Suite Spot: Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix
The former can claim credit for the 34 varieties of “Biltmore Block” used to create the 39-acre resort, since grown from 98 to 740 guest rooms, while the latter built the Biltmore’s first pool using tiles from Catalina Island, and invited Hollywood and high society friends to winter here.
The government of Singapore, owner since 2013, recently invested $35 million in restoring and revamping the two men’s vision, from the grand historic lobby and gilded public spaces to contemporary guest rooms with understated glamour.
Eight miles from town when it was built, the resort is now a sprawling green oasis amid luxury homes and shopping centers, about 18 minutes from the airport.
Apart from being a Wright fan’s fantasia, the Biltmore brims with first-class leisure options: two PGA golf courses, eight swimming pools (one with a 92-foot water slide and luxury cabanas), six tennis courts, spacious spa and two restaurants with delicious seasonal, locally inspired menus.
Don’t miss the free 90-minute history tour, offered thrice weekly, which includes a peek at the gold-leafed splendor of the Aztec, Gold and Mystery meeting rooms, as well as fascinating anecdotes about Wright, Wrigley and the resort’s celebrity clientele.