Page 34 June 2014 Resorts Continued from page 33 Continued on page 35 POINTE HILTON SQUAW PEAK RESORT 7677 North 16th Street 602-997-2626 www.squawpeakhilton.com Originally built in the 1940s as the Cactus Rock Lodge, a 14-room hotel and dude ranch, The Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort has undergone many renovations over the years. Once a favorite getaway for ranch hands and mercury miners from the nearby mountains, the land was purchased in the 1970s by the Gosnell Development Corporations and developed into a 27-acre resort paying tribute to the Old West. The original building, which housed the Cactus Rock Lodge became the Hole-in- the-Wall Eatin’ and Drinkin’ place, while the rest of the property was used for the large aquatic space and a variety of hotel rooms. Hilton purchased the property in 1991 and the hotel underwent $24 million in renovations. Keeping with the Old West theme, Hilton decided to upgrade the amenities and add additions to the already beloved resort. Now along with the original dining experiences, guests can enjoy Rico’s American Grill. The Tocasierra Spa is also a fabulous advantage, even offering classes and specials for locals. The Hole-in-the-Wall River Ranch, however, is the main attractions on the sprawling property, providing cascading waterfalls, three swimming pools, a lazy river and water slide for guests to enjoy. from their frequent trips throughout the world. The property became home to over 900 palm trees imported from Egypt and were a breathtaking focal point for anyone passing by. After Delos Cooke’s untimely death in 1931, his wife continued to spend her winters at the property. In 1937, however, Florence sold the property to W.E. Travis, then president of Greyhound Bus Lines. The home changed hands a number of times through the next few years and eventually became the residence of former bandleader, Al Stovall. Stovall and his partners expected a boost in Southwest tourism after World War II and began plans to transform the glorious mansion into a first-class inn. In 1948, the first guests stayed at the Royal Palms Inn, named for its regal palms, which welcomed guests at the entrance. Charles Alberding purchased the hotel in 1956 and began renovations to turn the beautiful inn into a spectacular resort, adding a swimming pool, additional lodging options and a golf course. Now owned by Destination Hotels & Resorts, the Royal Palms is rich with Spanish charm and elegance. Lush landscaping surrounds the property, allowing guests to feel as if they’ve traveled to a true paradise. A variety of room options including casitas, terraces and luxury suites offer amenities to please, such as views of Camelback Mountain, an intimate bungalow feel, or a 900-sq. ft space ROYAL PALMS 5200 East Camelback Road 602-840-3610 www.royalpalmshotel.com Delos Cooke, a New York financier, industrialist and the nephew of J.P. Morgan, came to Phoenix in the 1920s with his wife Florence, in hopes of building a sprawling winter home. Sixty- five acres were purchased at the southern slope of Camelback Mountain and a 3,500 square feet mansion was designed by the architectural firm of Lescher & Mahoney. The couple wanted the home to be built in a “Spanish colonial style” and eventually filled it with treasures

Page 35 June 2014 Resorts Continued from page 34 tucked in the private Arcadia gardens. No matter what your choice, each space has tranquility in mind. The hotel restaurant, T. Cook’s, has received local and national praise as one of the best restaurants in Phoenix. The restaurant was renovated in 2013 and shortly after, nationally renowned Chef Paul McCabe took the helm. We are fortunate to have this ingredient-driven restaurant right in our backyard. SANCTUARY CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN 5700 East McDonald Drive 855-245-2051 www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com The Paradise Valley Tennis Club, owned by John Ireland, Joanne Dru and Sydney Chaplin (Charlie Chaplin’s son), opened its doors in 1956, with five tennis courts, a clubhouse and a casita, where John Ireland would live. His private casita would become a secret hideaway for many famous stars of the 1950s, such as Dean Martin, Esther Williams and Charlie McCarthy. In the 1960s however, after numerous financial problems, a group that included Vik Jackson and John Gardiner purchased the club. Jackson and Gardiner had owned a tennis ranch in California for over ten years and were anxious to create an Arizona tennis resort. The John Gardiner Tennis Club opened in 1970 with the addition of four new courts and 41 casitas. The ranch quickly attracted celebrities, including Katherine Hepburn and Elton John. In 1994, however, Gardiner sold his interest and in 1999 Jackson followed suit. The hotels new owner, Robert Castellini, of Castellini Company, was a long-time casa and casita owner at the club. Westroc Hospitality was hired to take over hotel operations in 1999 and closed the property for construction in 2000. In 2001 the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa entered the Phoenix landscape. Many of the original tennis courts had been replaced with a pool, spa and a variety of leisure activities. The property, now in 2014, is nothing short of what the name promises. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain is a slice of paradise situated against our city’s most prized landmark. A truly decadent spa experience along with a swimming pool that exudes relaxation and enjoyment are just two of the advantages of this property. The individual room concepts, placed throughout the property give guests the ability to choose their hotel experience, while always keeping luxury in mind. And the dining experience at elements brings award-winning cuisine by Food Network star and Executive Chef Beau MacMillian to the hotel, Jade Bar and even poolside. The Sanctuary’s kitchen is high on the list of the valley’s treasures. TALKING STICK RESORT 9800 East Indian Bend Road 480-850-7777 www.talkingstickresort.com Originally the Casino Arizona, the Talking Stick Resort broke ground on the casino property in September 2006. Once a small casino with 332 slot machines and 45 table games, Talking Stick Resort would open in April 2010 to bring an over- the-top experience to a site once reserved for a tiny taste of Vegas fun. The Talking Stick Resort now houses 496 deluxe rooms in an environment inspired by the Maricopa Indian Community. Seven hundred slot machines and a slew of table games fill the 240,000 sq. ft. gaming floor. Five restaurants, an outdoor stage and concert area and a Talking Stick Cultural Center are also part of the resort. The concert series is something to keep your eye on, with a consistently strong line-up of performers. The summertime pool parties are another advantage, having been called one of the “Best Pool Parties” by the Arizona Republic. With Talking Stick Resort in our backyard, the drive to Vegas seems almost unnecessary.