Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephanie Heckathorne, 602.385.5746
Stephanie.heckathorne@Sheraton.com

PHOENIX, AZ- (February 22, 2011) Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa was recognized as the Starwood Western Region Catering and Convention Services Team of the Year at Starwood Hotels and Resort’s annual conference and awards ceremony held in January. The “West Coast Kick-Off 2011” awards ceremony took place on January 21, 2011 at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach and recognized the top sales and operations departments in the Western regions. More than 90 hotels were represented at the event honoring the best of the best within the Starwood brands including St. Regis, Luxury Collection, Le Méridien, W Hotels, Westin, Sheraton and more.
Starwood rates each property in a multitude of categories including Meeting Planner Satisfaction Index (MPSI) and Food and Beverage Revenue produced to budget. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa was rated amongst all Starwood brands in the west region.
Coinciding with this announcement is the fitting news that Lisa Mercer, Director of Catering and Convention Services for Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort was named the Catering and Convention Services Leader of the Year for Starwood’s West Region. “We are so honored that our Catering and Convention Services Team and leader, who worked tirelessly to receive these prestigious awards, were rated among the world’s most luxurious brands and were named the best,” said Bill Hunter, Director of Sales and Marketing at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa. “This truly speaks to their ability to demonstrate superior efforts and results, which clearly set them apart from their competition in the marketplace.”
The Catering and Convention Services Team coordinates the activities, meetings and meals of all group and local catering businesses that make use of the conference center facilities. The team, comprised of 12 hardworking individuals led in the fourth quarter of 2010 by beating their combined banquet/catering revenue budget by almost a half million dollars.
The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, located on the Gila River Indian Community, is a total destination resort showcasing the heritage, culture, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. The resort offerings include: 500 culturally themed rooms, Forbes Five-Star/AAA Five-Diamond Dining at Kai, the Forbes Four-Star Native American Aji Spa; 36-holes of Troon-managed golf at Whirlwind Golf Club; the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center and a boat cruise to nearby attractions. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1025 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Méridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft(R), and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Kai Restaurant Receives the Coveted Five-Star Rating and Aji Spa Receives Four Stars for 2011

PHOENIX, AZ (November 17, 2010) – Forbes Travel Guide, yesterday announced their list of 2011 award winners. Kai restaurant at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa was again honored with Forbes Travel Guide’s highest rating, the Five-Star Award. Kai now stands as one of only 23 Five-Star restaurants in all of North America and the sole restaurant in Arizona to receive this prestigious commendation.
In addition, AAA, last month announced their list of 2011 award winners and Kai maintained their position as the only Five-Diamond restaurant in Arizona. This announcement marked Kai’s fifth Five-Diamond designation. The dual recognition as Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond solidifies Kai’s position as one of the most prestigious dining experiences in North America.
Kai, the Pima word for seed, features distinctive “Native American with Global Accents” cuisine in which the resort’s Executive Chef, Michael O’Dowd elevates simple flavors of local and regional origin. Working diligently to present traditional recipes in a new setting is O’Dowd’s continually evolving way of writing the future for Native American inspired cuisine. In so doing, Kai has won the loyalty of Resort guests, local and national epicureans alike.
In addition, Aji Spa was named to the list of Forbes Four-Star recipients, for the third year, making it one of only 108 in the U.S. and one of the top seven spas in Arizona. Aji, meaning “Sanctuary” in the Pima language, has designed a whole selection of treatments inspired by the Pima and Maricopa culture entitled the Indigenous Collection. This Collection was developed by Aji’s Cultural Caretakers of Pima and Maricopa descent and is the only authentic Native American spa menu in existence. “This is truly an honor and a tribute to our entire staff,” said Bunty Ahamed, General Manager. “These awards recognize the passion, talent and commitment of the many lives that are connected to this success.”

About Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa: For Resort information please call 602-225-0100 or visit: www.wildhorsepassresort.com. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, owned by the Gila River Indian Community and located on their 372,000-acre reservation, is a total destination resort showcasing the heritage, culture, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. The resort offerings include: 500 culturally-themed guestrooms reflecting the traditions of the Pima and Maricopa people, dining at the AAA Five-Diamond & Forbes Five-Star Award-winning Kai restaurant, 36 holes of Troon® golf, Forbes Four-Star Aji Spa offering Native treatments, onsite horseback adventures at Koli Equestrian Center and a boat cruise to nearby attractions.

About Forbes Travel Guide:
Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide, originator of the prestigious Mobil Star ratings and certifications, has provided the most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since 1958. In October 2009, Mobil Travel Guide announced a strategic partnership with Forbes Media LLC. This exclusive licensing agreement between two industry leaders with more than 140 years of combined experience transfers the hospitality industry’s premier star rating and travel guide brand from ExxonMobil to Forbes. Forbes Travel Guide has a team of expert inspectors who anonymously evaluate properties against rigorous and objective proprietary standards, providing consumers the insight to make better-informed travel and leisure decisions.


MEDIA CONTACT: Stephanie Heckathorne
Public Relations Director
Phone: 602-385-5746
Stephanie.Heckathorne@sheraton.com

We are pleased to announce that the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa
was recently awarded the following accolades:


- Aji Spa - 2011 SPAWARDS winner- one of AMERICA’S TOP 100 SPAS

- 2011 Starwood North America Catering & Conference Services team of the year

- Aji Spa was named to the National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Top Wellness Destinations” list

- Arizona Republic Restaurant Critic, Howard Seftel named Kai to the “Top 10 restaurants with great patios in the Phoenix area” list

- Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa wins 2010 “Stars of the Industry” Community Service Award, presented by Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association

- Arizona Republic Restaurant Critic, Howard Seftel named Kai to the “Top 10 Restaurants in Phoenix to take out of Town Visitors" list

- Kai Restaurant – Forbes (formerly Mobil) Five Star Award, 2011

- Kai Restaurant – AAA Five Diamond Award, 2011

- Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort, AAA Four Diamond Award, 2011

- Aji Spa – Forbes (formerly Mobil) Four Star Award, 2011

- Smart Meetings Magazine Platinum Choice Award, as voted by Smart Meetings’ readers and Smart Meetings’ editorial staff, 2010

- Association Meetings’ 2010 Inner Circle Award Winner

- The Five-Star/Five-Diamond Kai restaurant at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa was featured as the “Diners Delight” pick in Phoenix Magazine’s Summer Getaways June issue

- Forbes Four-Star Aji Spa was recently chosen by the Arizona Republic critic’s for the “Best Arizona Spa Treatment.”

- Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa Ranked as One of World’s Best Hotels on Expedia Insiders’ Select List, 2010

- Kai Restaurant voted #1 for “Dining With a View” in The Arizona Republic, 2010

- Golf Magazine Silver Medal Award, Whirlwind Golf Course, 2010

- Kai Restaurant – Forbes (formerly Mobil) Five Star Award, 2010

- Kai Restaurant – AAA Five Diamond Award, 2010

- Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort, AAA Four Diamond Award, 2010

- Aji Spa – Forbes (formerly Mobil) Four Star Award, 2010

- Smart Meetings Magazine Platinum Choice Award, as voted by Smart Meetings’ readers and Smart Meetings’ editorial staff, 2009

- Kai Restaurant voted #1 for “Romantic Dining Spots” in The Arizona Republic, 2009

- Kai voted #1 for “Resort and Hotel Restuarants” in The Arizona Republic, 2009

- Kai voted #1 for “Best Patio Dining” in The Arizona Republic, 2009

- Koli Equestrian Center-Best Horseback Riding by Phoenix Magazine, 2009

- Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort voted “Best In-Town Weekend Getaway” by Phoenix New Times, 2009

- Kai voted “Best Restaurant in the Valley” by Zagat Guide to the Nation’s Best Eateries, 2009

- Gold Key Award as voted by Meetings & Conventions Magazine Meeting Planners, 2009

- Best Arizona Spa Treatment (Native Herbs Cleansing Wrap) – Arizona Republic and azcentral.com Critic’s Pick, 2009

- Best Special Occasion Restaurant (Kai) – Arizona Republic and azcentral.com Critic’s Pick, 2009


* * * *

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa and the Heard Museum are proud to announce the forging of a long-term partnership which will enhance both organizations and open the door for Arizona guests and residents alike looking to gain a distinct perspective about the cultures of Native People of the American Southwest.

"The Heard Museum is recognized internationally for its excellent collections and their salute to the American Indian Peoples - and for that reason the partnership was a natural fit and honor for our resort, where we are dedicated to the preservation of the Pima and Maricopa cultures," said PR Director, Stephanie Heckathorne.

"We have great respect for the esteemed tribes who call our resort's land their home. We specifically aim to understand their culture, traditions and meaningful history and to translate that genuine sense of place and purpose to each of our guests. Naturally, the Heard Museum and their legacy will enhance our efforts to reach that goal," Heckathorne concluded.

In the months ahead, the organizations will work hand-in-hand to offer several new elements of programming. Indeed, this is "the beginning of a beautiful relationship."

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa will become the presenting sponsor for the Heard Museum's Second Sunday programming through April 2011. This program began as a way for the Heard Museum to thank the community for 75 years of support and has remained as an ongoing tribute to the dynamic partnership between the museum and local residents. Nearly all Second Sundays of the month offer free admission to Arizona residents at both Heard Museum locations (Phoenix and North Scottsdale) and, as a result of this partnership, will be free to all Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa guests when they show their resort room key.

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa will join NU series presenter Chase to co-sponsor the July event. The evening series NU (Native You) is held on the third Friday of each month from 5:30 to 9 p.m., where visitors can enjoy free museum admission, outdoor courtyards, Heard Museum Caf?, the Berlin Gallery and Shop. There is also a cash bar and comfortable IKEA lounge. Local bands, salons with contemporary artists, DJs, artist demonstrators, activities, special speakers, authors and films are all a part of NU.

Lastly, the two attractions will partner to host a Native culinary celebration at the Heard Museum that will set the perfect backdrop for a live cooking experience of world-class fare.

This marks the first time either entity has partnered for a program of this nature and it is a natural step in the resort's continually expanding focus on Geotourism: that which seeks to enhance the geographical character of a place-its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.

Since 1929, the Heard Museum has educated visitors from around the world about the art and cultures of Native people of the Southwest. With nearly 40,000 pieces of art and artifacts in its permanent collection, 10 long-term and changing exhibition galleries, an education center, an award-winning Shop and The Caf? at the Heard Museum, the private non-profit museum remains committed to being a place of learning, discovery and unforgettable experiences. In addition to its flagship Phoenix location, the Heard Museum has a community museum, Heard Museum North Scottsdale.

Aji Spa at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa receives the Forbes Four-Star Award

PHOENIX, AZ (November 20, 2009) - Forbes Travel Guide (formerly Mobil Travel Guide), recently announced their list of 2010 award winning spas. Aji Spa at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa was awarded the Four-Star Award.

This marks the second time that Aji has received this prestigious commendation, making it one of the top seven spas in Arizona. To thrive in a state with one of the nation's highest concentrations of resort spas, Aji embraced its identity and accordingly has developed a menu of Pima and Maricopa treatments as well as a signature "Indigenous" line of products that have been widely received by sophisticated spa goers nationwide. This focus has solidified Aji as the most authentic Native American spa experience in Arizona balancing sacred ancient healing with modern luxury.

Located on the Gila River Indian Community, Aji is owned by the Pima and Maricopa Tribes and reflects the traditions of these two Native cultures in every aspect from art and architecture to treatments and services. The spa, which opened in October of 2002, has always aspired to be the leader in Native American spa offerings, and has undergone the rigorous process of approval from Tribal Elders to ensure authenticity, correct use and respect of the culture and attention to every detail.

"This distinction places Aji among the best spas in North America and to be at that level is a terrific and humbling achievement for the dedicated and passionate Aji Spa team," said Shane Bird, Spa Director. "We are proud to deliver an exclusively Arizona experience in an authentic way and we will continue to focus on luxury, culture, authenticity and genuine service."

For Resort or Aji Spa information call 602-225-0100 or visit: [url]www.wildhorsepassresort.com[/url]. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, owned by the Gila River Indian Community and located on their 372,000-acre reservation, is a total destination resort showcasing the heritage, culture, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. The resort offerings include: 500 culturally-themed guestrooms reflecting the traditions of the Pima and Maricopa people, dining at the AAA Five-Diamond & Forbes Five-Star Award-winning Kai restaurant, 36 holes of Troon golf, Forbes Four-Star Aji Spa offering Native treatments, onsite horseback adventures at Koli Equestrian Center and a boat cruise to Rawhide Western Theme Town.

ABOUT FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE:
Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide, originator of the prestigious Mobil Star ratings and certifications, has provided the most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since 1958. In October 2009, Mobil Travel Guide announced a strategic partnership with Forbes Media LLC. This exclusive licensing agreement between two industry leaders with more than 140 years of combined experience transfers the hospitality industry's premier star rating and travel guide brand from ExxonMobil to Forbes. Forbes Travel Guide has a team of expert inspectors who anonymously evaluate properties against rigorous and objective proprietary standards, providing consumers the insight to make better-informed travel and leisure decisions. Forbes Travel Guide's ratings, the most comprehensive in the industry, are based on objective evaluations of more than 500 attributes. The complete list of Forbes Travel Guide Star award winners and updated comprehensive reviews written by Forbes Travel Guide's experts are available at: [url]www.forbestravelguide.com[/url].

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Phoenix, AZ - (August 2009) - The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is proud to be among the top meeting facilities in the nation who received the coveted Gold Key Award for 2009 by readers of Meetings & Conventions magazine.

This is the second time that Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa has received the award and the announcement places the resort in an elite group of Phoenix/Scottsdale properties to receive the prestigious accolade.

Meetings & Conventions' readers, comprised of 65,000 meeting professionals, were asked to nominate and vote on the resorts that they felt best demonstrated a commitment to excellence in 2009. Meeting professionals from across the country submitted votes, rating properties from personal experience on criteria including quality of service, quality of meeting rooms, environment and overall meeting experience. Also considered were efficiency, staff attitude, as well as guest accommodations. The quality of food and beverage, ancillary offerings, technical support/ equipment, accessibility and locations and dining service were also evaluated.

"This award reflects our entire staff's consistent devotion to make every guest feel warm, welcome and connected during their stay," said Patrick Connors, Director of Sales & Marketing. "Our new ballroom and existing meeting facilities are unparalleled, but what truly sets us apart from our competition is our connection with the storied past of the local Pima and Maricopa People and the five-star service culture that is infused into every detail we implement."

For over 30 years this annual award has been bestowed upon the world's finest meeting properties. Winning hotels and resorts will be featured in Meetings & Conventions' Gold Award issue published this November.

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, located on the Gila River Indian Community, is a total destination resort showcasing the heritage, culture, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. The resort offerings include: 500 culturally themed rooms, Mobil Five-Star/AAA Five-Diamond dining at Kai Restaurant, the Mobil Four-Star Native American Aji Spa, 36-holes of Troon-managed golf at Whirlwind Golf Club, the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center and a boat cruise to the Wild Horse Pass Casino and Rawhide Western Theme Town.

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Recipes from Arizona's only Five-Star and Five-Diamond Kai Restaurant

PHOENIX, AZ- (September 2009) One of the nation's most highly lauded restaurants, Kai at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, is one of only fourteen U.S. restaurants and the first ever Native American restaurant to garner both the AAA Five-Diamond Award and Mobil Travel Guide's Five-Star Award.

It is with accolades like these, by exhibiting an appreciation for a culinary sense of place and through an unwavering devotion to Five-Star/Five-Diamond service standards that the Kai team has brought an ancient cuisine to the forefront of epicurean dialogue with passion and has earned the attention of the culinary world.

Now, with the release of The New Native American Cuisine, Kai's top chefs along with prominent food writer Marian Betancourt bring more than fifty time-honored and unique Five-Star quality recipes to your table.

Specialties include grilled tenderloin of buffalo with smoked corn puree, sweet corn panna cotta with pickled local squash, wood-grilled butternut squash puree with Pima cotton candy, and butter-basted lobster tail on fry bread with avocado mousse. The recipes vary in complexity, but each will be sure to open an inspiring new arena of culinary adventures. The book contains a glossary of essential Native American foods and a shopping guide. Most of the ingredients required are available everywhere, and others can be easily acquired from specialty producers or online.

Not only does this magnificent book present unforgettable recipes, it acts as a passport into the great expanse of the Sonoran desert. It gives readers the opportunity to experience true appreciation for Native American Cuisine and the rich history, culture, and agricultural traditions of the Gila River Indian People and their land that cultivated these flavorful combinations.

The resort's Michelin trained, Executive Chef, Michael O'Dowd considers it his privilege to be a thoughtful caretaker of the Gila River Indian Community's culinary story. Working diligently to learn traditional recipes and present them in a new setting is O'Dowd's way of paying homage to the past while weaving a new culinary future for Native American inspired cuisine.

The hardcover copy of the book was released on September 1, is $24.95 and is available for purchase at the resort, on [url]www.amazon.com[/url] and in most major bookstores.
The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, located on the Gila River Indian Community, is a total destination resort showcasing the heritage, culture, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. The resort offerings include: 500 culturally themed rooms, Mobil Five-Star/AAA Five-Diamond Dining at Kai, the Mobil Four-Star Native American Aji Spa; 36-holes of Troon-managed golf at Whirlwind Golf Club; the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center, and a boat cruise to the Wild Horse Pass Casino and Rawhide Western Theme Town. For more information please visit: [url]www.wildhorsepassresort.com[/url].


About the Authors

Michael O'Dowd, the award-winning Executive Chef of Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort, approaches his position with visionary zeal and coined the term "Native American Cuisine with Global Accents." He has worked at positions at notable five-star, five-diamond hotels and in New York City's finest restaurants. He has been showered with national food and beverage media. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

Jack Strong, was the Chef de Cuisine at Kai for three years and became an essential ingredient in the restaurant's recipe for success. Prior to his role in Kai he was the Sous Chef at The Phoenician's Windows on the Green restaurant in Scottsdale. In April 2009, Strong returned to his native Pacific Northwest to head up the kitchen of the Salish Lodge in Snoqualmie, Washington, where he now lives.

Marian Betancourt is the author or coauthor of more than a dozen books, including The Texas Hill Country Cookbook: A Taste of Provence (Globe Pequot). Her writing about food and travel has appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines, including American Heritage for which she wrote about the Mashantucket Pequots of Connecticut. She lives in New York City.

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Kai Restaurant at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa receives Forbes' and AAA's Highest Honors

PHOENIX, AZ (November 10, 2009) - Forbes Travel Guide (formerly Mobil Travel Guide), yesterday announced their list of 2010 award winners. Kai restaurant at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa was awarded Forbes Travel Guide's highest rating with the Five-Star Award. Kai now stands alone as one of only 17 Five-Star restaurants in all of North America and the sole restaurant in Arizona to receive this prestigious commendation.

In addition, AAA last week announced their list of 2010 Five-Diamond Award winners and Kai was the only restaurant in Arizona to be named to this venerated list. These recent announcements mark Kai's second Five-Star rating and fourth Five-Diamond designation. This dual recognition solidifies Kai's position as the most celebrated and acclaimed dining experience in Arizona.

Kai, the Pima word for seed, opened with the resort in October of 2002 with unique cuisine, coined "Native American with Global Accents" by the resort's Michelin trained, Executive Chef, Michael O'Dowd, who considers it his privilege to be a thoughtful caretaker of the Gila River Indian Community's culinary story. Working diligently to learn traditional recipes and present them in a new setting is O'Dowd's way of paying homage to the past while weaving a new culinary future for Native American inspired cuisine. In so doing, Kai has won the hearts of Resort guests, local and national epicureans alike.

"It is truly humbling and a distinct honor to again be deemed one of the finest dining establishments in the world," said Bunty Ahamed, General Manager. "It is a tribute to the passionate and talented Kai team whose daily aspirations to deliver world-class experiences clearly do not go unnoticed."

It is with accolades like these and by exhibiting an appreciation for a culinary sense of place that the Kai team has brought an ancient cuisine to the forefront of epicurean dialogue with passion and has earned the attention of the culinary world.


With the recent release of a new cookbook, The New Native American Cuisine, Kai's top chefs along with prominent food writer Marian Betancourt bring more than fifty time-honored and unique Five-Star/Five-Diamond quality recipes to your table. Not only does this magnificent book present unforgettable recipes, it acts as a passport into the great expanse of the Sonoran desert. It gives readers the opportunity to experience true appreciation for Native American Cuisine and the rich history, culture, and agricultural traditions of the Gila River Indian People and their land that cultivated these flavorful combinations.


The hardcover copy of the book was released on September 1, is $24.95 and is available for purchase at the resort, on [url]www.amazon.com[/url] and in most major bookstores. Do not miss an opportunity to pamper the bon vivant in your life with a Five-Star/Five-Diamond gift this holiday season.

For Resort or Kai information call 602-225-0100 or visit: [url]www.wildhorsepassresort.com[/url]. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, owned by the Gila River Indian Community and located on their 372,000-acre reservation, is a total destination resort showcasing the heritage, culture, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. The resort offerings include: 500 culturally-themed guestrooms reflecting the traditions of the Pima and Maricopa people, dining at the AAA Five-Diamond & Forbes Five-Star Award-winning Kai restaurant, 36 holes of Troon golf, Forbes Four-Star Aji Spa offering Native treatments, onsite horseback adventures at Koli Equestrian Center and a boat cruise to Rawhide Western Theme Town.


ABOUT FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE:
Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide, originator of the prestigious Mobil Star ratings and certifications, has provided the most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since 1958. In October 2009, Mobil Travel Guide announced a strategic partnership with Forbes Media LLC. This exclusive licensing agreement between two industry leaders with more than 140 years of combined experience transfers the hospitality industry's premier star rating and travel guide brand from ExxonMobil to Forbes. Forbes Travel Guide has a team of expert inspectors who anonymously evaluate properties against rigorous and objective proprietary standards, providing consumers the insight to make better-informed travel and leisure decisions. Forbes Travel Guide's ratings, the most comprehensive in the industry, are based on objective evaluations of more than 500 attributes. The complete list of Forbes Travel Guide Star award winners and updated comprehensive reviews written by Forbes Travel Guide's experts are available at: [url]www.forbestravelguide.com[/url].





ABOUT AAA:

To become AAA approved and diamond-rated, hotels and restaurants undergo a thorough inspection by one of AAA's full-time highly trained professional evaluators. Five Diamond establishments complete a more extensive review that includes a series of inspections and final committee review. AAA's Diamond Rating System is the only ratings system that covers all of North America and one of only two that conducts physical, on-site evaluations. It is the only system that uses full-time, professionally trained evaluators to inspect each property using guidelines made available to all establishments. AAA evaluates more properties than any other rating entity. AAA approves and rates properties on an individual basis and, often, the ratings are reflective of several years of inspection and analysis by AAA's professional inspectors. Although market fluctuations can and do impact properties, AAA does not use this as a reference when assessing ratings. AAA relies on a set of published criteria, the Diamond Rating Guidelines, which is based on member expectations and common industry practices.

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Phoenix, AZ - (October 2009) - The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is proud to be among the top meeting facilities in the western region to receive the sixth annual Platinum Choice Award for 2009 as voted by Smart Meetings' readers and Smart Meetings' editorial staff.

Smart Meetings Magazine readers voted on thousands of properties based on firsthand experience and strict industry standards. The votes are submitted from across the country, rating properties on criteria including quality of ambience, amenities, facility quality, guest services, meeting spaces, restaurant and dining facilities, staff attitude, technical support and recreational activities. Only 100 hundred properties are awarded this prestigious award.

"Our goal is to implement the Five-Star service culture into every detail," said Patrick Connors, Director of Sales & Marketing. "Our new ballroom and existing meeting facilities are supreme, but it is our connection with the story of the local Pima and Maricopa People that truly sets us apart from our competition."

Winning hotels and resorts will be featured in the December issue of Smart Meetings Magazine.
The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, located on the Gila River Indian Community, is a total destination resort showcasing the heritage, culture, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. The resort offerings include: 500 culturally themed rooms, Mobil Five-Star/AAA Five-Diamond dining at Kai Restaurant, the Mobil Four-Star Native American Aji Spa, 36-holes of Troon-managed golf at Whirlwind Golf Club, the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center and a boat cruise to the Wild Horse Pass Casino and Rawhide Western Theme Town.

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THE SHERATON WILD HORSE PASS RESORT & SPA RECEIVES 2009 "GOLD KEY AWARD"
Presented by Meetings & Conventions Magazine

Phoenix, AZ - (August 2009) - The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is proud to be among the top meeting facilities in the nation who received the coveted Gold Key Award for 2009 by readers of Meetings & Conventions magazine.

This is the second time that Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa has received the award and the announcement places the resort in an elite group of Phoenix/Scottsdale properties to receive the prestigious accolade.

Meetings & Conventions' readers, comprised of 65,000 meeting professionals, were asked to nominate and vote on the resorts that they felt best demonstrated a commitment to excellence in 2009. Meeting professionals from across the country submitted votes, rating properties from personal experience on criteria including quality of service, quality of meeting rooms, environment and overall meeting experience. Also considered were efficiency, staff attitude, as well as guest accommodations. The quality of food and beverage, ancillary offerings, technical support/ equipment, accessibility and locations and dining service were also evaluated.

"This award reflects our entire staff's consistent devotion to make every guest feel warm, welcome and connected during their stay," said Patrick Connors, Director of Sales & Marketing. "Our new ballroom and existing meeting facilities are unparalleled, but what truly sets us apart from our competition is our connection with the storied past of the local Pima and Maricopa People and the five-star service culture that is infused into every detail we implement."

For over 30 years this annual award has been bestowed upon the world's finest meeting properties. Winning hotels and resorts will be featured in Meetings & Conventions' Gold Award issue published this November.

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, located on the Gila River Indian Community, is a total destination resort showcasing the heritage, culture, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. The resort offerings include: 500 culturally themed rooms, Mobil Five-Star/AAA Five-Diamond dining at Kai Restaurant, the Mobil Four-Star Native American Aji Spa, 36-holes of Troon-managed golf at Whirlwind Golf Club, the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center and a boat cruise to the Wild Horse Pass Casino and Rawhide Western Theme Town.

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DEBUT OF NEW BALLROOM AND ENHANCED MEETING SPACE AT THE SHERATON WILD HORSE PASS RESORT & SPA

Phoenix, AZ - (May 2009) One of North America's best resorts is set to get even better - introducing the new ballroom and enhanced meeting space at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa. The expansion project will debut on June 3, 2009. The process has added 25,884 square feet of additional meeting space to the Resort offering limitless new business opportunities and ensuring that the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa has the competitive edge amongst any comparable luxury resort.

Designed by Jacobs Carter Burgess the new ballroom alone is 15,000 sq. ft, divisible into 7 sections, the two additional meeting rooms at nearly 1,000 sq. ft each and a foyer offering 8,884 sq. ft of pre-function space now bring the resort's total meeting space square footage to 70,000.

"In light of the current economy and in a time where many resort additions and enhancements have been halted we consider ourselves very fortunate to be sharing this good news," said Director of Sales and Marketing, Patrick Connors. "We realize that it is an uncommon privilege this year to host a ceremonial ribbon cutting."

This added space will offer a new opportunity for many large groups to book the Resort's 500 rooms and comfortably feed and house meetings of up to 900 people. In addition, this new space will appeal to national trade shows needing ample exhibit space, national associations, social catering events and large pharmaceuticals.

Jacobs Carter Burgess designed the space to reflect the culture and authenticity represented throughout the Resort's existing architecture and decor. The round design of the foyer is reminiscent of the traditional Pima roundhouse and honors the customs of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes.

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, located on the Gila River Indian Community, is a total destination resort showcasing the heritage, culture, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. The resort offerings include: 500 culturally themed rooms, AAA Five Diamond and Mobil Five Star Dining at Kai, the 17,500 square-foot and AAA Four-Diamond Native American Aji Spa; 36-holes of Troon-managed golf at Whirlwind Golf Club; the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center, and a boat cruise to the Wild Horse Pass Casino and Rawhide Western Theme Town. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa goes beyond Green and promotes both Cultural Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility. Having led the industry for the last five years in Geotourism, the Resort is now looking to be the leader in Eco-stewardship with the new GeoGreen initiative that combines recycling and conservation efforts with cultural preservation while offering guests a unique experience and "sense-of-place." The Resort has received several honors for our GeoGreen efforts including: The Travel Industry Association of America Odyssey Award for "Sustaining an Indigenous Culture or Community;" The "Stay List; 150 Hotels You'll Love" based on Eco-Stewardship and Sense-of-Place, National Geographic Traveler; and The Arizona Governor's Cultural Preservation Award.

[url]http://www.elitemeetings.com/property/sheraton-wild-horse-pass-resort-and-spa/[/url]

http://www.elitemeetings.com/property/sheraton-wild-horse-pass-resort-and-spa/

CONTACT: Stephanie Heckathorne
Director of Public Relations
Phone: 602-385-5746; Fax: 520-796-8333
[email]Stephanie.Heckathorne@sheraton.com[/email]
[url]www.wildhorsepassresort.com[/url]

Phoenix, AZ - (May 2009) One of North America's best resorts is set to get even better - introducing the new ballroom and enhanced meeting space at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa. The expansion project will debut on June 3, 2009. The process has added 25,884 square feet of additional meeting space to the Resort offering limitless new business opportunities and ensuring that the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa has the competitive edge amongst any comparable luxury resort.
Designed by Jacobs Carter Burgess the new ballroom alone is 15,000 sq. ft, divisible into 7 sections, the two additional meeting rooms at nearly 1,000 sq. ft each and a foyer offering 8,884 sq. ft of pre-function space now bring the resort's total meeting space square footage to 70,000.
"In light of the current economy and in a time where many resort additions and enhancements have been halted we consider ourselves very fortunate to be sharing this good news," said Director of Sales and Marketing, Patrick Connors. "We realize that it is an uncommon privilege this year to host a ceremonial ribbon cutting."
This added space will offer a new opportunity for many large groups to book the Resort's 500 rooms and comfortably feed and house meetings of up to 900 people. In addition, this new space will appeal to national trade shows needing ample exhibit space, national associations, social catering events and large pharmaceuticals.
Jacobs Carter Burgess designed the space to reflect the culture and authenticity represented throughout the Resort's existing architecture and decor. The round design of the foyer is reminiscent of the traditional Pima roundhouse and honors the customs of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes.
The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, located on the Gila River Indian Community, is a total destination resort showcasing the heritage, culture, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. The resort offerings include: 500 culturally themed rooms, AAA Five Diamond and Mobil Five Star Dining at Kai, the 17,500 square-foot and AAA Four-Diamond Native American Aji Spa; 36-holes of Troon-managed golf at Whirlwind Golf Club; the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center, and a boat cruise to the Wild Horse Pass Casino and Rawhide Western Theme Town. The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa goes beyond Green and promotes both Cultural Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility. Having led the industry for the last five years in Geotourism, the Resort is now looking to be the leader in Eco-stewardship with the new GeoGreen initiative that combines recycling and conservation efforts with cultural preservation while offering guests a unique experience and "sense-of-place." The Resort has received several honors for our GeoGreen efforts including: The Travel Industry Association of America Odyssey Award for "Sustaining an Indigenous Culture or Community;" The "Stay List; 150 Hotels You'll Love" based on Eco-Stewardship and Sense-of-Place, National Geographic Traveler; and The Arizona Governor's Cultural Preservation Award.

[url]http://www.elitemeetings.com/property/sheraton-wild-horse-pass-resort-and-spa/[/url]

http://www.elitemeetings.com/property/sheraton-wild-horse-pass-resort-and-spa/

Phoenix, AZ " (May 2008) " The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa has recently broken ground on a Ballroom Expansion, set for completion in June of 2009. The process will add 35,330 square feet of additional meeting space to the Resort offering a wealth of new business opportunities.

Designed by Jacobs Carter Burgess, the enhanced meeting space will feature a large 15,000 sq. ft ballroom, two additional meeting rooms with 971 and 870 sq. ft and a foyer offering 8,884 sq. ft of pre-function space. This added space is a new opportunity for many large groups to book the Resorts 500 rooms and comfortably feed and house meetings up to 900 people. In addition, this new space will appeal to national trade shows needing ample exhibit space, national associations, social catering events and large pharmaceuticals.

Jacobs Carter Burgess designed the space to reflect the culture and authenticity represented throughout the Resorts existing architecture and decor. The round design of the foyer is reminiscent of the traditional Pima roundhouse and honors the customs of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes.

The new meeting space square footage, design and flexibility provide limitless opportunities for hosting a variety of events and ensure that the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa has the competitive edge amongst any comparable luxury resort, said Director of Sales and Marketing, Patrick Connors.

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, located on the Gila River Indian Community, is a total destination resort showcasing the heritage, culture, art and legends of the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. The resort offerings include: 500 culturally themed rooms, AAA Five Diamond and Mobil Four Star Dining at Kai, the 17,500 square-foot Native American Aji Spa; 36-holes of Troon-managed golf at Whirlwind Golf Club; the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center, and a boat cruise to the Wild Horse Pass Casino and Rawhide Western Theme Town.

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa goes beyond Green and promotes both Cultural Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility. Having led the industry for the last five years in Geotourism, the Resort is now looking to be the leader in Eco-stewardship with the new GeoGreen initiative that combines recycling and conservation efforts with cultural preservation while offering guests a unique experience and sense-of-place. The Resort has received several honors for our GeoGreen efforts including: The Travel Industry Association of America Odyssey Award for Sustaining an Indigenous Culture or Community; The Stay List; 150 Hotels Youll Love based on Eco-Stewardship and Sense-of-Place, National Geographic Traveler; and The Arizona Governors Cultural Preservation Award.





Nicole Smith | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

5594 West Wild Horse Pass Blvd. Chandler, AZ 85226

P 602.385.5717 F 520.796.8333

Nicole.E.Smith@Sheraton.com

www.wildhorsepassresort.com