Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, New Mexico USA

We leave the city of Albuquerque in the US behind us as we drive deeper into the desert. These are the lands of the Indigenous Tamayame people. The heart, Pueblo of Santa Ana, is located between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on 79,000 acres including New Mexico's fertile Rio Grande Valley. Our destination, the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, sits miles away from the cities noises and bustle on a quiet part of the Santa Ana Pueblo. While driving up to the resort, we feel this region is steeped in over one thousand years of rich history and culture.

The resort itself is low-lying and colored to blend in with the rocky soil. Access to the resort is a bit of a hike off the main roads: it's not easy to get cabs and ride-shares out there, so plan accordingly and preferable arrange for your own wheels. The property is operated and managed by the well-known Hyatt Regency hotel chain. Yet the resort and land are owned by the Tamayame Pueblo Indigenous people. This influence is woven throughout the experience of staying here, from the Native American-inspired artwork that adorns the walls, to the activities offered to families each day. The very first night we attend the storytelling event to learn more about the people living on the Santa Ana Pueblo and the place we are visiting.

The Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa offers luxurious amenities and astonishing natural surroundings with an ideal year-round climate. Accommodations include 350 luxury southwestern rooms and suites. Located onsite are five restaurants and lounges, an immense spa, salon, and fitness center, an 18-hole Gary Panks Championship Golf Course, horseback riding, tennis courts, three outdoor heated pools, activities for kids, hot air ballooning, a nature trail, and cultural and family activities. Enough for us and probably every family to enjoy a couple of pleasure and activity filled days.

Our connecting rooms are exceptionally well appointed with a cozy bed, plush bedding, a large bathroom and an overall spacious layout with a desk and additional seating. The entire hotel, including the room, is decorated with local art which we spent time exploring. All rooms and suites have amazing views of either the Sandia Mountains or the golf course. Our balcony offered a nice little area to sit and enjoy the view and the tons of hummingbirds and swallows that live around the property.

Life at the resort in the warmer months revolves around the three outdoor pools. And of course, our teen daughters are drawn to the cool water like magnates. The pools are lined with sun loungers and large canvasses and luckily provided with some well needed shade. One of the pools has a slide which adds to the overall water fun. To keep refreshed, the adjoined Plaza Grill offers light summer fare including delicious salads and hand-made sandwiches as well tropical cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

Speaking about food and drinks. During our stay we sample the unique cuisine of New Mexico at the different restaurants and cafes. New Mexico is a tri-culture, made up of Native Americans, Hispanics, and Anglos. The flavors of this area are a blending of these cultures. The resort chefs have created innovative dishes that incorporate traditional New Mexican ingredients with nouvelle cuisine. Staples of this region are red and green chili, enchiladas, tamales, chorizo, posole, tortillas and pine nuts and you will find these ingredients throughout the menus. Besides the cultural dishes also American style fare is available. We for example have a memorable diner with burgers and chicken wings on the outdoor patio of the Rio Grande Lounge.

The sunset views of the Sandia Mountains are unbelievable beautiful. With the sundown and the air getting quite brisk, the inside area of the bar is the perfect place to relax while enjoying a top shelf margarita or sampling a tequila flight while sharing plates of some tempting comfort food. After a day full of adventure and a well-deserved diner the free smores at night at the fire pits are a real, extra treat.

The other day we try the newly renovated Santa Ana Café, feasting on indigenous influenced casual American fare, local New Mexico classics and vegetarian options. The breakfast buffet is also something we highly recommend as it is delicious. Why not try the blue corn pancakes and the French toast or the gluten free breakfast pizza. Hardly a better way to start the day. No time for a sit-down breakfast? Stop by the general store for an invigorating cup of freshly brewed Starbucks coffee and a delicious burrito to start the day on the go. The shops selection of sandwiches, salads and snacks are easily packed to take along on a picnic for a day of sightseeing and exploring. It even has a delightful selection of local gifts to buy and take home as a present.

Besides the amazing pools the resort offers a wide range of cultural activities for children, including adobe brick making, pottery lessons, dream catchers, leather stamping and traditional bread making. During peak seasons, cultural learning extends throughout the resort: Native American traditional dancing, storytellers and more. Parents can participate in lessons as well, including jewelry making, watercolor painting and archery. There’s also a cultural center onsite where guests can further their knowledge of the Santa Ana tribe.

Biking between the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande River

If you want to explore just pick one of the complimentary bikes for a ride out to the river's bank. Or pedal your way to the highly recommended Stables of Tamaya. This non-profit was established in 2012 to help horses live out a full, cared-for live through re-homing, training and dedicated care. Guests can enjoy guided horse rides with knowledgeable volunteers leading the way. Children under seven who want a private riding experience, will be taken on a lead around the stables.

Not into horse riding? No worries as the resort offers access to some great, well marked hiking trails. We do both the Bosque and Cottonwood trails with nice views along the river. If you’re lucky you might spot wild turkeys or deers. In the spring the blossom is so beautiful that you may be tempted to propose.

With all these facilities and activities at the resort you will be hard pressed to find time to venture further afield. If you do, we highly recommend a visit to the Explora Science Center and Children's Museum in Albuquerque. It specializes in creating opportunities for inspirational discovery and the learning through interactive experiences in science, technology, engineering, art and math. Our girls love it and we spend several hours exploring all the installations.

Another, unusual museum, is the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History also in Albuquerque. It was established in 1969 as an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

For an outdoor activity, only in case of the absence of fear of heights, you might consider a hot air balloon ride. A fantastic way to get the best possible views of the Albuquerque area without the expense of a helicopter tour. By heading out at sunrise in a hot air balloon, you'll be able to watch and snap photos as the sun's first rays fall on the dramatic landscape of the Sandia Mountains. You will dip low over the mighty Rio Grande while listening to commentary on the area's geology and environment from your pilot. Then land for breakfast and sparkling wine. Does it get any better?

WOW

# In terms of location, this resort is unmatched. The landscape is beautiful, making for picturesque sunrises and sunsets, with unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks while nestled alongside the Rio Grande.

# The Interior displays are a visual history book of Native American culture going back centuries.

# The entire facility is enjoyable and interesting: from fresh Pueblo bread, enjoying the work of local jewelry artisans, beautiful items in the on-site shop and the best breakfast buffet in the hotel and so much more!