Wigwam Resort

If your goal for a couple of days away is to "do nothing", then a trip to the Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa is a great choice. We wanted to get away from our hectic life in the city, sleep in, warm up in the sun, and relax. We found it all with a deal package.

First, we thoroughly checked all the information about the Wigwam on their website, www.wigwamresort.com, and it seemed to be everything we were looking for. But we were even more pleased after arriving to find that the reality was even better.

The Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa was a wonderful place to run away from busy (and rainy at that time) New York.

Quick Tips:

The restaurants located on the resort were exceptional. Not only were they healthier than many of your nicer restaurants, the portions were more than adequate, and the flavor exceptional.

Also available was Starbucks for a quick coffee and cake.

Best Way To Get Around:

The Wigwam offers guests a choice of 331 spacious accommodations, from guestrooms to luxury suites, spread across a residential-style campus. Our room was a spacious, stylishly decorated, deluxe suite with a big bathroom and a terrace.

The spaciousness of our room, and the resort, was rivaled only by its luxurious comfort. After spending a peaceful night sleep in the largest king-sized bed we had ever seen, we woke up to a different kind of dream—our vacation at the Wigwam.

While one may think that at least few night stay would be necessary, I can assure you that a short 2 nights stay over the weekend (even with almost 4.5 hours flight from New York) can do the trick. Already, the first second I set my feet in the resort we took a taxi from the airport, since renting a car and finding the way seemed to ruin our "do nothing weekend," I began to relax.

We ate breakfast here on both mornings: The Executive burrito was a hearty delight, and the blueberry pancakes, and the Fresh fruits with honey and yogurt were both delicious.

Dinner – At the Arizona kitchen, the Chef, John Garcia, creates French-inspired dishes using ingredients indigenous to the Southwest. The Red Mole Basted King Salmon ($31) takes a rich Southwestern approach to preparing fish, and the Halibut with Vegetables ($45) was simple yet exquisite. For dessert, we split a Cowboy Hat—a miniature cactus and cowboy hat, sculpted from chocolate and ice-cream. Although the Arizona Kitchen is, by far, the most expensive option on the resort, it’s a delectable experience, and is worth the expense.

You can dress up, or just play it casual. Overlooking the acclaimed 18th green of the legendary Gold Course, Grille on the Greens offers a selection of traditional American favorites and rotisserie specialties amidst a comfortable country club setting. Patio dining features spectacular views of the Blue and Gold courses and is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

We tried meatloaf with mushroom gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, carrots, and asparagus and Crisp Coconut Shrimp with Orange marmalade horseradish sauce.

Our idea of spending time at the Wigwam was perfectly matched to the offer. The goal was to leave a busy, tiring, and full city life for a short weekend away from it all—and come back relaxed and re-energized. It worked perfectly!

The first condition was to use various activities as a way to recuperate. And there was a wide variety of activities to choose from.

The Wigwam has everything from three 18-hole championship golf courses, to biking, hiking, tennis, and swimming. Finally, there is an amazing Fitness Center that features state-of-the-art treadmills, Lifecycles, Stairmasters and a six-station Cybex weight center.

Some of the local adventures include: Challenger Space Center. Desert Botanical, Garden, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Zoo, Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park and Wildlife World Zoo. We did not try it this time, but certainly will next time.

One of the most memorable and relaxing moments in The Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa was of course those spent at adorable Elizabeth’s Arden Red Door Spa. The first day, I had the Red Door Signature Facial: This is the one they say they are famous for—and for a good reason. My whole face was deeply cleansed, exfoliated of that dull layer, and covered with a customized-just-for-you mask. Everything was finished up with an Olive Oil Lip treatment and an acupuncture massage. After 50 minutes and $125 less in my pocket, my radiance was restored.

The next day I decided to take care of the rest of my body with Purifying Seaweed Body Wrap. First, my skin was gently exfoliated to remove that dull layer, then a soothing seaweed body mask was applied, and after a nice little rest a revitalizing shower and body balm application. The result? I thought I woke up in heaven, but a little poorer.

Throughout the spa, there were spectacular fireplaces and water features—including a new lap pool; all providing a soothing ambiance. The spa’s full-service fitness studio included a separate movement studio to accommodate such activities as Pilates and yoga classes. Light, healthy fare was available in the spa’s juice bar.

My experience at the Red Door Spa was surreal. My body was given the ultimate, soothing experience. My full-body massage relaxed my every muscle, as I felt the warmth of my blood rush to every single corner of my body. It felt like all the stress was drained from my body and replaced by a state of tranquil euphoria. My facial massage was equally relaxing. It made me feel so cleansed and refreshed, as if I had bathed in the fountain of youth. The price of my pleasant experience was worth every penny, and I recommend this service to all whom dare venture into this world of pure bliss.

PS: Comments from my wife...of course ;)