EMDR Therapy in Biltmore, AZ

Gorjana, a fast-growing Laguna Beach-based jewelry brand, is continuing its retail expansion in Arizona with the opening of a new store at Phoenix’s Biltmore Fashion Park Wednesday, Aug. 30.

At the 1,499-square-foot store, Phoenix locals and visitors can soon shop the brand’s popular designs, ranging from gold-plated to fine necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more.

“With all of Phoenix's unique and beautiful scenery, from the desert to the Arizona sun, Biltmore Fashion Park is the perfect backdrop for our 54th store. Our elevated, yet timeless designs are perfect for relaxing by the pool or soaking up the Arizona sun,” said Gorjana Reidel, who co-founded the business with her husband in 2004.

“We’ve loved getting to know our Arizona shoppers over the years, and couldn’t be more excited to join the lively Biltmore Fashion Park community this summer.”

Combining the best of Laguna Beach with Phoenix’s beautiful desert and located right in the midst of all Phoenix has to offer, Gorjana Biltmore is an ideal shopping destination for out-of-towners and locals alike.

The new center features gardens, fountains and boasts some of the most in-demand retailers in the country. The all-outdoor lifestyle-focused property settled in Camelback Corridor at 24th and Camelback has long been the “backyard” for Phoenix’s historic Biltmore neighborhood and financial district. gorjana, the newest addition to Biltmore’s upscale shopping, will be located next to Anthropologie and Skin Laundry, and a short stroll from the Center Lawn.

“We are so pleased to welcome Gorjana to Biltmore Fashion Park, our jewel box destination in the heart of Phoenix’s upscale and historic Biltmore district,” said Victoria Buscher, general manager of Biltmore Fashion Park.

“Gorjana's fine jewelry and other special pieces — inspired by the relaxed, beachside luxury of the company’s origins in Southern California — are a wonderful complement to the terrific retail and dining mix we’ve created here for our guests.”

When gorjana - Biltmore Fashion Park officially opens its doors Wednesday, shoppers will be immersed in a welcoming coastal bungalow inspired by co-founders Gorjana and Jason Griffin Reidel’s Southern California roots. Light wood finishes, a crystal quartz chandelier, three sparkling window pendants and a hand-dipped Lauren Williams Tapestry inspired by the iconic Laguna Beach coastline create the perfect backdrop to Gorjana's elevated yet effortless designs.

The store’s Biltmore opening comes on the heels of a year of impressive growth and expansion for the brand, with more than 50 stores across the country including a second Arizona location in Scottsdale Quarter. With an ever-growing collection of timeless designs, Gorjana offers something for everyone. Its in-store stylists offer exceptional service, including curating layered looks that help shoppers express their unique personal styles and offering complimentary engraving for online orders.

Since Gorjana's inception in 2004, philanthropy has been part of the brand’s mission and approach to community-building. For over nearly 20 years, Gorjana has worked with nonprofit organizations that support a range of national causes, with a particular focus on women and children through its annual partnerships with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Baby2Baby, Toys for Tots, Dress for Success and more.

Gorjana also partners with local charities at each of its locations, and local nonprofit organizations in Phoenix the area are encouraged to complete a donation request form for efforts that support the local community.

The store, located at 2502 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix, opens its doors Wednesday, Aug. 30. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information on Gorjana or the Biltmore store, visit gorjana.com.

More than a year after the redesign of the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club was announced, the first phase of the newly minted Estates Course project is nearly ready for play.

The club said it expects daily-fee and member play to begin during the first week of November.

The state-of-the-art course, named after the iconic Biltmore neighborhood that surrounds the property, was designed by former five-time PGA Tour champion and Scottsdale resident Tom Lehman. It features the latest and greatest technology to provide golfers with a more modernized experience. The Lehman Design Group worked to improve the quality of the fairways, tee boxes, green complexes, as well as adding new sand and grass bunkers throughout.

The project began as a renovation of the 95-year-old Adobe Course, said Jerry Colangelo of Phoenix-based JDM Partners, owners of the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club.

"As we moved through design and into construction, it became clear this would be a completely new golf course with more length, variety and challenge for golfers,” Colangelo told the Business Journal on Thursday. “In rebranding to the Estates Course, we recognize the beautiful neighborhood we call home and begin a new chapter in the storied history of the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club.”

The redesign, which was announced in April 2022, is intended to provide a more sustainable and refreshed course experience through a three-phase multimillion-dollar project.

In order to become more sustainable, JDM Partners focused on adding a new drought-tolerant TifTuf Bermuda grass, while also adding an advanced irrigation systems that will allow the agronomy team to control each sprinkler head with high-tech sensors that will allow for precise watering and conservative water usage. In addition, redesign crews have planted over 400 new new trees to add more of a visual appeal and to define fairways.

"It's a brand new course and a brand new system that is going to be very, very effective in terms of cost savings in terms of water saving," Colangelo said. "New tee boxes, recontouring fairways, new greens, new sand and grass bunkers throughout. And we planted over 400 trees. So if you could just imagine what that place will look like when it's completed."

The next couple of phases in development will involve the reimagining of the clubhouse and restaurant, as well as the unveiling of the 19,500-square-foot golf shop. The building, designed by Phoenix-based Douglas Fredrikson Architects, includes both office and retails space, member locker rooms, fitting rooms, restrooms and just over 13,000 square feet of golf cart storage underneath.

The previously existing Adobe Restaurant, along with the brand new clubhouse, will be replaced and set for an opening during 2024.

Colangelo said he thinks that a new makeover of the course, along with a more modernized look, will ultimately increase the value of properties and homes surrounding the course.

"We have a few thousand people who live around the Biltmore golf course. I would say that this enhancement raises property values for all of those people, Colangelo said. "This is their own park when you think about it, and to be able to look at out your window and have a beautifully manicured course, that's a tremendous enhancement."

Colangelo said members can tentatively expect to book tee times and play the course beginning sometime between Nov. 2-4.

Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, has unveiled the design details behind its recently completed property-wide restoration, led by hospitality firms Virserius Studio and PHX Architecture. The revamped spaces include two pools for adult and family visitors, standalone cottages that combine the resort’s chic aesthetic with plush amenities, dining venues clad in natural textures and the all-new Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden—a holistic wellness experience rooted in the cosmos and Earth’s four elements. Funded by ownership group, Blackstone, the $150-million restoration generated more than 400 jobs during its two-year span, bringing a welcome opportunity to workers in the region. Since reopening in May 2021, the resort has been further enhanced to honor Arizona Biltmore’s legacy, including modern touches for a new era.

“It was important to us that this renovation maintain the historic elements that make the Arizona Biltmore unique while also ensuring guests can enjoy modern enhancements and a best-in-class experience,” said Brian Kaufman, managing director, Blackstone Real Estate. “Through this investment, we were able to create high-quality jobs and ensure the Arizona Biltmore remains a world-class destination for years to come.”

Built almost a century ago, Arizona Biltmore is known as one of the grandest resorts of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Inspired by the innovative geometric designs of his mentor and Arizona Biltmore’s consulting architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Albert Chase McArthur built the resort to reflect its desert surroundings. In recent years, the iconic property has been restored to its former glory by a team of respected designers and consultants from Virserius Studio, PHX Architecture, Serving the Nation Inc., Burton Studio and Wimberly Interiors.

“We sought to revitalize the property while preserving its iconic legacy,” said Therese Virserius, Virserius Studio. “Our aim was to honor the remarkable work of Wright and McArthur, while simultaneously modernizing and enhancing the luxurious guest experience for a new era.”

Also reflecting on the revamp, Erik Peterson, founder, PHX Architecture, said, “Rather than merely replicating the original structure, we sought to pay homage to these renowned architects by reimagining their vision using modern methods and materials while remaining faithful to their timeless design principles.”

In keeping with the property’s architectural style, the structural aesthetic remains true to Wright’s flowing ‘textile block’ design, evident in the horizontal lines, handmade craftsmanship, and open-plan layout strewn with custom facades and materials like fine porcelain, ornate stained glass and mosaics. The restoration itself included McArthur and Wright’s original “Biltmore Blocks,” created from desert sand onsite, and designed with interlocking lines to form a pattern across the building’s facade. The 34 different arrays of blocks are arranged to create a sense of movement and rhythm resembling notes on a musical scale.

The team replaced 6,000 of the blocks requiring repair by using the same techniques and materials as the original blocks, accompanied by hand-embroidered furniture built in the spirit of the traditional design, and a replating of the eponymous gold-leaf ceiling in the Gold Room. Modern upgrades were mindfully navigated to maintain historic integrity, including the seamless implementation of technology throughout the main building and updates to rooftop air conditioning units. In keeping with Arizona Biltmore’s stunning surroundings, Burton Studio integrated desert-inspired landscaping throughout the property, complementing Frank Lloyd Wright’s beloved Sprite statues as well as the resort’s new “Treasures of Heaven” art installation.

Photography: Arizona Biltmore

Architectural Photography: Michael Baxter, Baxter Imaging LLC

Name: Michael B. Hoffmann

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-b-hoffmann-b0960a6

Facebook: @ArizonaBiltmoreAWaldorfAstoriaResort

Instagram: @ArizonaBiltmore

Website: ArizonaBiltmore.com

Age: “Old enough to teach and young enough to learn”

Title: Officially, Managing Director of the Arizona Biltmore. However, I prefer Cherry on Top, Head Sherpa or Chief Eudamonic Officer (Delivering Happiness)

Married/Single: Married 34 years to my wife, Knoppy

Kids: Zack (31) and Zoë (30)

City you live in: Carefree, AZ

A typical day in my life includes… an early morning rise and living each day to the fullest.

I was born… in Basel, Switzerland.

My favorite thing about Arizona… is the extraordinary diversity of the landscapes, seasons and beauty of the desert.

I’m listening to… tunes that inspire and movie scores. The ones that come to mind are “Hall of Fame” by The Script ft. will.i.am, “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman, and the genius of John Williams and Hans Zimmer found in the scores of Star Wars and Pirates of the Carribean.

My family… is my rock, both our kids love to cook so it’s a big party when we are all together.

If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… Walt Disney to appreciate his creativity and vision.

One thing I cannot live without… my wife Knoppy. She gets me and understands the importance of my relationship, passion and commitment to the Hotels/Resorts I’m entrusted to lead.

When I was younger, I wanted to be… a stockbroker for a major Swiss Bank.

I’m inspired by… personally how my kids show up in life. Professionally, by the team I get to work with and their desire to create magical service experiences and moments for our guests every day.

The one person who motivates me is… my morning Peloton instructor – they push me every day to be my best.

If I could change anything in the world, it would be… take hate and aggression off the table globally.

The perfect day would be… early morning Peloton workout, finishing a great read so I can start another, picking up my kids from the airport and finishing with a homecooked family dinner.

My first job was… working in a small lakeside restaurant in Switzerland, where I worked in every role, learning the business from the ground up.

My favorite escape… A good book and consistent exercise/wellness routine.

My life… has been filled with good fortune, affording me to travel globally and work with the most amazing talent in hospitality through Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, The Peninsula, Hong Kong, Claridges, London and closing the Waldorf Astoria in New York, Inn at Perry Cabin and now the Arizona Biltmore.

I’m currently working on… mastering my presentation and public speaking skills.

Always… Take the high road, not for the world to see you, but for you to see the world.

Never… Ever give up!

Favorite Quote… I have two: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” & “The difficult we do immediately, the impossible takes a few minutes longer.”

Biggest Dream… Sail the Greek and Turkish Isles on a Gulet.

My Pet Peeve(s)… People who don’t use headphones in public, (dining room FaceTime, plane conversations, poolside music) and forget that NOT everybody wants to share in their excitement, conversations or music tastes.

Bio-on yourself/company: As a hotelier with nearly four decades of luxury hospitality under my belt, I have seen everything and am surprised by nothing. That is one of the reasons I was drawn to my current role as managing director at none other than the iconic Arizona Biltmore. The resort is a nearly-century-old grand dame of the desert southwest, and I am thrilled to be continuing the $170 million+ reinvention and restoration of the sprawling 39-acre Frank Lloyd Wright inspired desert gem.

I began my career in Switzerland, where I was born and raised. After receiving a Diploma of Hotel Administration from the Lausanne Hotel School in 1983, I moved to the U.S. to begin my career with the Four Seasons Resort in Dallas, Texas. From there, I worked for Ritz- Carlton Hotel and Resorts, The Peninsula Group in New York, Hong Kong and California, the Bacara Resort and Spa, and the Ocean Club, Paradise Island. I also served as Hilton’s vice president of brand performance, overseeing the rapid expansion of Hilton’s luxury portfolio of Conrad and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts. I also oversaw the closure of the Waldorf Astoria New York for renovations. Most recently, I worked as a managing director for Perry Cabin Resorts & Golf.

The Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, is a 1929 Art Deco masterpiece, known for its exceptional guest experiences amidst 705 plush pet and family-friendly guestrooms, refreshed standalone luxury cottages, and 200,000 square feet of meeting space.

When you walk into the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, nearly all your senses might pull you in different directions. First, there’s the lobby’s stunning, oh-so-colorful stained-glass piece, “Saguaro Forms & Cactus Flowers,” which was designed and rendered from original drawings by Frank Lloyd Wright. It was donated to the hotel by Wright’s widow in 1973 and has been displayed in the lobby ever since then.

Another treat guests are sure to enjoy before they even check in is the resort’s distinctive scent that’s somehow both invigorating and soothing. It has notes of jasmine, lily of the valley, bergamot, vanilla, and Asian pear, among others. Calming music plays, and the helpful staff may offer water or other refreshment.

The Arizona Biltmore blends a lot of modern luxuries with its authentic history that still feels ever-present and exciting at the resort. Opened on February 23, 1929, it was designed by Albert Chase McArhur, and it was owned by his brothers Warren McArthur, Jr., and Charles McArthur in addition to John McEntee Bowman, the entrepreneur who was behind the very upscale Biltmore Hotel chain.

Many people often assume the resort was designed by esteemed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and there are some very good reasons for that. Wright did consult on the hotel in the 1920s, and McArthur paid him $10,000 to use his patented block design. When it was discovered that Wright didn’t actually own the patent, the relationship between McArthur and Wright soured. However, Wright still showed up for the resort’s grand opening, and his touches can be seen throughout the hotel now.

Some Historical Sites to Visit

Before you stay at the Arizona Biltmore, it’s fun to know some of the fascinating history that you can enjoy during your visit. What’s incredible about the property is that there are unexpected little details and delights around many corners. During your visit, make it a point to see these parts of the resort for a fuller understanding of how special and historically significant it is.

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Be sure to spend time gazing at the 19 sprite statues on the resort’s grounds. They were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Chicago’s Midway Gardens in 1914. The sprites on display at the resort were cast in the 1980’s from a mold of the original, and they’ve been on display since 1985.

Visit the Aztec Room during a history tour of the resort. It awes visitors with its gold-leaf ceiling and copper beams, and former President Ronald Reagan held a party in this room to celebrate while honeymooning at the resort.

Also spend time in the Gold Room or least visit it on a tour by the resort’s wonderful historians. The Gold Room was the resort’s original dining hall, and Clark Gable and his friends often spent much time here. The murals in the room are by Maynard Dixon and his wife, Edith Hamlin, who completed the second tapestry after her husband unexpectedly passed away.

The aptly named Mystery Room is the secret room where alcohol was once served to guests during prohibition. Men would go to the secret room to illegally enjoy their whiskey. Back then, guests accessed the room only by going up a hidden staircase and entering through a secret door.

Other Things To Do

Try a Tequila Sunrise. That popular cocktail, which became even more well-known after The Eagles song of the same name, was invented at the bar of the Arizona Biltmore by its longtime bartender Gene Sulit.

Enjoy a snack at The Citrus Club. It’s a luxurious space where you can work or hang out with friends if you want an extra space to lounge outside of your accommodations.

Take a swim in the Catalina Pool. Named for its blue and yellow art-deco mosaic tiles that lie along the pool’s floor, this was Marilyn Monroe’s favorite swimming pool when she frequented the resort. It’s also the spot where Irving Berlin wrote his beloved classic holiday hit “White Christmas”.

Stroll down the History Hallway. The Arizona Biltmore has hosted every United States President from Herbert Hoover to Barack Obama, and their photographs are on display in this sunlit hallway. Nearly every photo was taken on the property.

Try a new-to-you sport. The resort has its own golf club. It also has three new tennis courts and four pickle ball courts.

Last, but certainly not least, consider signing up for a treatment at the Tierra Luna Spa, a truly unique spa at the heart of the Arizona Biltmore estate. It’s inspired by the surrounding Sonoran Desert, and it includes fun, revitalizing and relaxing treatments. You can even have an astrology reading as part of a treatment. Before you leave, take the time to silently relax in the spa’s Sol Garden which was designed to offer guests a tranquil experience.