Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, New Mexico

A previous winner of FTF’s Top 10 Getaways for Family Togetherness award, Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, New Mexico was honored along with other hospitality, timeshare and eco-tourism businesses that made it possible for families to stay, play, relax, and learn together in a creative and enriching atmosphere. This deserving resort gets a fresh look in 2015

For more than a thousand years, the Tamayame people have lived along the Rio Grande River about half way between present day Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. The ingenuity and adaptability of the Tamayame, as well as their bond to the natural world, have served them well over the years. Their newest endeavor, exemplifying their tradition of hospitality, is the Hyatt Regency Tamaya, one of the largest resorts ever developed on Native American land. Owned by the people of the Pueblo of Santa Ana and managed by the Hyatt Corporation, Tamaya is a “quiet and special place” that encourages families to spend time together.

The centerpiece of the unique experience that is a vacation at the Hyatt Tamaya is its Srai-Wi Family Program. Translated from the native language to mean “my children,” these unforgettable activities foster parent-child interactions. The program was developed by the Tribal Council and is led by members of the tribe who take you on a “Journey through Tamaya.” Highlights include making a piece of pottery, horseback riding through the reservation land while viewing petroglyphs and ruins, adobe brick making, and artisan demonstrations. While some of these activities are included in the daily Resort Fee, some are available at an additional charge.

Other popular family activities particularly suited to teens include “Tee Tips at Twin Warriors,” for personalized instruction by PGA professionals; “The Sky’s the Limit,” hot air balloon rides, and trail riding through the Stables at Tamaya.  Finally, you can jog, bike or stroll with a guide or on your own in the bosque. This native Cottonwood Forest along the Rio Grande has undergone a multi-million dollar conservation and restoration project sponsored by the people of the Pueblo of Santa Ana, Hyatt Regency Tamaya and several government agencies to re-vegetate the area with native grasses and trees. To further immerse yourselves in the spirit of the Tamayama, performances of Native American dance and music and art demonstrations are scheduled throughout resort during the week.

The hotel is designed in the traditional adobe style and the decor throughout reflects these elements. The property has all the amenities you would expect of such a resort: The spacious rooms are tastefully decorated in southwest style, the Corn Maiden restaurant serves delicious fare inspired by the indigenous flavors, the Twin Warriors Golf Club, designed by Gary Panks on unique terrain, joins its sister course the Santa Ana Golf Club making it the largest golf complex in New Mexico, and the Tamaya Mist Spa and Salon uses native herbs for aromatherapy and offers ancient healing techniques in conjunction with modern approaches. While you play golf or luxuriate in the spa, Camp Hyatt Tamaya provides fun for kids ages 3 to 12 with a wide variety of native crafts as well as indoor and outdoor activities. There are also three pools including one designed as an ancient kiva and one with a pueblo-style waterslide.

Photos Courtesy Hyatt Hotel Corporation