Radisson Fort McDowell to Rebrand as We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center
June 2, 2014
The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation announced that effective September 30, 2014, the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort will re-launch as the We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center.
The We-Ko-Pa name means “Four Peaks” in Yavapai, complementing the mountain scenery and Verde River surrounding the resort. It also pays tribute to the tribe’s rich and diverse Yavapai heritage, while enabling the Fort McDowell Nation to manage one of its most prestigious enterprises and provide employment opportunities to tribal members and to those living in neighboring areas.
“We-Ko-Pa resonates deeply within our community as these peaks have been spiritually a part of us since time immemorial. In fact, they are a prime feature in our Tribal seal,” said Ruben Balderas, president of the Fort McDowell Tribal Council. “Moreover, by developing business enterprises that are grounded in Yavapai tradition and culture, we foster the good health, well-being and happiness of our Nation’s people that, in turn, improves our business practices and success.”
“As a AAA Four Diamond Award recipient for eight years, we’ve always taken pride in delivering an exceptional guest experience,” said Craig Benell, Radisson Fort McDowell Resort Acting General Manager. “We chose to become an independent golf resort because it gives us more flexibility to fulfill and respond to our guests’ needs, as well as to implement new programs, promotions and resort enhancements to make our visitors’ stays even more enjoyable.”
Honored as one of the best golf facilities in the country by Golfweek and others, and featuring two award-winning 18-hole courses designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw (Saguaro) and Scott Miller (Cholla), We-Ko-Pa Golf Club also sees benefits in being more closely aligned with the resort.
Located 20 minutes from the airport, the new We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center features 246 contemporary guest rooms and suites designed with Native American traditions, Southwestern cuisine at Ahnala Restaurant, spa treatments and salon services at the Amethyst Spa, and a heated outdoor pool with two whirlpools.