifully incorporates indigenous ingredients from the Jemez Mountains. New Mexico’s renowned red chile and Jemez mud are combined to create a deeply detoxifying body mask. As the therapeutic mud gently dried, the skilled therapist applied rhythmic drumming to ease muscle tension, using muslin bags filled with flaxseed and infused with the comforting scent of piñon oil. This exceptional treatment reached another level as the therapist lavishly drizzled warm oil over the dried mud, followed by a gentle exfoliation using Piñon resin scrub. This truly magical spa ritual is an absolute must-try when visiting Tamaya Resort New Mexico.
The opulent Tamaya Mist Spa quickly became my personal sanctuary within the resort. The spa features three tranquil outdoor relaxation areas, perfect for sunbathing or peaceful napping. The steam room, sauna, and well-appointed shower rooms further enhanced the sense of well-being. Each day, I eagerly returned to this restorative haven within Hyatt Regency Tamaya.
New Mexico’s culinary landscape, a delightful fusion of Native American and Spanish influences, makes it a premier destination for food enthusiasts. Complementing this rich regional cuisine is the resort’s sophisticated Corn Maiden restaurant. Here, New Mexican fusion cuisine takes center stage, artfully balancing global culinary innovation with authentic regional flavors. Dishes like Green Chile Escargot, Rose Sea Salted Buffalo Ribeye, and Spicy Apricot Glazed Kurobuta Pork Loin exemplify the restaurant’s creative and refined approach.
Following the insightful recommendation of our server, Raymond, we opted for a Tapas-style appetizer selection at Corn Maiden. “Try the Rosemary Flatbread or the Buffalo Crostini,” Raymond advised, “You won’t regret it. The flatbread is made in-house with caramelized onions and bleu cheese, and the Buffalo is enhanced by a poached quail egg and red chile lime mayonnaise.” His recommendations were spot on; we savored every bite.
For our main courses from the Signature Rotisserie menu, Hank chose the ‘Corn Maiden Classic’, a hearty combination of chorizo sausage, Fresno chile chicken, and red & green chile rubbed beef rib eye. I selected ‘The Ocean,’ featuring sweet chile glazed Ahi tuna, swordfish with an Ancho chile rub, and citrus jumbo shrimp. While each dish was exceptionally flavorful, the portions were generous. Sharing a single rotisserie selection would have been ample, leaving more room to indulge in their tempting dessert offerings.
As we checked out, expressing our gratitude for the outstanding service and warm hospitality at Tamaya Resort New Mexico, a couple from New York inquired, “Was it as good as the brochure promises?” Reflecting on the soothing rhythmic drumming of the spa therapist, the delightful wine and cheese moments on our private balcony, the gentle Native flute melodies, the rustling cottonwood leaves in the evening breeze, and the lingering sunset views over the Sandia Mountains, the answer was clear. “Better,” I replied, “Much better.”
Discover more about this exceptional destination at HyattRegencyTamaya.com.
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Photography courtesy of Hyatt Regency Tamaya and ©2010 Ellen Barone.
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