All Photos courtesy of The Wigwam
by Angela Fairhurst
Phoenix is the capital and most populous city of Arizona, with year-round sun and warm temperatures. The population is spread out over 2,000 square miles, a multi-city metropolitan area known as the Valley of the Sun. Its growth has made downtown a place to go, an ultra-modern area with an expanded arts scene, shopping areas, and eateries along with the businesses.
Staying city central may be for some, but there are nearby quieter options to enjoy.
Just 15 minutes west of downtown Phoenix in Litchfield is the historic Wigwam Hotel. Dating back to 1918, the property became a gathering place for executives of the Ohio-based Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company when it was discovered that cotton extended the life of its tires. The company farmed cotton on 16,000 acres in Litchfield Park and built the Organization House next to the fields, the first building on the resort site.
In 1929, The Wigwam opened as a guest ranch, which has expanded and sprawled out over the years to include 331 adobe casita-style rooms including 70 luxury suites and two presidential suites.
CUISINE
Specializing in farm-to-table cuisine, the resort’s ingredients include locally produced meats, cheeses, wine and locally grown fruits and vegetables which can be found at three dining outlets. Litchfield’s is the resort’s signature restaurant that pays tribute to the farming community.
Red’s Bar & Grill serves lunch and dinner for the golf courses, the Wigwam Bar in the center of the resort offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a courtyard setting.
Red’s Bar & Grill Dining Room
The Tower Pool Bar & Grill, located adjacent to The Tower Pool, offers food options and refreshing drinks poolside.
ACTITIVITES
Given the resort’s size and the area’s good weather, outdoor activity offerings are expansive. There is a championship 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones.
There are nine lighted tennis courts, including a stadium court, bike rentals, a wide selection of games including bocce ball, ping pong, foot golf, volleyball and corn hole. There is the Oasis adults-only pool, as well. All this, as well as scheduled fitness classes, historic tours and shuttle service to local attractions are included in the resort’s daily fee.
SPA
The large 26,000 two-story luxury spa LeMonds Aveda Salon is decorated in Southwestern-style comfort and outfitted to meet every personal need, while nurturing the mind, body and spirit. Treatments are curated to incorporate the latest scientific technics with natural ingredients from the earth and sea, inspired by the customs prevalent in the American Southwest, such as customized aromatherapy and desert hot stone massages. There is also a lap pool and a fitness center.
