Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Spa & Resort
Three resorts in three nights? Yes, I did it! I was recently invited to Phoenix, Arizona to celebrate the 10 year anniversaries of three of the area's top resorts. So, after spending 2 nights in Sedona, I repacked my little black dresses and headed to Phoenix to began my travel trifecta. The first stop on my itinerary was a one night stay at the wonderful Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa.
Just a 15 minute drive from Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is an oasis in the high Sonoran desert. Located on the land of the Gila River Indian Community, the property is owned by the Pima and Maricopa tribes and virtually every detail, from the architecture to the cuisine, was designed to authentically represent their heritage. The resort even has a cultural concierge and a Native American cultural library. It truly seems that the local community and the Sheraton brand have fostered a successful collaboration that showcases the best of traditional cultures and modern hotel management.
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is quite different from other resorts that I have visited. Yes, it has all of the modern amenities (spa, restaurants, golf, etc.) but somehow this spacious property (500+ guest rooms) feels intimate and serene. Following Pima and Maricopa tradition, all entrances to the resort, spa and golf club face east. Entering the dramatic main lobby, you feel embraced by the traditional native roundhouse inspired design. Floor to ceiling windows provide stunning views of the mountains to the west and the domed ceiling is adorned with a majestic mural composed of ten vibrant panels, each depicting a different aspect of the culture - including creation, basket weaving, and games.
The guest rooms, like the public areas, are decorated in a palette of earth tones - muted browns, rich tans, and burnished oranges. The Pima and Maricopa tribes are famous for their baskets and pottery, respectively and the guest rooms are split into two wings. Design motifs appearing on the comforter, headboards, tiles, etc. in the Pima rooms reflect their basket patterns while those in the Maricopa wing showcase pottery designs.
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass offers several excellent dining options from casual to chic but Kai is the restaurant you absolutely MUST visit during your stay. A Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond award establishment, Kai means "seed" in the Pima language and the menu masterfully showcases native ingredients and flavors in a unique and upscale fashion.
One of my favorite dishes was the luscious Grilled Tenderloin of Tribal Buffalo served with Smoked Corn Puree, Cholla Buds, Merguez Sausage, Scarlet Runner Bean Chili, and Saguaro Blossom Syrup. I will admit to being skeptical when I saw this on the menu - how could all of those seemingly unrelated flavors possibly work together? Well, I assure you they did - the slight gaminess of the meat was balanced by the spicy, sweet, and savory enhancements. A really well-executed dish.
Blue Coyote Wrap at Aji Spa
(No, that isn't me! You didn't really think I would include a photo of myself covered in blue mud, did you?)
A visit to the Aji spa is another must. Located in a separate building on the property, Aji is absolutely a superior spa experience. Aji means "sanctuary" in the Pima language and offers an authentic Native American spa menu - many of the treatments and activities are designed and practiced by Aji's Pima and Maricopa Cultural Caretakers. I opted for the 80 minute BAHN (Blue Coyote Wrap.) After being covered in their proprietary Azulene mud and then steamed, I rinsed off the layer of blue and was then massaged with aromatic cedar and sage oil. The experience was invigorating and relaxing. This is one of those spas where you can spend the whole day. Clad in my comfy spa robe, I took a blissful nap in the lounge and noshed on their addictive spicy trail mix, but other options include dining in the cafe or taking a dip in the pool.
Sheraton Wild Horse Spa & Resort offers so much that my 24 hours weren't nearly enough. Although, I would probably spend most of my time at the spa and dining, the property also has two 18-hole golf courses, an equestrian center, tennis courts, jogging trails, four pools, and an 111 foot waterslide. Off-site, they can even arrange for you to spend a day unleashing your inner speed demon at the world-famous Bondurant School of High Performance Driving.
And, in case you are wondering about the name - wild horses DO roam the surrounding desert land and can be seen from the resort.
Visit the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Spa & Resort website for much more information about this special resort. I also recommend Visit Phoenix for tips on planning your getaway.
Stay tuned for upcoming articles about more of my Phoenix adventures at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa and the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort.
