From US$189
– Although close to Albuquerque, Tamaya feels separated from the world.
– The adobe bricks can break easily.
Getting to Tamaya is like disappearing into nature. Guests have to drive along a winding road through the desert until nothing is in sight but the surrounding landscape. The resort itself is painted to match desert colors and seems to rise out of the ground like a mirage. Beyond the resort lies sacred land for the indigenous population in the area that guests are not allowed to on, but it’s clearly marked so there’s no confusion.
Both valet and lot parking are available, but go with valet —- the staff is incredibly friendly and remembers all the guests. That’s echoed throughout the resort; hospitality and a positive attitude permeate everything. A concierge is available for guest use both near the front desk and upstairs in the private lounge, where snacks and drinks are served to club members on a daily basis.
The rooms are large and well appointed, with private balconies. On-site amenities include two pools (one is adults-only), a garden of fresh herbs, horse stables, a hot tub with a waterfall, hiking trails, and a bevy of classes and activities available. I did a horseback ride through the desert to the river and an adobe brickmaking class, where the guest participates in every aspect of the process from grinding the clay and mixing it with water, to stuffing it in a form and decorating it. It’s dried overnight and left in the room in the morning.
The resort’s restaurant, Corn Maiden, is consistently ranked one of the best in Albuquerque and uses local food with ingredients produced on the property.
