STAYCATION: WIGWAM RESORT
Recently Erik and I were invited to partake in a staycation at the most magical resort in the greater Phoenix area: The Wigwam Resort. This hidden treasure is quietly tucked away in the affluent suburb of Litchfield Park across 440 acres...no seriously 440, you used to need a horse to navigate it, but now we have the luxury of golf carts! I have to say, I've stayed in numerous luxury properties around the world and the entire staff at The Wigwam really went out of their way to attend to all of our needs and it wasn't just because of the review. The employees at the resort, from check-in, to golf cart drivers...even our server at dinner were all extremely polite and informative. Can I just note for the record that we totally appreciated the massive walk-in shower? But let's get back to the adventure...
We kicked off our stay with a couple's massage when we arrived, which I was excited about. But as I often do, I got caught up in work and we barely made it to the property on time. So I was...extra stressed. However that all changed when we walked through the infamous red door at The Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. The spa, like the rest of the property, is expansive yet intimate...it smells incredible...I believe it was lavender.
After we were given a tour, we were informed that spa guests have access to the space for the remainder of the day. We then changed into our robes and were promptly met by our massage therapists for the day. It took my mind a few minutes to slow down, but once it did I was completely relaxed for the entire 80-minute Red Door Signature Massage. The number one lesson that I learned from this experience is whenever you can start your vacations with a spa treatment...DO IT! It set the tone for the rest of our stay, which was so good that we didn't want to leave...but it just kept getting better.
Upon check-in we were informed that we would be staying in a freshly renovated 1,200 square foot Oasis Suite. Our room was spacious, clean and beautiful! The decor reminded me a lot of Santa Fe, which is always a good thing! Picture a South Western aesthetic, but extremely comfortable! Outside, our sweeping terrace was just footsteps from one of the four pools on property. We finished exploring the room, slipped into our bathing suits, walked over to the pool and ordered a much needed cocktail and snack. It was perfection!
After soaking up the sun, snacking, drinking and playing in the pool we made our way back to the room to get ready for dinner. The resort was generous enough to host us for dinner, and even outdid themselves by inviting my brother and his wife to join us! Who, I might add, ended up getting their own room and staying on the property. Double staycation for the win! There are multiple restaurants on property, but for dinner we went to their flagship: Litchfield's. For those of you who live in Phoenix's West Valley, you know that there is nowhere to eat a nice dinner... nowhere except Litchfield's! I would go back just for a date night with Erik. Make sure to eat:
- Bread: DUH! But seriously it was INSANELY delicious.
- App: Twice Cooked Pork Belly OR The very well-curated Charcuterie & Cheese
- Salad: House Salad... toffee covered pistachios + strawberries... You're welcome!
- Entree: Filet Mignon. Don't be scared of Tabacco Onions, they're fancy onion rings.
- Sides: Gouda Mac & Cheese + Crème Fraîche Yukon Mash
- Dessert: Everything... and yes, we ordered everything and it was ALL incredible!!
We spent the remainder of the night with my brother and his wife sitting around the outdoor fireplace and talking. No TV. No computers. No phones. It was wonderful PLUS we got the BEST surprise ever: my niece was dropped off after dinner! We got to get some good squeezes in with our precious little nugget! There is nothing quite like spending quality time with people who you care about. Thank you again to the Wigwam for helping us relax, unwind and unplug. It was a fantastic experience and I hope to come back soon.
