When we drive up to the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, the life size, bronze figures in the entry plaza seem to receive us, especially "Welcoming Woman," a Native American whose hand extends in greeting. A grandfather telling stories to children, a farmer with a hoe and a grandmother scooping water complete the sculptural piece. Placed in front of the modern resort, the artwork sets the tone of tradition complimented by twenty-first century amenities.

That's fitting since the 350 room resort spreads out on nearly 500 acres of the Santa Ana Pueblo's 73,000-acre reservation, home to the Tamayame people. The 700 inhabitants of the pueblo own the resort, which opened in 2001, but Hyatt manages the property. Come here to relax or to use the resort as a base from which to explore nearby Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Unlike hotels set shoulder-to-shoulder, the Hyatt Tamaya gives guests the gift of an expansive landscape little marred by non-resort buildings. The views showcase classic southwestern scenes: mountain ridges set against a wide, blue sky; the legendary Rio Grande River and a leafy Bosque (bos-keh), or cottonwood grove restored by the Pueblo

In the late afternoon, we savor the views of the Sandias from the Rio Grande Patio outside the lobby. At dusk the mountains glow a brilliant reddish pink, revealing why the Spaniards named them "sandia" or "watermelon.' In fall, the cottonwoods turn the color of spun gold, creating a spectacular scene.

The resort's architecture and decor reflect the property's Native American heritage. The adobe style buildings suggest the traditional dwellings of the Santa Ana Pueblo's old village, an 800-year-old settlement nine miles from the resort, but off-limits to the public except on special days. "Tamaya" is the native name for this village. Pottery pieces rest atop the Hyatt Tamaya's chimneys, symbolizing how the elders used to catch rainwater. Courtyards, as in Native American communities, are used by the resort as gathering places. At select times, Native dancers and musicians dressed in full regalia perform for free.

The resort's decor is Southwestern with a Native American flair. Leather couches, backgammon and chess tables mix with woven baskets, tribal jugs and Native American portraits in the living-room like lobby, anchored at each end by gas fireplaces. It's relaxing to sit in the lobby, enjoying the views while listening to a Native American flute player. Check the schedule for complimentary performances.

The expansive setting plus the typical resort activities: pools, golf, horseback riding and spa—are part of why we like the resort. The other part: taking up Welcoming Woman's invitation to experience Tamayame culture through special Srai-Wi experiences, many of which target families. Our favorites include Stories Under the Stars and Clay and Culture. In the pueblo's native language, "Srai-Wi" means "to gather children together and share with them."

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