Getting to the Pointe in Phoenix

Vacationers to the Phoenix area looking for a good deal in luxury accommodations might want to get right to the Pointe--get to one of three Pointe resorts in Arizona’s Valley of the Sun.

The three all-suite Pointe Resorts are offering a new “prime-time” package year-round to those 50 and over.

The Pointe resorts include The Pointe at South Mountain, with 640 suites, an 18-hole golf course, six pools and lighted tennis courts; The Pointe at Tapatio Cliffs, 584 suites, 18-hole golf course, six pools and lighted tennis, and The Pointe at Squaw Peak, 554 suites, seven pools, tennis and golf privileges at the other two resorts.

Prime-timers get daily rates for a plush two-room suite from $60 single and $70 double to $120 single and $130 double, depending on the season. Regular rates for the same accommodations are $120 to $235.

The special prime-time rate is subject to room availability and has other restrictions. Rates are not available to groups, for example, and taxes and gratuities are not included.

In addition to the two-room suite the prime-time rate includes a daily cooked-to-order breakfast at any Pointe dining establishment and a management-hosted cocktail reception each evening at pool-side.

Each Pointe suite has a separate living room with a stocked wet bar and refrigerator. French doors open to a private balcony for a view of the mountains or city lights. Some suites have fireplaces.

Each resort offers well-furnished exercise rooms, whirlpools, saunas, game and recreation rooms, bicycles for rent, plus racquetball, horseback riding and an aqua-aerobics class. Each also has a concierge to help with sightseeing or other personal pursuits.

The Pointe resorts have a themed dining establishment. There’s also entertainment and dancing in Pointe lounges.

Prime-time rates, now to Jan. 6, are $100 single, $110 double. That compares to regular rates starting at $195. During peak season, Jan. 7 to April 28, prime-time rates will be $120 single, $130 double, with regular rates starting at $235.

From April 29 to May 19, prime-timers pay $90 single, $100 double, compared to the regular $150. From May 20 to Oct. 22 it will be $60 single, $70 double, against a regular $120. After Oct. 23, 1990, rates start to climb again.

With programs of this type, which usually are only offered for a limited number of rooms, the key is early reservations and the willingness to move vacation dates subject to room availability.

For more information or reservations, contact your travel agent or call the central Pointe office toll-free at (800) 528-0428.

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The “Fit Over Fifty” skiing program enters its fourth year with expanded special ski/seminar weeks at Aspen Highlands in Colorado and the resorts surrounding Alta in Utah.

A typical week includes morning seminars on stress management, nutrition, second careers and a health profile. Afterward there’s skiing in the afternoon. Included are a video analysis of individual skiing, ski races and a picnic.

“No ski group will be larger than six students,” program director Dale Luoma said.

The Alta program is set for Jan. 20-26, with participants able to ski Alta, Snowbird, Park City and Deer Valley. The Aspen Highlands program, Feb. 3-9, offers skiing at Buttermilk, Aspen and Snowmass.

Cost of the Fit Over Fifty ski/seminar weeks is $995 per person, double occupancy, $1,395 single. It includes lodging and daily breakfasts in addition to the seminars and skiing.

The programs start on Sunday evening with a welcoming cocktail party and end Friday with an awards banquet. There are also special packages for cross-country skiers, as well as those who wish to take the seminars but skip the skiing.

Transportation to either Aspen or Alta is not included.

For more information on the Fit Over Fifty ski program, write to the Institute for Success Over Sixty, P.O. Box 160, Aspen, Colo. 81612, or call Dale Luoma at (303) 925-2631.