Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
A culture-filled desert retreat
The Phoenix-area Gila River Indian Community does more than house Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass on its grounds — it informs everything about the hotel’s design and amenities. The result is a unique resort that delivers authentic cultural experiences along with relaxation in the Arizona sun.
The influence of the local Pima and Maricopa tribes are perhaps most vividly felt at the hotel’s Five-Star Kai Restaurant and Four-Star Aji Spa (both of which base their menus on Native American traditions), but there are plenty of other diversions to explore.
Two 18-hole, Troon-managed golf courses boast stunning views of the surrounding Sierra Estrella Mountains. An onsite equestrian center offers lessons and guided rides. Four pools, two tennis courts and plenty of trails for spotting wildlife will also help keep you busy. The attractions of Phoenix and Scottsdale are within 15 miles, and outlet shopping and Rawhide western town are practically at the resort’s doorstep in Chandler.
The influence of the local Pima and Maricopa tribes are perhaps most vividly felt at the hotel’s Five-Star Kai Restaurant and Four-Star Aji Spa (both of which base their menus on Native American traditions), but there are plenty of other diversions to explore.
Two 18-hole, Troon-managed golf courses boast stunning views of the surrounding Sierra Estrella Mountains. An onsite equestrian center offers lessons and guided rides. Four pools, two tennis courts and plenty of trails for spotting wildlife will also help keep you busy. The attractions of Phoenix and Scottsdale are within 15 miles, and outlet shopping and Rawhide western town are practically at the resort’s doorstep in Chandler.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Five-Star Kai Restaurant honors the culture and traditions of the Pima and Maricopa tribes who live on the reservation on which it is built through ingredients like tribal buffalo and red deer, and the décor (the walls are covered in Native American art).
- Take advantage of your trip out west with a private trail ride across the desert plains at the Koli Equestrian Center. The wranglers will even pick you up from the hotel via shuttle.
- The courses at the Whirlwind Golf Club are considered among the best in Arizona, and are pristinely maintained. It is also possible to take lessons with PGA and LPGA professionals.
- At the back of the hotel, past a large communal fire pit and amidst the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert is a series of pools that includes a wading pool and large, twisting water slide that kids love.
- Aji means “sanctuary” in the Pima language, and the most unique part about Four-Star spa is the selection of indigenous treatments, which could be administered by a native medicine woman and include a variety of massages and body treatments approved by tribal leaders.
Things to Know
- Even if horseback riding is not on your agenda, the property features two jogging trails — one that is 1.3 miles and one that is 2.5 miles — as well as complimentary yoga, Pilates and meditation classes on weekends.
- If your plan is to stick close to the property you don’t need a car. Shuttles are available to take guests to the nearby casino and Koli Equestrian Center.
- Opt for the deluxe rooms. The price difference is minimal, and these balcony rooms face west, and offer stunning views of the sun setting over the Sonoran Desert and mountains.
The Rooms
- Guest rooms are rooted in local traditions, though they’re also stocked with modern conveniences such as flat-screen TVs and Starbucks coffee.
- Each of the 500 rooms and suites features prints of local artwork, engraved mirrors and headboards, and blankets woven with Native American motifs.
- All rooms and suites have views of the Sierra Estrella Mountains or the Gila River and include a design with earth tones, natural elements and furnishing selected to complement the natural desert landscape.
- The bathrooms at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa are comfortable, spacious and further incorporate the rustic Southwestern design style with wooden elements.
The Restaurants
- A staple of Kai’s ever changing menu, the grilled tenderloin of tribal buffalo is a must try, served with smoked corn puree, cholla buds, bean chili, merquez sausage and saguaro blossom syrup.
- Kai Restaurant features an enormous wine list that includes 29 diverse selections offered by the glass. There are pages and pages of wines by the half-bottle and bottle that a resident sommelier will be happy to guide you through.
- Ko'sin, meaning 'kitchen' in the Pima language, features a fusion of Native American and Arizona comfort food from chef de cuisine Jason Allen. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in this casual spot seven days a week.
- Fare at Ko’sin could include buffalo meatloaf, wood roasted trout or honey hot pork wings all served amid stunning views of the Sierra Estrella Mountain Range
Getting There
5594 West Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, Arizona 85226
TEL602-225-0100
TEL602-225-0100
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
PHX (20-26 min)
AZA
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