It’s hard to imagine the extent by which New Mexico’s largest destination resort-hotel, scheduled to open August 9, 2008, will exceed expectations. But Buffalo Thunder Resort in Pojoaque, New Mexico may just accomplish what most four-star resorts endeavor to do: provide an unparallel, unforgettable experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else. The magnitude of the plans, the quality and details of the construction and design, and the presence of Native American culture and art has yet to be seen in the hospitality industry.
Located on 587 acres of tribal land, 12 miles north of Santa Fe on Highway 285/84, the Pueblo of Pojoaque and Hilton Hotels have partnered to create one of the most authentic and culturally inspiring Golf, Spa and Casino resorts in the country with unparallel convention and meeting space totally 70,000 square-feet. According to Tim Booth, Hilton Hotels General Manager for Buffalo Thunder Resort and Governor George Rivera of the Pueblo of Pojoaque, this four-star destination resort and casino invites guests to explore the natural beauty of New Mexico landscape and its unique American Indian culture. “With every aspect of the resort, we intend to tell a story,” explains Booth.
This story includes the life and culture of Native Americans, the art forms that punctuate their lives and the stories that are told through it. This “walk through history” is the subtle theme that weaves through the entire resort—but the true experience is a fantasy for every sense. With five stories and over 700,000 square feet, Buffalo Thunder’s grandeur is both in size and budget. Over $240 million dollars in bonds were sold to private investors to fund the development. Governor Rivera and his team spent about 5 years traveling to resorts and casinos conducting field research on what creates a completely unique, top-of-the-line destination resort and convention center.
Since the early 1990s, Rivera has been working towards actualizing Buffalo Thunder. With a population of just 390 members, the Pueblo of Pojoaque is one of New Mexico’s smallest tribes and Rivera has consistently been committed to developing the economy in such a way that revenues are returned to the pueblo members in the form of services, education and employment. This system “creates a community that has a presence and an identity that our members can be proud of,” explains Rivera. Not only will the pueblo become a national and international destination, the Tewa culture (the Native American language of the area) will be omnipresent. Pueblo members will share a celebration of their heritage, have access to over 600 jobs created through the project, and participate in the revenue for sustaining pueblo growth.
While still under construction, the beauty and the forethought embedded in the massive interior of Buffalo Thunder Resort are emerging. Situated with views of the Jemez as well as the Sangre de Cristos—including Santa Fe Baldy (at 12,622 feet), the slopes of the Santa Fe Ski Basin (unseen from downtown Santa Fe), a grand entrance with high, detailed ceilings and traditional large vigas and latillas offers a direct view of the soon-to-be built outdoor pool with swim-up bar. Expansive views of the 36-hole golf course and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains lay behind the pool.
The lobby, which simulates the Great Room—an important gathering area in tribal culture—offers an immediate immersion into Native American culture with Navajo rugs , sculptures, glasswork as well as art and pottery created by local and nearby pueblo members. “We are giving guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to key into the Native American culture,” said Booth. Rivera, an artist as well, has created bronze sculptures to be sited indoors and out, at Buffalo Thunder—including a buffalo dancer with a full head dress and a dear dancer.
From the lobby, guests enter an upscale shopping promenade that reflects the design and feel of the Santa Fe Plaza. Traditional regional gifts and souvenirs will be available along with fine women’s fashions and accessories. A Native American Heritage Center will provide a window into the cultures that surround Buffalo Thunder and offer interactive gatherings of artists and guests.
The four restaurants at Buffalo Thunder will include Mark Miller’s upscale Red Sage, offering southwestern cuisine with Native accents. A traditional casino-style buffet, known as the Painted Parrot, will flank the retail promenade, along with such staples as Starbuck’s. The Mica Room, named after a style of pottery indigenous to the area, offers three meals a day and is embellished with Mica pottery. The Turquoise Bar & Grill is on the Casino floor.
Aside from indulging the resort’s cuisine, a 16,000 square foot spa, salon and fitness center; a 36-hole golf course, heated indoor and outdoor pools, horseback riding into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and an 8,000 square-foot children’s area offer guests non-stop onsite activity – truly defining Buffalo Thunder as a destination Resort. The concierge service will provide excursions into Santa Fe and to all the nearby pueblos—with the intention of having guests meet the artists in their studio for the most authentic experience.
Below the main level of the resort is a Las Vegas Style Casino with 1200 slot machines, 25 table games, a horse and dog simulcast wagering area and a 10-table poker room. Culturally symbolic details have been embedded into the architecture – including hand-designed ceiling treatments in the shape of eagle feathers and bear paws. Even the cement poles are being covered and designed to reflect the architectural elements of the pueblo with curves, crescent, spirals and circles. The Turquoise Bar and Grill provides food on the casino floor, while the Tower Bar, which rises 4 ½ stories and has a moon glowing down from the ceiling, is designed in brilliant colors and offers a sophisticated place for drinks and Las Vegas-quality shows.
