For the life of me, I can’t figure out why it’s taken me a decade to get here. ‘Here’ being the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, one of the nation’s best resort spas, located on secluded tribal land in the New Mexico high desert near Albuquerque, less than 200 miles from my home. It’s enchanting, culturally authentic, and a road trip away. Throw in gorgeous landscapes, Native art, indigenous spa treatments, nationally ranked golf, award-winning dining, and it’s easy to see why the resort topped our wish list when my husband, Hank, and I decided to look locally for a weekend getaway. We couldn’t have chosen better.
We moved to New Mexico from the East Coast a dozen years ago and have explored more of it than many native New Mexicans, but it still feels exotic and slightly alien, another world altogether. More than its legendary land and sky, New Mexico is an ancient, mystical place that seems to bypass my head and go straight to my heart.
Tamaya, known as “a quiet and special place,” is a small Pueblo with a rich history dating back more than 1,000 years. Today, the old Pueblo of Tamaya lies on the north bank of the Jemez River on the Santa Ana Pueblo, nine miles from the resort.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Last time I landed in Marrakech or Guadalajara, Morocco and Mexico weren’t next door neighbors. Not even close. But in a private enclave of globally inspired suites at the El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa in Taos, New Mexico - Morocco and Mexico live side-by-side, along with Argentina, China, Egypt, Spain, India, and Japan.
Boasting spacious bedrooms, luxuriant baths, and museum worthy decors, the suites offer the exoticism sophisticated and avid travelers would expect of an international destination in one of the United States’ most mystical locales - Taos, New Mexico.
Global Glam:
There is a potent allure to the famed artist outpost and El Monte Sagrado (sacred mountain) is the ultimate confluence of Taos’ rich ancient culture, artistic heritage and glamorous international appeal. More than just a luxury hotel, El Monte Sagrado is a destination in itself. And one I always have a difficult time leaving.
Everywhere you look there’s something beautiful. From corridors filled with original art and elegant staircases with hand-crafted iron railings to mindfully crafted zen gardens and graceful fountains, the resort blends seamlessly with its tranquil and secluded mountain setting.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".