Cibola Vista

Location. Five miles north of Lake Pleasant and south of Phoenix in Peoria, Ariz., Cibola Vista offers an expansive resort community against the backdrop of the Arizona desert. Recreational activities available within 10 miles of the resort include sky diving, water sports, hot-air ballooning and hiking.
Features. Taking its name from the fable of the "Seven Cities of Cibola," which inspired the journeys of Coronado, the Cibola Vista is made up of six clusters of villas and a seventh building that serves as the core for the resort's on-site amenities. Winding walkways snake through garden courtyards, fountains, outdoor fireplaces and reflecting pools scattered throughout the property. The resort features a heated adult pool and lagoon pool with a three-story water slide and spa tub. Coffee service at the reception desk and 24-hour concierge services are available. Cibola Vista offers horseback riding programs at the resort's private equestrian field, and features a Western town.

Guestrooms. Cibola Vista offers apartment-style studios and suites with balconies and fully equipped kitchens, including full-size ovens and four-burner stoves, dishwashers, microwave ovens, coffeemakers and cookware. One- and two-bedroom suites feature sofa beds and breakfast bars. Native flagstone, stucco adobe, iron railings and burnt-red tile roofs complement the surrounding rock outcroppings and vegetation. Living/dining areas offer flat-screen televisions with cable channels, DVD players, VCRs and stereos. All units include Internet access. Beds are dressed with down pillows, and non-allergenic foam pillows are available upon request.

Expert Tip. The area surrounding the resort is the center for many sports teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns. All play at stadiums less than 45 miles away. Some players are even owners at Cibola Vista.