Resort components of CopperWynd Resort & Club -- a European-inspired 32-room boutique hotel, Alchemy restaurant and catering functions -- will suspend operations on Monday, May 4.

Club amenities, including the pools, spa, fitness and tennis facilities, will remain open for members.

CopperWynd members were notified of the decision by Doug DeLong, resort manager, in a letter dated April 23.

“The circumstances dictating this course of action are unfortunately unavoidable. By funding the sizable annual deficits since opening, ownership has done everything possible to try to prevent this outcome,” wrote DeLong.

“Given the decreased spending by the membership and the low resort occupancies we are experiencing during this difficult economic time, ownership can no longer afford to subsidize CopperWynd.”

The closure will affect guest accommodations, the upper level of the main building, restaurant and all wedding, catering and banquet functions. Most employees will be terminated.

DeLong was not available to answer questions regarding the number of employees who will lose their jobs because of the decision or the number of club memberships for the spa, fitness center and tennis programs.

The resort opened in 1999 on the highest buildable point on Eagle Ridge Drive between Fountain Hills and Scottsdale. The property provides spectacular views overlooking the town, desert and mountains.

CopperWynd prides itself in providing exclusivity and private country club environment. The Web site describes guest rooms with handmade furniture, granite counters, gas-burning fireplace, custom linens and private terraces overlooking desert vistas.

The resort has earned international, national and state hotelier and restaurant awards, including named to Conde Nast Travelers’ Choice Award 2006 for holding the eighth position among top 50 mainland United States properties.

Room rates are advertised this week on the resort Website for as low as $129 per night per couple, based on a non-refundable, two-night mid-week stay.

Mark McDermott, director of the Fountain Hills/Fort McDowell Visitors Bureau, said he was “disheartened to see this.” CopperWynd’s presence adds to the “quality destination (for visitors) that the town is.”

“It was such an asset. Hopefully it will reopen under new management in the not-too-distant future,” said McDermott.

Suspending lodging at CopperWynd leaves tourists coming to Fountain Hills with three other local options: Holiday Inn and Suites, 130 rooms; Comfort Inn, 48 rooms, and Southwest Inn at Eagle Mountain, 42 rooms. Bedlam Bed and Breakfast provides four guest rooms. Radisson Fort McDowell Resort has 247 rooms.

In 2001, CopperWynd had proposed a major expansion project for an additional 58 hotel rooms and a 15,000-square-foot meeting facility with a two-level parking garage.  

 By closing the resort operations, plus changes related to the club components, DeLong said the hope is to continue operating the club through the recession.

“Our success relies on the continued support of the members to at least the levels we have had over the past six months. With such continued support, we anticipate we will be able to continue to offer all other club facilities and services…and avoid having to suspend any further services or facilities.”

Without a food and beverage staff, member events that have included refreshments will not be held.

DeLong said a search is under way to find a concessionaire to provide casual food at the pool grill. Until a concessionaire comes on board, no food will be available. Alcohol will not be available because of the limitations of the liquor license.

Member spending discounts have been discounted. Member pricing on services and products will be offered with no additional discount, said DeLong.

Beginning Monday, the following changes will become effective, according to DeLong’s letter:

• The fitness club hours will be 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

All currently scheduled fitness classes will remain, assuming the level of members continues.

• Tennis director Mark Sydnor will operate the center with tennis professionals JJ Brooker and Brent Richardson. All programs, lessons and camps will be offered as in the past.

Tennis courts will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Tennis shop will be open for the standard summer hours: 7 a.m. to noon and 5 to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to noon, Saturday and Sunday.

• The Spa will provide a variety of therapies, retail products and nail salon services.

• Both swimming pools will be open. To conserve energy costs, only the main pool will be heated. Pool hours will be 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Additional changes may be forthcoming, said DeLong, and members would be notified as quickly as possible.

Mayor Jay Schlum commented that he hopes the
“hiatus of the beautiful hotel and restaurant is a brief one.”

“It is disappointing and surprising, but given the economy, I know tourism has declined and I am sure that has played a part in this closure.   I will miss Alchemy and I did enjoy CopperWynd every time I was able to visit.  They have a great staff and well run operation.  I feel bad for the staff that might be affected,” said Schlum.