Nestled into the slopes of the Phoenix North Mountains, just 20 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport, is the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort. Surrounded by pristine Sonoran Desert, this 563-suite resort offers unparalleled ambiance and personal service in a unique mountainside setting.

Having opened in 1976 as the first all-suite resort in the nation, this Spanish Mediterranean-designed resort now features one of the most unique Western experiences in the country. Located on 27 acres, the property is bordered by the 3,000-acre Phoenix Mountain Preserve that provides guests with spectacular views and immediate access to Arizona’s natural beauty via hiking, jogging and biking trails that lace through the scenic terrain.

In 1994, Hole-in-the-Wall River Ranch opened and brought with it four acres of cascading waterfalls, secluded waterways, three new swimming pools, and a 130-foot waterslide all back dropped by dramatic mountain scenery. Additionally, the River Ranch is home of the 3,000-square-foot Rodeo Drive retail centre including Cactus Rock Creamery (an old-fashion ice cream parlor), an adventure centre for Coyote Camp (children’s program), expanded restaurant and activities program that includes nature hikes, tennis programs, Southwestern food sampling sessions and more.

Other recreational activities include a championship 18-hole golf course – Lookout Mountain Golf Club (four-mile shuttle); Tocasierra Spa & Salon, a full-service spa, with massage therapy, sauna, skin treatments and salon services; complete health and fitness centre which includes personal trainers, weight machines, cardiovascular equipment, aerobics classes and lighted tennis courts; water volleyball and basketball; 18-hole putting course; river tubing; and much more.

Accommodations range from a standard two-room suite; one- or two-bedroom casita; the ultra-luxurious Grande Suite; or mountainside Palacio, a three-bedroom fully furnished home overlooking the resort. All accommodations feature at least two color televisions with cable programming, fully stocked minibar, separate living room and private bedroom and balcony with dramatic views of courtyards and mountain vistas and complimentary in-suite coffee.

Dining at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort is an adventure in itself. Hole-in-the-Wall restaurant, an historic dude ranch house-turned-restaurant, serves up a Western menu of mesquite-broiled beef, chicken, ribs and all the fixin’s that made the West famous. Lantana Grille is a refreshing morning, noon and night restaurant and lounge serving American favorites with a Southwestern flair. Slim Picken’s is servin’ up some favorites poolside. Whether yer hankerin’ fer one of them thar foo-foo drinks, or jus’ wanna sink yer teeth into one of Slim’s famous burgers ... this here’s the place fer you! Mosey on over to the River Ranch and say “howdy” to Slim.