Preview Arizona’s Encanterra, Trilogy at Vistancia and Wickenburg Ranch

By Chris Duthie

Popular feedback indicates Colorado AvidGolfer readers are huge fans of Arizona travel and lifestyles. That truism is even more apparent in winter when our southern neighbor’s world-class attractions, events, celebrations and golf courses are at their much-better-weather, pitch-perfect peak.

Without question, November-to-March getaways to the Grand Canyon State are the stuff of Christmas morning fantasies. So why not make Arizona living a more everlasting reality?

For the last few weeks, I’ve profiled five premier metro Phoenix communities — Desert Mountain, Desert Highlands, Rio Verde, Tonto Verde and Trilogy at Verde River — resort-style developments that illustrate how Colorado snowbirds can fulfill their dreams of all-year or seasonal desert living. Further exploring a “try-it-before-you-buy-it” theme, here are three more enticing Phoenix-area communities that deserve a discriminating look:

ENCANTERRA

Located an hour southeast of Phoenix near Queen Creek, this 800-acre development embraces two resort-style communities: Encanterra Country Club, crafted for all ages; and Trilogy at Encanterra, a 55-plus neighborhood. Member perks include a private 7,176-yard Tom Lehman-designed golf course, 60,000-square-foot clubhouse, athletic club, three swimming pools, three restaurants and tennis center.

Encanterra’s “Taste the Good Life” program is enticing: For $599, prospects enjoy four-day/three-night on-property accommodations, one restaurant meal for two, two Alvea Spa treatments, and unlimited athletic club use. Offered through April 30, 2018. Call (800) 658-6494, or go online here for additional information. 

TRILOGY AT VISTANCIA

If preferred tee times and access to two of the top-rated golf courses in the region sounds enticing, make your way 40 miles northwest of Phoenix. Vistancia’s 1,000-acre development is renowned for two championship-caliber layouts orchestrated by Jim Engh (private Blackstone CC) and Gary Panks (daily-fee Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia), plus there is an impressive array of amenities like a 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, fitness facility, spa, four-court tennis, aquatic park, hiking trails and retail shopping.

The Shea Homes development includes the 55-plus Trilogy, gated Blackstone, and the all-age Village at Vistancia neighborhoods. Its $599 “Taste the Good Life” package offers four-day/three-night on-property accommodations, $50 dining credit, either one round of golf at Trilogy Golf Club at Vestancia or an Alvea Spa service, and a $50 gift card to the Kiva Club’s athletic club and pool. Offered through April 30, 2018. Call (800) 658-6494 or go online here for additional information.

WICKENBURG RANCH

Anchored by a Troon-managed, 7,059-yard golf course (named a Top 10 New Course in North America in 2015 by Golf Digest) as well as a pugnacious nine-hole par-3 layout, this active-lifestyle community is a hands-down winner. Perks include two restaurants, spa, swimming, four-court tennis, six-court pickleball, bocce ball, 13-mile hiking park, dog park, outdoor stargazing lounge, art studio, event hall and 40,000 square feet of indoor and covered patio space.

Wickenburg Ranch was established in 2015 approximately 90 miles northwest of Phoenix. The upscale private community offers an immersive “Taste the Good Life” getaway that includes four-day/three-night on-property accommodations, $75 dining credit, an Alvea Spa massage or facial, 20-percent sports shop apparel and retail discount, and use of two bikes and golf cart. The $599 package is offered through April 30, 2018. Call (800) 658-6494, or go online here for additional information.

RELATED LINKS

Second to None

New Reasons to Visit Scottsdale

2017 Fall Travel Guide

2017 Golfer’s Guide to Arizona Spring Training

Now Playing in Arizona

Chris Duthie is a Durango-based contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer. Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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