Experience Authentic Native American Fare in Phoenix

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Named Five-Star Spa and Restaurant in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2022 Star Awards

Kai Remains Only Arizona Restaurant with the Prestigious Distinction, Aji Spa Earns Third Award

Phoenix, Ariz. — (May 2, 2022) — Forbes Travel Guide, the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, today announced its 2022 Star Awards. Aji Spa and Kai earned the 2022 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award and are showcased with other honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com

This marks the third time Aji Spa has been bestowed the prestigious Five-Star award. Aji Spa joins Kai which has maintained the Five-Star accolade for 14 years and is still the only restaurant in the state with this distinction. The hotel also recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation of all guest rooms as well as the resort’s meeting spaces.  Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass remains the only resort in Arizona to boast both a Five-Star spa and restaurant in addition to its luxurious amenities.

“To be recognized by Forbes Travel Guide with Five Star accolades for Aji Spa again, and Kai for the fourteenth year in a row, makes us extremely proud of our hard-working and dedicated team,” said Bunty Ahamed, general manager of Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass. “We are committed to ensuring that each and every guest receives a personalized and unique experience, and these distinctions prove that their efforts are truly remarkable.”

Offering the world’s most authentic Native American Spa services, Aji reflects the traditions of the Pima and Maricopa cultures in every aspect – from art and architecture to treatments and services. Aji, meaning “sanctuary” in the Pima language, is appropriately named after the nearby Aji Mountain located on the Gila River Indian Community where women and children would go in times of war. The ancient cultures of both tribes are also showcased throughout the spa in design elements, artwork, architecture and shared legends. A journey of sacred doctrines, the signature Indigenous Collection was developed by Aji’s Cultural Caretakers and offers an authentic Native American spa experience.

Kai is the only restaurant in Arizona to receive this prestigious honor, continuing to establish itself as one of the finest dining establishments in the world. Kai Restaurant showcases locally grown produce and a surprisingly rich Arizona-made olive oil in recipes that merge contemporary tastes and time-honored Native American techniques. Kai’s menu incorporates the essence of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. Locally-farmed ingredients from the Gila River Indian Community come together to create unforgettable masterpieces.The menu at Kai, which means “seed” in the Pima language, features items from the Native Seed/SEARCH Foundation, a program dedicated to preserving ancient lines of Native American seeds that would otherwise be extinct.

Forbes Travel Guide is the world-renowned authority in genuine Five-Star service, and Aji Spa and Kai at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass are a part of the illustrious annual Star Rating list.

“Travel has come back strongly, and the resilient hospitality industry is creatively rallying to accommodate the increased occupancy demand for most regions,” says Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “While the industry faces some lingering issues, the 2022 award winners proved ready for those challenges and more, demonstrating the best that luxury hospitality has to offer.”

To view the new Star Award winners, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com. 

About Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass:

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass 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 restaurant, the Forbes Four-Star Aji Spa; 36-holes of Troon-managed golf at Whirlwind Golf Club; the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center, and several nearby attractions. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram at @sheratongrandaz and on Twitter.

About Forbes Travel Guide:

Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on up to 900 objective standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world’s best luxury experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our independent inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.