Recently, Arizona Health & Living magazine had the opportunity to experience the Wigwam Arizona. For over 90 years, Wigwam Arizona has maintained a reputation as one of the Southwest’s landmark resort destinations. The 440-acre desert oasis features dining, outdoor recreation, and a central location to many area attractions, creating the perfect environment for families looking to bond or couples reconnecting on a romantic weekend.

A golf destination since the resort opened in 1929, the Wigwam now features three 18-hole championship courses. According to the resort website, the famous English American golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., designed two of the courses. Each course offers a unique challenge to players. Golf packages are available for solo play and groups, and golf instruction is available in individual lessons and group clinics.

Families and guests looking to make a splash can do so at one of the resort’s three pools, including the featured tower pool, with a 25-foot tower and two twisting slides, and the oasis pool, an adult only destination Friday through Sunday.

For guests itching to explore the Valley during their stay at Wigwam, options range from catching a game at the Gila River Arena to taking a stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden. Artists can spend some time where visual and performing arts come to life at the Phoenix Art Museum and the Phoenix Musical Instrument Museum. Families can mix education and fun when they visit over 300 animals at the Phoenix Zoo, walk among fishes at the Odysea Aquarium, and watch nature take flight at Butterfly Wonderland.

Dining options at the Wigwam range from in-room service to a fine-dining experience at the signature restaurant, Litchfield’s. The restaurant focuses on support for the local community by creating farm-to-table menus with locally sourced produce. Other on-site dining options include Red’s Bar & Grill and The Tower Pool Bar & Grill for a more relaxed experience, whether you’re golfing, swimming, or just enjoying the view.

Last year, Wigwam welcomed the LeMonds Aveda Salon–Spa to create a full-service relaxing environment for guests who need a little time to be pampered. The spa offers massages, skincare, a sauna and steam room, 15 treatment rooms, four relaxation rooms and a retail boutique.

Accommodating just 24 guests when it opened, the resort has grown to 331 guest rooms, including 68 suites and two presidential suites. Crafted in the territorial Adobe style, rooms feature balconies or patios and are set away from the main lodge building, providing guests with a sense of privacy on the grounds of the Wigwam.

Events and meetings can be made memorable at the resort’s 45,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, which includes 25 separate meeting rooms. Staff is available to help in planning flexible catering, team-building activities, morning fitness walks to get the blood flowing, and more.

Couples can plan their special day at Wigwam. With 10 gardens and event lawns and a variety of wedding packages to fit any wedding, the resort describes its wedding availability as a way for couples to enjoy their special day without worry.

In the past year, the Historic Hotels of America honored the Wigwam as the 2019 Best Historic Hotel. Other honors in 2019 included the AAA Inspector’s Best Housekeeping Award, Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards as the #17 Resort in Southwest & Texas, and the Northstar Meetings Group Stella Award’s Gold Winner in the Southwest.

“We are honored to have been recognized by leaders in the world of hospitality,” says Wigwam managing director and general manager Katy Powers. “These accolades are a true testament to the services provided on property and I couldn’t be prouder of the team.”

Beginning this month, Litchfield’s is serving brunch to weekend guests of the Wigwam. Chef de Cuisine Jason Paterno has crafted seasonal farm-to-table a la carte brunch menus, available every Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Over Easter weekend, families can visit the resort to create special memories with their little ones. Activities at the Wigwam feature a breakfast buffet with the Easter bunny followed by egg hunts and live entertainment on Saturday, April 11. On Easter Sunday, guests can enjoy a brunch buffet in the ballroom or stop by Litchfield’s for a 3-course Easter brunch.

Wigwam Arizona is located at 300 East Wigwam Blvd. in Litchfield Park. For more information on resort packages, spring activities, renting corporate meeting space or planning a wedding, visit http://www.wigwamarizona.com. For the latest news and events at Wigwam Arizona, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @wigwamresort.

By Michelle Talsma Everson
Photos Courtesy of Wigwam Arizona