Spa Places in the News

Construction starting on Wigwam Health Spa

LITCHFIELD PARK (Jan. 26, 2005) - Construction starts this week on a $5 million health spa at the Wigwam Resort & Golf Club, designed to keep the West Valley landmark competitive with other Valley resort properties.

The two-story, 16,000-square-foot spa is expected to open in late fall, representing the first installment of Kabuto Arizona Properties' $10 million improvement plan. Future plans call for golf-course renovations, development of a 40-acre commercial, retail and office park adjacent to the resort and construction of condominiums near the Red golf course.

Kabuto has spent nearly $7 million to renovate rooms and add casitas since buying the Wigwam in 1990.

The spa, to be built between the resort's main lobby and its golf club, will feature both indoor and outdoor facilities, incorporating an existing tennis and fitness facility. It also will include a retail outlet carrying Wigwam merchandise.

Jan Underwood, Wigwam's sales and marketing director, said an official groundbreaking and blessing ceremony will take place Friday. Litchfield Park Mayor Woody Thomas and other West Valley mayors have been invited.

Some demolition is expected to begin today, however, as workers start the process of removing shrubs, utilities, an asphalt parking lot and some volleyball courts to make way for the large new building.

"It will be an enclosed work environment," Underwood said, ensuring that guests are insulated from the work.

Construction is not expected to affect other resort operations or the nearby tennis center.

Once finished, the spa will serve resort customers but also will be open to public use through spa memberships, Underwood said. The resort is in final negotiations with a nationally known company that will be hired to manage the facility.

Amenities will include:

• 16 luxury treatment rooms, including two that can accommodate couples, 10 with outdoor patios and three with outdoor treatment areas.

• A full-service fitness center, including a movement studio for Pilates and yoga classes.

• A juice bar with light, healthful fare.

The resort, whose first building was erected in 1918 as a retreat for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., celebrated its 75th anniversary in November.