PHOENIX— The new Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, is on track to open in the high Sonoran Desert of Phoenix in October 2002, according to Allen Kramme, general manager of the 500-room resort. Owned by the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) and managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., the resort is 11 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on a 372,000-acre GRIC reservation, where wild horses roam as they have for hundreds of years. The property is designed to showcase 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.” Wild Horse Pass features 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space; 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center; 17,500 square foot Aji Spa; two 18-hole golf courses; an adjacent casino; a 2.5-mile re-creation of the Gila River with indigenous flora and fauna, flowing through the property; boats to ferry guests to the golf club and the casino; and a riverside pool with cascading waterfalls and bridges leading to an adult pool, a sports pool and a kids’ pool with slide.
