Luxury is synonymous with the wild expanse of the Sonoran Desert, where Native American culture meets the imagination of the American Southwest at the Arizona Retreat Center. Remove preconceived notions of dry and dusty; if you’re looking for an immersive experience in a gorgeous natural setting without the crowded, tourist-heavy density of other popular natural settings, the raw, unique beauty of the desert is the perfect place for unforgettable events.
Imagine your own private oasis, infused with the desert perfume of creosote and mesquite as the setting for your perfect event. Whether you’re flying in dozens of friends for a wedding they won’t forget, hosting an intimate girls’ weekend, crafting an overdue family reunion, organizing a morale-building corporate retreat, or hosting any other gathering, for leisure or business, the Arizona Retreat Center can accommodate your every need.
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Spacious Guest Rooms
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Luxury Rentals
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Stary Luxury
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Peaceful Desert Setting
Don’t let the stark beauty of the desert fool you—a bounty of wildlife, water, and activities you can do await if you just know where to look. When you’re ready to step outside of your luxury rental for an outdoor adventure or some nightlife, check out one of the following attractions:
There’s just something about the desert that beckons for a horseback riding experience, unencumbered without the noise of vehicles that puts you up close and personal with the land, and communing with these majestic animals. Ft. Mcdowell Adventures offers a variety of horseback and wagon experiences through the surprising variety of ecosystems in the Tonto National Forest and desert, including trail rides, wagon rides, cattle drives, and even cookouts. Riders eight years and up are welcome.
Just because you’re in the desert doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some water, too. Less than 30 minutes away, Desert Belle Steamboat Cruises will take you on a leisurely spin around Saguaro Lake in an air-conditioned boat, with musical entertainment, craft beers, and a guided tour of some of Arizona’s most beautiful sites and wildlife.
Carry a spirit of adventure into the desert by taking a desert jeep tour of the Sonoran Desert at sunset, when the skies perform a riot of colors so spectacular you might feel you’ve never truly seen a sunset before. About a 30-minute drive from Ft. McDowell will take you to Scottsdale, where you’ll set off in a modified open-air Jeep Gladiator. A professional guide will clue you in to special desert wildlife and flora, as well as touch upon Native American history. You’ll stop at panoramic overlooks and get the thrill of an off-road vehicle.
If boats, horses, or jeeps aren’t your thing, hoof it on foot into the Tonto National Forest with more than 16 curated hiking trails situated over 60,000 acres, at the Four Peaks Wilderness Area. You can hike for miles, up and down elevation, to lakes and streams, and through numerous ecosystems. Though you may expect to see the stately saguaro cacti, this area is also home to cottonwoods, sycamores, manzanita, oak, and pinon pine. You might spy a ring-tailed cat, skunk, coyote, javelina, or mountain lion. And it’s not unheard of for lightning storms to occur—just pay attention to the weather forecast so you don’t get caught in a flash flood.
If your craving for adventure is more of the water-based variety, checkout saltwater tubing in the Tonto National Forest, about 20 minutes away in nearby Mesa, Arizona. You’ll wind your way down the Salt River, passing through exquisite landscapes in the Tonto National Forest. Stay on your tube or plunge into the refreshing river water for a little invigorating swim. These trips are family-friendly for kids ages eight and up.
A trip to Ft. McDowell wouldn’t be complete without a night at the local casino, We-Ko-Pa. From slots, to bingo, to table games, to a wide array of entertainment, you can easily while away several hours in this fun, fast-paced casino. Linger over a lovely meal in one of their many dining areas, from fine dining at Ember, to All-American cuisine at the Ahnala Mesquite Room, to a more casual meal in The Buffet, to bingo snacks and a sports bar, you’ll find something to satisfy your tastes.
Daily: 10. a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday & Holidays: Closed !
Magic Pictures
Installation “Future Divi Life”
James Haul
Aug 16 – Oct 14
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Stephanie Rand
Aug 28 – Oct 2
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1234 Divi St. #1000
San Francisco, CA 23514, USA
(246) 351-3613
Monday – Friday: 10am – 5pm
Weekends: 10am – 9pm
Holidays: Closed