In the heart of the Sonoran desert, spotted with cacti and succulents, a band of 1,500 wild horses canters across open land owned by Pima and Maricoba Indians. Want to catch a glimpse of these free spirits, descended from the Spanish El Conquistador’s noble Mustangs? Then book your next vacation for Wild Horse Pass Resort in Arizona.

What we love about this one-of-a-kind getaway is that you’ll get more than a chance to see wild horses. You’ll come away with a new appreciation for Native American culture. From the beginning, the tribes designed the resort to celebrate their heritage in every way. The architecture reflects traditional dwellings, the décor includes indigenous artifacts, pottery, baskets and art, and the two-mile interpretive walking trail offers serene views and an education on the plants and flowers that were crucial to the their way of life.

“Our primary motivation at this resort is to protect and share the culture, traditions and meaningful history of the tribes who call this land home.  We hope to send that genuine sense of place home with each of our guests,” explains the Resort’s Cultural Concierge, Ginger Sunbird Martin.

Don’t worry; your getaway won’t include long, boring lectures or dusty history books. Instead, you can learn about the spiritual culture of the tribes while horseback riding or by listening to the ancient legends told while munching s’mores around the outdoor fire pit.

Better yet, catch a grown-up break and sign your kids up for the resort’s kids club where they can make rain sticks and play in teepees. You can seek shelter from the sun at the holistic spa using centuries-old techniques handed down by Pima medicine women or powwow at the five-star restaurant. The menu offers a modern spin on traditional tribal fare with selections like grilled tenderloin of buffalo with smoked corn puree and sweet corn panna cotta or butter-basted lobster tail on fry bread with avocado mousse.

Reviews of the digs at Wild Horse Pass Resort leave little reservation that this is the place to stay for an unbridled good time.