Hello!

The Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa was the first stop on our recent spring break vacation in Phoenix. I was instantly impressed by the beautiful grounds, historic character, and authentic Southwestern attitude. We loved this laid-back historic property, which opened 85 years ago as a retreat for Goodyear executives.

The Wigwam Resort is a modern and sophisticated resort, but it has conscientiously maintained its historic and cultural character. It is located about 30 minutes west of downtown Phoenix in Litchfield Park.

Rooms

We stayed in a one-bedroom king suite, and found it to be spacious and comfortable, with a queen-size pull-out couch in the front room. The bathroom was large, with the toilet and shower separate from the rest. There was no bath tub, which might have been inconvenient when we had younger children. I was happy to find a mini-fridge and easy-to-use free WiFi.

Our single-level casita had its own front and back patio, with seating in the back facing the back patios of other casitas in our block. It felt like we were staying in a little neighborhood, and though our stay was short, it was long enough to engage in pleasant conversation with the neighbors.

In a conversation with the Wigwam's Director of Marketing, I learned that the Wigwam Resort is a popular destination for groups because it is easy to reserve a “neighborhood” of rooms together and because of the variety of activities and amenities it offers for all ages. The Wigwam would make a fun base for a Phoenix family reunion.

Pools and Family Activities

The Wigwam Resort has three pools. The Lodge Pool, with its water slide, large patio lined with lounge chairs and central location, was a hive of activity on the afternoon we arrived. The weather was warm, and many families, including mine, enjoyed the pool. Others played ping pong, Bocce ball, or corn hole on the other side of the fence. It was a fun, social atmosphere.

The Oasis Pool, a short walk away, was less crowded. This pool is an aptly named option for families or adults who want a quieter pool experience. A lap pool is also available in the adults-only fitness center.

In addition to the pool and lawn games, the Wigwam Resort offers fun family programs in every season. During our stay, the resort was playing black and white movies on Monday nights as part of its Spring Training programming. My husband and daughter went to see Charlie Chaplin's City Lights on the Lodge patio, and had a great time.

Golf, Spa and Fitness

The Wigwam Resort is the only resort in Arizona with three 18-hole golf courses, and families are welcome. The Gold and Patriot courses are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2015!

The Wigwam Resort is also home to an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa and a fitness center, with an array of services and classes for guests over the age of 16. The fitness center has its own lap pool. Bike rentals are also available at the Fitness Center.

Finally, the Wigwam Resort has its own tennis complex, with classes for kids and adults, and a variety of services and equipment rentals.

I enjoyed just strolling around the Wigwam's 440 acres. The Wigwam has more than 800 rose bushes and many interesting things to see on its beautiful grounds.

Dining

The Wigwam Resort has three on-site restaurants. Litchfield's is the resort's signature restaurant, with a locally sourced menu and open kitchen. The Wigwam Bar and Red's Bar and Grill are the other two restaurants. Their names may not sound family-friendly, but we spotted a number of families dining on casual fare from the Wigwam Bar on the patio near the Lodge Pool.

Upon learning that the newly remodeled Red's Bar and Grill has a kids' menu, we decided to give it a try. We chose a seat on the patio overlooking a golf course, and enjoyed the perfect Arizona evening. Both of my children ordered the mini hot dogs and fries from the kids' menu. I ordered the smoked chicken enchiladas recommended by my server, and my husband got the AZ burger with roasted poblano peppers. Everything looked and tasted delicious, though I wished my mild enchiladas had some of the kick of the AZ burger!

A couple more restaurants can be found just off the property. Familiar chains and grocery stores are also easy to find nearby.

Summer Programs

Phoenix is not an obvious choice for a summer vacation, but summer is the best time to find an off-season deal at the Wigwam Resort. Even better, the Wigwam offers fun family programs – many at no extra cost – all summer long. Here are some of the activities planned for Summer 2015.

• superhero character breakfasts
• Superhero Training Camp
• glow-in-the-dark pool parties
• zip line
• animal encounters with Wildlife World Zoo
• family game nights
• arts and crafts
• poolside outdoor movies
• lawn and pool games

Check rates and availability

The Wigwam is a Certificate of Excellence resort on TripAdvisor. Click the button below to check current rates and availability.

Disclosure: Our stay at The Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa was complimentary, for the purpose of review. As always, all opinions are my own.

Allison

Hi there! I am the founder of Tips for Family Trips. I am a married mom of two children, ages 17 and 20, living near Salt Lake City, Utah. We took our first child on a two-week road trip when she was four weeks old and we have been traveling as a family ever since. We love to get out of the house to see and do fun things, both far away and in our own neighborhood.