WHITE PLAINS, NY— A new 500-room resort called Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa will open in the high Sonoran Desert of Phoenix in October 2002. Owned by the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) and managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, the resort is located just 11 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on a stunning desert portion of the 372,000-acre GRIC reservation, where wild horses continue to roam. Sheraton Wild Horse Pass is designed as a total destination resort that will, at the same time, showcase and celebrate the heritage and culture of the Akimel Oodham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) tribes. According to Kramme, “Wild Horse Pass represents a visionary partnership between the legacy of two ancient tribes blended with the modern hotel expertise of Starwoods Sheraton brand. Our intent is to preserve, honor and authentically represent the essence of the Pima and Maricopa tribes, historically noted for their hospitality. Guests will receive a one-of-a-kind travel adventure, immersed in the Native culture while enjoying an upscale hotel experience provided by Sheraton.” Wild Horse Pass features: 500 culturally themed rooms; 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event venues; the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center; the 17,500 square foot Aji Spa with treatments incorporating Native traditions and rituals; two 18-hole golf courses managed by Troon Golf (one course is currently open); home of the second annual PGA Buy.com Gila River Golf Classic October 3-15, 2002; and a variety of dining options including an indigenous restaurant concept created by James Beard Award-winning Chef, Janos Wilder of Tucson The property also offers a 2-1/2 mile re-creation of the Gila River with indigenous flora and fauna, flowing through the property; boats will ferry guests to the Golf Club and the Casino, said Starwood.
