Hotel Review: Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort And Spa

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa offers one of the most unique and authentic experiences for guests.

Situated on 550 acres of the Native American Santa Ana Pueblo in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the resort pays tribute to the traditions and life of the Tamayame people. From the historic artifacts decorated throughout the hotel to the making of traditional Pueblo oven bread, the Hyatt Regency Tamaya has found a unique way of sharing the Santa Ana Pueblo culture. 

Tamaya Resort is not only a place for learning but also a destination of relaxation and fun.

The property overlooks the beautiful Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande River – the perfect location for outdoor activities such as biking, horseback riding, and golfing. For those wanting to unwind, enjoy the luxury amenities at the Tamaya Mist Spa or sit on the patio at Rio Grande Lounge with a glass of wine. If you have kids, drop them off at Camp Hyatt. While you’re off on your next adventure, your children will have a blast making traditional adobe bricks, creating sand paintings, learning Native American games, swimming with new friends, and more! 

At Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort, there’s always something for everyone.

Keep scrolling for amazing photos of beautiful Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa as well as a comprehensive list of things to do on the property and in the surrounding area. 

• Go for a swim. New Mexico’s sunny weather is perfect! So naturally, Tamaya resort has a few different pool options for those wanting to work on their tan. The main pool is near the Plaza Grill and has a slide and lounge chair with umbrellas – perfect for families. The resort also offers an ‘adults only’ pool for those wanting some peace. 

• Bike solo or on a guided tour around the property. There are a few different bike trails throughout the Tamaya property. My favorite was the Bosque trail. On this 1 mile ride, you’ll bike along the Rio Grande River underneath a canopy of cottonwood trees. Be aware and on the lookout for local wildlife. You might see wild turkey, skunks, bullfrogs, rattlesnakes, and more.

• Sign up for the Srai Wi Cultural Activities. Srai Wi means “my children” in the Keresan language, the original language of the Tamaya people. Srai Wi activities are curated by the Cultural staff of Tamaya Resort to offer guests of all ages creative, unique, and authentic learning experiences. There are many activities, but some of my favorites are adobe brick making and pueblo oven bread baking! For a full list of activities and the daily schedule, click here. 

• Tour the Tamaya Cultural Learning Center. Located in the Plaza of the Generations at the Tamaya Hotel, the Tamaya Cultural Learning Center showcases the Santa Ana Pueblo community’s tribal history.  If you’re interested in visiting, be sure to schedule a tour at the front desk. What makes this tour unique is that it is hosted by a member of the tribe, who is happy to answer questions you may have about their way of life. 

• Find Tranquility at the Tamaya Mist Spa & Salon. Complete with a locker room, hot tub, sauna, showers, and relaxation room, this 5-star facility provides you everything you need to relax. There are a variety of treatments to choose but I recommend the hot-stone massage! The heat from the natural stones and oil truly puts your body into a state of deep relaxation. As a plus, my masseuse, Anne, learned I had lower back pain and was able to focus on those problem areas till the pain disappeared. 

• Play a few rounds at the Twin Warriors Golf Course. This 18 hole championship golf course has hosted the 2003 and 2009 PGA Profesional National Championship. Surrounded by 20 ancient cultural sites of the Santa Ana Pueblo people and the Sandia Mountains, the Twin Warrior Golf Course is both a beautiful and spiritual experience. The course itself is high desert landscape featuring grassy knolls, ridges dotted with Juniper and Pinon Pine, dry washes and eroded land features. 

• Horseback ride through the desert. The Tamaya Horse Rehab embodies the Tamayame’s respect for their land and living creatures. They do so by taking in neglected, abused, unwanted, and abandoned horses and rehabilitating them. You can ride your bike down to the stables to see these gorgeous horses or go on a trail ride for $75 per person. 

• Explore the Land of Enchantment on a guided tour with NM Jeep Tours. They offer a variety of tours that showcase the natural landscape, ancestral ruins, historic homesteads, petroglyphs, petrified forests, and hidden geological marvels. A jeep tour is the best way to see the beauty of New Mexico. 

• Watch the sunrise during a hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryder. Rainbow Ryders was excellent from start to finish. I was nervous about flying, but they made me feel comfortable the entire time, and our pilot was a total comedian. There’s nothing quite like floating in the sky above Albuquerque. The views of the Rio Grande River Valley and the Sandia Mountains from a birds-eye view are breathtaking!

• Experience a Feast Day. When the Spanish came to New Mexico in the 1500s, they came with their Roman Catholic traditions. While their missionaries converted many Native Americans, Native believes and customs were preserved and intertwined with Catholic beliefs. Today, feast days are both a celebration of ancient Native American heritage and commemorations of Catholic saints. On August 28, you can go to the Santa Ana Pueblo’s Feast Day, close to the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa. At the Santa Ana Pueblo, you will see traditional dances, cultural activities, lots of food, and vendors selling arts and crafts. It’s a wonderful way for visitors to witness pueblo life and the traditions of the Santa Ana Pueblo people. For a list of all feast days, click here.

At Hyatt Regency Tamaya, there are a lot of great dining options ranging from casual to fine dining.  

Santa Ana Cafe – This is the go-to place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Play it safe with classic American dishes or spice up your life with local New Mexico classics; either is a great option! I ate there at least once every day and ALWAYS left satisfied. My favorite items were the Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas and Maple Root cocktail. 

Rio Grande Lounge – Relax with friends with a drink in hand while sharing delicious foods and enjoying the beautiful sunset views of the Sandia Mountains. From late afternoon until midnight, the Rio Grande Lounge is a popular hangout amongst guests. Some nights they even have live music, so be sure to stop by. 

Corn Maiden – Be sure to have dinner here at least once during your stay. The food is unbelievable! With entrees such as Native Beef Short Rib, Beef Filet, Scallops and Prawns, and Stuffed Poblano, it’s near impossible to choose just one. I went with the beef filet, and it was the juiciest, most flavorful filet I’ve ever had! 10/10 would recommend! Corn Maiden is open Friday and Saturday from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm so be sure to make a reservation.

Plaza Grill – Situated right next to the pool, the Plaza Grill offers light meals such as salads, chips and salsa, and sandwiches. Before you head back to your lounge chair, grab a cocktail to stay refreshed. 

Trading Post – Open 6:00 am till 8:00 pm, the Trading Post is your go-to shop for miscellaneous items. This general store is stocked with golf shirts, workout clothes, souvenirs, medicine, snacks, specialty New Mexico foods, and coffee. 

Atush Bar & Grille – Enjoy a light breakfast or lunch with views of the Twin Warriors Golf Course at this relaxing bar and grill. The menu mainly consists of light fare appetizers, burgers, and wraps. Since the restaurant is separate from the resort, you can either walk to it or ask the valet to drive you.  

Thank you so much to Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa for and everyone who made my trip to New Mexico possible. This was a sponsored stay. As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Angie xoxo 

For more hotel reviews at The Lovely Escapist, click here.