This post was created in collaboration with Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Loubies and Lulu!
During our stay in New Mexico, the Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder Resort was home base for three days! It was the perfect place to relax, play, and stay while exploring Santa Fe with our kids and my parents.
This resort features plenty of activities for everyone, making it a family friendly destination! The perks of staying at the resort together were (1) we could balance spending quality family time and individual activities (2) they helped us keep an eye on the kids!
I shared some of the amenities and activities we loved on instagram while we were there. Many of you had questions so I wanted to recap our stay and share our itinerary and photos of our favorite parts of the property. (For a full listing of resort amenities click here!)
Wednesday
Check In- The hotel has a welcoming, spacious lobby filled with Native American art. Part of the Pueblo of Pojoaque Buffalo Thunder Collection of Art can be found here, and throughout the resort.
Wo’P’in Spa- Upon arrival, Marisa and I headed straight to our Wo’P’in Spa appointments! Marisa opted for the Deep Water Flow Facial. I wanted to try someitng new, so I went for the Wo’P’in Body Renewal Ritual. This treatment was unique, and included a full body sugar scrub, detoxifying heated herbal body wrap, and express massage. I left with baby soft skin and a much calmer vibe!
Everyone on the spa staff was super friendly and helpful throughout our visit, and encouraged us to return to use the amenities as often as we wanted to during our stay. We took them up on that and returned to enjoy the whirlpool, steam room, and dry sauna a few more times! The spa is also stocked with an extensive selection of products, plus some locally made specialty lines.
Browse- While we were at the spa, my parents and Andrew checked in and took a look around. They visited the video game arcade, Starbucks, Señor Murphy Candy Shop, and gift shop!
Guest Rooms- Our room was spacious and comfortable! We had a junior suite with an extra sitting area and fireplace. My parents stayed on the same floor, and the kids liked that they could go back and forth between rooms to visit. I loved the beautiful New Mexican furniture and decor in the room and the large bathroom and balcony. We had a fantastic view of the courtyard and pool area. Watching the sunrise from our balcony while sipping coffee was a calming start to each day (see my photo below)!
Pool Time- Ryan arrived in Albuquerque that evening so I picked him up at the airport while the kids stayed at the hotel with my parents, enjoying pool time and casual dining at the Iguana Cafe. Andrew raved about the brisket quesadilla! There are four restaurants on the property…
Thursday
Kasha Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument- Our plan was to drive to Tent Rocks, about an hour away. We woke up bright and early and grabbed Starbucks in the lobby before heading out. My mom and Marisa stayed behind to sleep in and have some girl time at the spa and pool.
After taking the exit to the park we noticed it was closed for cultural observance and maintenance! Note to self to check on that next time! I was disappointed but it will definitely be on our list for our next visit. We took the opportunity to stop at Whole Foods in Santa Fe on the way home to pick up a few snacks for the Opera tailgate!
Towa Golf Club- Ryan, Andrew, and my dad spent the day at this championship golf course at the resort. They returned tired and happy after a day on the course!
Walking Tour & Gym- I was craving some movement so I headed to the walking trail that winds around the property. Loved the views! Then I headed to the well appointed fitness center for a quick weights workout.
Pool + Lunch- While the guys played golf we had some downtime! My mom visited the world class Buffalo Thunder Casino on site, while Marisa and I had lunch at the Pool Bar and Grille and soaked up the sun poolside most of the afternoon.
We loved the pool and spent a lot of time there! It had ample space for grown ups to lounge and for kids to play. Private cabanas were also available to reserve. It was a fun spot to hang out in the evening, too!
Shopping- We met up with my mom to shop the local vendor market in the lobby, displaying lovely handmade jewelry (lots of turquoise and coral), pottery, and gifts!
Santa Fe Opera- Marisa and I had an awesome experience attending The Thirteenth Child at the Santa Fe Opera, as part of a Simply Santa Fe Instameet. It included a backstage tour and talk with the opera conductor. Recap coming soon!
Pool Time and Dinner- Everyone else stayed at the hotel for the evening for dinner and pool time, until the thunderstorms started! New Mexico thunderstorms are a magnificent thing to witness!
Friday
Breakfast- Slept in and enjoyed the wonderful breakfast buffet selection at Iguana Cafe! Our favorites were the BYO omelet bar and the savory green and red chile!
Pool Time- The kids’ request was to hang out by the pool one more time! With the gorgeous Santa Fe summer weather how could we disagree? We stayed until it was time to check out and drive back to Taos!
Staying at Buffalo Thunder was a highlight of our trip! We loved the time away and everything the hotel had to offer. It was easy for us to relax and have fun as a family in these surroundings. Plus we love how convenient it is to everything in Santa Fe. Thanks so much to Buffalo Thunder for having us! We hope to return soon!
If you have any questions, ask away! Thanks for stopping by!
To see my full New Mexico packing list, click here.
Photos: Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder, and my own