Just over 100 years ago, the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company bought up land in Arizona’s Salt River Valley to grow the cotton it needed to extend the life of its tires. To provide a place for executives to stay and meet, the company built Organization House—which is now referred to as the Fireplace Lounge. Several years later, in 1929, the property formally opened to the public as a resort with accommodations for 24 guests, who received a key and a horse upon check in. At first, the resort opened only seasonally, but its popularity led it to to expand to what now is year round full service resort with 331 casitas and suites.
In the intervening decades it evolved into a 440-acre multi-dimensional resort, more alluring than even now following a major rejuvenation after sports icon Jerry Colangelo bought it in 2009. Its heart remains the original lodge with its wood-burning fireplaces, comfortable sitting areas, and spiffed up Western decor. Seemingly everywhere you turn there are porches, patios, alcoves, firepits, lawns, and other excuses to gather with the other guests. Board games draw families to one sitting area, which has a fireplace; those looking for a quiet drink gather in the Fireplace Lounge. Walls of photos hint at past guests: Gary Cooper, Henry Kissinger, President Gerald Ford, Billy Joel, Magic Johnson, Paul Newman, Debbie Reynolds, and many more. Litchfield’s, the signature restaurant, stands at one corner, its tables spilling out onto the terrace behind and onto a porch with another fireplace. The night I visited, there was live music at the Wigwam Bar, which has tables both inside and out, spilling into the courtyard behind containing yet another firepit as well as a bocce court and bean-bag toss. And just beyond that courtyard stretches the newly expanded swimming pool, with a waterslide at one end, a Jacuzzi at the other, and a bar and grill at poolside.
If this sounds sprawling, it should. One of the glories of the Wigwam is its large footprint. The accommodations have been scattered in pueblo-inspired one-story cottages with gardens and hedges and two-story buildings, all of its generously separated by lawns and connected by footpaths. My route from room to the lodge took me through what felt like a quiet car-free neighborhood of cottages, an experience very unlike most resort hotels. And if my timing had been different, I could have altered that path to take in a farmers’ market, which takes place seasonally on the broad front lawn. This isn’t your typical hotel experience.
Tennis benefited early in Colangelo’s reign with the hiring of Carlos Hassey as director and the resurfacing of the courts. Hassey has not only exceptional credentials—including helping to coach Tracy Austin and a stint at Vic Braden’s Coto de Caza—but also an outgoing personality and infectious enthusiasm for tennis. Within months of his arrival, members who’d drifted away began returning and he has set about enhancing the experience for guests, with a diverse roster that include family tennis, kids clinics, leagues, ball machine workout, and game matching. He stages a couple of social events each month, with tennis, wine, and beer and themed events around holidays. These get a good turnout because of his active membership and an atmosphere that makes guests feel welcome to join in. “We try to accommodate everyone from 4 years to 84,” he told me.
Court Complex: There are nine courts altogether, beginning with a sunken stadium court surfaced with Plexicushion, just below the pro shop. The rest of the campus consists of hard courts, two of them with lines for pickleball. The pro shop has a sitting area with sofas at one end and limited retail at the other. Next door is an activities area with Fusbol, air hockey, and Pac Man and numerous other coin-operated arcade games. Outside, stand numerous umbrellaed tables and chairs arrayed on the patio above the sunken court, making it an inviting place to congregate.
Court fees: $16/court/day
Off Court
Golf Courses: Golf was a crucial element in the Wigwam’s transition from a guest ranch to a resort. Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed two of the 18-hole layouts: the Gold, a long (7,430 yard), winding Par 72, and the shorter (6,000 yard) but technically challenging Blue or Patriot course, which is riddled with perilous bunkers, thirsty ponds, and demanding dog-leg fairways. The third course, The Heritage, was designed by Robert “Red” Lawrence with generous fairways and green and abundance of natural water features and lush trees.
Spa & Fitness Center: The Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas ordinarily adhere to their own rigid formula; however the one at the Wigwam is unusual for incorporating the Wigwam’s Southwestern culture into its design. The 26,000-square-foot space was designed to complement the resort’s adobe architecture while nonetheless adhering to Miss Arden’s emphasis on the health benefits of her beauty products and treatments. The spa shares an adobe building with the fitness center and Motion studio, all of them just steps from the sunken stadium court.
Dining: Although named for a Goodyear Tire & Rubber executive, Litchfield’s has adopted a casual look and feel for its farm-to-table cuisine. Open only for dinner, its menu runs from butternut gnocchi to seabass and Colorado lamb. Out at the gold clubhouse, Red’s Bar & Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a menu long on burgers, salads, and sandwiches. There’s a similar menu at the Wigwam Bar. The poolside Tower Bar & Grill has a kids, menu of chicken fingers, hot dogs, and ice cream and an adult menu of margaritas, beers, and salads and sandwiches.
Accommodations
The 331 rooms have been scattered across the property in adobe structures whose patios and terraces variously face lawns, gardens, pools, and the tennis complex. Recently refurbished, they retain their historic Western traditions with wood furnishings and hand-crafted pottery but have been modernized to include Italian linens, oversize baths, and high-speed Internet access access. Some also have gaslog fireplaces.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round, though most comfortable from October to May.
Travel Instructions: The Wigwam is roughly a 30-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
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14 Reviews on “Wigwam Arizona”
Very Good
4.4
14 reviews
ED
Courts in great shape especially stadium court. Staff amazing. Professional and Helpful.
JS
Resort was wonderful. We will stay there again, no question. We were disappointed with the young instructor who ran the women’s 3.5 drills. She had us throw our racquets in a pile and then paired us up with partners and then proceeded to feed balls and do drills without saying a single word for the entire session. Maybe she had a bad day, but it was very strange. The other local players help us to figure out what to do and were very friendly.
MM
My husband and I really enjoyed our tennis lesson from Carlos. He was thorough, and engaging. We felt pushed but not overrun. We normally don’t take lessons but this was a treat we could not pass up.
MB
We visited the Wigwam in early January 2013, and the resort was very quiet with sunny weather in the low 60s. We had no problem reserving courts and setting up private lessons with Carlos, the head pro, and Matt, the assistant pro. I am an advanced intermediate player, and I love tennis training drills and working on technique. The lesson with Carlos was everything I hoped it would be. He is a great guy with a vast wealth of coaching experience, and he was able to recognize in a few minutes of hitting the adjustments I need to make to strengthen my ground strokes, volleys and overheads. He fed lots of balls and gave me a great workout while coaching me through the adjustments he recommended. He only stopped when I needed to rest and for a very short time to show me certain adjustments. I left the lesson feeling exhilarated and wanting to write down all of the tips I received. My lesson with Matt was also a great experience. Matt is really approachable and able to communicate and demonstrate his suggestions really well. He reinforced the tips Carlos made and actually played out points with me. He also gave my son a lesson and helped him noticeably improve his serve and backhand. The only thing that would have made the experience any better would have been more activity going on at the tennis facilities. I would have enjoyed watching other players, but it was relatively quiet, probably because of the time of year.
BT
fabulous place! tennis facilities are gorgeous and the pro, carlos hassey, is world class. the grounds of the resort are beautiful and the courts are impeccably maintained. the courts are right next to the fitness center and there are bikes available for rent and even an indoor area to cool off, watch TV, play board games, ping pong, or just hang out. and to cap it off, the famous elizabeth arden red door spa awaits just steps from the courts.
RM
I didn’t take any instruction at Wigwam but I can say that the matching service was amazing and definitely the highlight of my stay there. Carlos does a really great job partnering guests up with members around their level. Also, the courts (hard and clay) were really excellent. I can’t wait to go back!
LS
My family and I visited the Wigwam Resort just outside of Phoenix during spring break and while there are a lot of things to like at the resort, the tennis was at the very top of the list. The tennis director, Carlos, was beyond personable, making everyone who stepped into the tennis center feel welcomed. The resort has multiple courts, clay courts and a center court. From our room in the 500’s, we could sit on our balcony and watch the action on the center court, which was highly entertaining, and free. I learned more during two 1-hour sessions with Carlos than I learned in the last six months from my pro at home! I cannot say enough positive things about Carlos’ instruction; Within seconds he saw all the weaknesses and immediately went about helping me to improve my game. I came away from lessons with Carlos feeling re-energized about the game of tennis and feeling like I really could take my game to the next level. Upon returning home we began planning for our next trip to the Wigwam.
TM
Carlos at the Wigwam is outstanding. He is very knowledgeable and personably. Last Fall he gave my wife and I a group lesson and, while we are of very different skill levels, he seamlessly provided a great workout and instruction to both of us. This Spring he was able to set up 2 singles matches for me lickity split.
GM
Carlos was great!
CJ
This is one of the greatest tennis resorts available to players. The atmosphere is beautiful, the grounds spotless, and the staff is second to none. Has one of the best Junior programs in the country and the had pro Carlos Hassey can turn any player into a great player! Don’t miss the Wigwam.
SF
Fun, friendly and accommodating staff!
DS
My daughter who’s 8, takes tennis lessons with Carlos Hassey and he’s the best around on teaching kids to play. We’ve been at other facilities and they don’t come close to teaching the way Carlos does. She’s able to actually hit and is progressing quite nicely. Much more than that, she really enjoys his classes and loves to play tennis because of him.
KG
Beautiful facility with outstanding professional instruction. All staff members are helpful and courteous and go the extra step to be accommodating. Highly reccomended!
AA
Best tennis instructor ever! Carlos Hassey is so good for the kids. He keeps them in line and keeps it super fun. My son is six and loves going to tennis class.
14 Reviews on “Wigwam Arizona”
Courts in great shape especially stadium court. Staff amazing. Professional and Helpful.
Resort was wonderful. We will stay there again, no question. We were disappointed with the young instructor who ran the women’s 3.5 drills. She had us throw our racquets in a pile and then paired us up with partners and then proceeded to feed balls and do drills without saying a single word for the entire session. Maybe she had a bad day, but it was very strange. The other local players help us to figure out what to do and were very friendly.
My husband and I really enjoyed our tennis lesson from Carlos. He was thorough, and engaging. We felt pushed but not overrun. We normally don’t take lessons but this was a treat we could not pass up.
We visited the Wigwam in early January 2013, and the resort was very quiet with sunny weather in the low 60s. We had no problem reserving courts and setting up private lessons with Carlos, the head pro, and Matt, the assistant pro.
I am an advanced intermediate player, and I love tennis training drills and working on technique. The lesson with Carlos was everything I hoped it would be. He is a great guy with a vast wealth of coaching experience, and he was able to recognize in a few minutes of hitting the adjustments I need to make to strengthen my ground strokes, volleys and overheads. He fed lots of balls and gave me a great workout while coaching me through the adjustments he recommended. He only stopped when I needed to rest and for a very short time to show me certain adjustments. I left the lesson feeling exhilarated and wanting to write down all of the tips I received.
My lesson with Matt was also a great experience. Matt is really approachable and able to communicate and demonstrate his suggestions really well. He reinforced the tips Carlos made and actually played out points with me. He also gave my son a lesson and helped him noticeably improve his serve and backhand.
The only thing that would have made the experience any better would have been more activity going on at the tennis facilities. I would have enjoyed watching other players, but it was relatively quiet, probably because of the time of year.
fabulous place! tennis facilities are gorgeous and the pro, carlos hassey, is world class. the grounds of the resort are beautiful and the courts are impeccably maintained. the courts are right next to the fitness center and there are bikes available for rent and even an indoor area to cool off, watch TV, play board games, ping pong, or just hang out. and to cap it off, the famous elizabeth arden red door spa awaits just steps from the courts.
I didn’t take any instruction at Wigwam but I can say that the matching service was amazing and definitely the highlight of my stay there. Carlos does a really great job partnering guests up with members around their level. Also, the courts (hard and clay) were really excellent. I can’t wait to go back!
My family and I visited the Wigwam Resort just outside of Phoenix during spring break and while there are a lot of things to like at the resort, the tennis was at the very top of the list. The tennis director, Carlos, was beyond personable, making everyone who stepped into the tennis center feel welcomed. The resort has multiple courts, clay courts and a center court. From our room in the 500’s, we could sit on our balcony and watch the action on the center court, which was highly entertaining, and free.
I learned more during two 1-hour sessions with Carlos than I learned in the last six months from my pro at home! I cannot say enough positive things about Carlos’ instruction; Within seconds he saw all the weaknesses and immediately went about helping me to improve my game. I came away from lessons with Carlos feeling re-energized about the game of tennis and feeling like I really could take my game to the next level. Upon returning home we began planning for our next trip to the Wigwam.
Carlos at the Wigwam is outstanding. He is very knowledgeable and personably. Last Fall he gave my wife and I a group lesson and, while we are of very different skill levels, he seamlessly provided a great workout and instruction to both of us. This Spring he was able to set up 2 singles matches for me lickity split.
Carlos was great!
This is one of the greatest tennis resorts available to players. The atmosphere is beautiful, the grounds spotless, and the staff is second to none. Has one of the best Junior programs in the country and the had pro Carlos Hassey can turn any player into a great player! Don’t miss the Wigwam.
Fun, friendly and accommodating staff!
My daughter who’s 8, takes tennis lessons with Carlos Hassey and he’s the best around on teaching kids to play. We’ve been at other facilities and they don’t come close to teaching the way Carlos does. She’s able to actually hit and is progressing quite nicely. Much more than that, she really enjoys his classes and loves to play tennis because of him.
Beautiful facility with outstanding professional instruction. All staff members are helpful and courteous and go the extra step to be accommodating. Highly reccomended!
Best tennis instructor ever! Carlos Hassey is so good for the kids. He keeps them in line and keeps it super fun. My son is six and loves going to tennis class.