IN SEARCH OF THE IDEAL MOUNTAIN ESCAPE
Resurrecting the Amberian/Peaks Lodge
A story about Don and Ann Poyas, owners/innkeepers and their Amberian Peaks Lodge and Conference Center, Greer, ArizonaAfter their corporate executive jobs ended on the East Coast in February, 2004, Don and Ann Poyas decided to return to their first love, hospitality. In years past, this charismatic couple had operated a luxury charter sailboat operation off the Pacific Coast on Catalina Island. They were eager to return to the innkeeper lifestyle they loved and set out to find what Ann called, “the perfect lodge, a place of uncommon beauty, four-season recreation, quiet elegance and comfort… a place to call ‘home’,” where they could pursue that bed and breakfast brand of hospitality that Don and Ann so appreciate when they traveled. When they discovered an abandoned mountain lodge, nestled in the pines and aspens of Amberian Point (mountain) overlooking the village of Greer in the White Mountains of Arizona, Ann described it as, “Love at first sight.”The Poyas’ describe it as an ideal setting, tucked off Main Street (Hwy 373) at the south end of Greer, with the Little Colorado River running through the property, no road noise with that secluded, ‘escape from everything’ feeling. Originally known as “Amberian Point Lodge,” this 22,500 square feet lodge had been renovated in 1995, combining contemporary southwest flavor (that lent itself to Ann’s taste in decorating) with warm mountain ambiance that included a two story stone faced fireplace in the lodge’s great room. The Poyas’ realized that with some hard work the possibilities were endless, including transforming a crass and worn dining room into a fine dining restaurant. They made an offer, purchased the property on September 30, 2004 and set about to transform this neglected but charming lodge into their vision of a secluded mountain hideaway by December 15th, a mere two and a half months later. The Poyas’ knew it was an ambitious project, but doable in their opinion. New furniture, linens, carpet, paint, decorations, fencing, repairs, upgrades, new equipment and a thorough cleaning were only part of their giant undertaking. They had to assemble a staff of employees from a limited employment pool, convey their vision, wade through a mountain of obstacles and logistical barriers, and train employees in every aspect of lodge management including fine dining service by mid-December. But faced with this seemingly insurmountable task, they were blessed to find and place in action a terrific team of employees who met every challenge with enthusiasm and determination as Don boasts while pointing to his staff of eleven.By December 14, they were ready. Their lodge glowed with warm fires and fine Arizona art and collectibles, sparkling clean and spacious rooms with modern conveniences including satellite TV, DVD and VHS players, terry-velour robes and triple sheeted beds. The dining room danced with the brilliance of white linen tablecloths and china, with majestic mountain and valley views as its backdrop. Executive Chef Nelson stood by with an outstanding menu of delicious dishes and the entire staff wore warm smiles and more than a little pride in all their efforts.And so they have continued to grow and improve. They added twin spas placed on an elevated deck looking out over the valley, a sauna, and fitness room for their adult guests. A game room with pool table, air hockey and pin-ball, and a video and game library provides hours of entertainment for young and old after exploring Greer and the White Mountains. They established a guest lounge with round-the-clock hot beverages, snacks, and a computer center and Wi-Fi accessibility for all their guests. In-room massages are available for guests by appointment and their staff enjoys providing area travel, sports and sightseeing tips for those desiring to take advantage of the wide variety of outdoor activities including fishing (both lake and stream), hiking, horseback riding, skiing, sledding, cross country skiing, wildlife viewing, stargazing, Petrified Forest, Painted Desert and Indian Reservation sightseeing and visiting historical sights. Their guest log shows that folks have come from near and far, welcomed to their home-style retreat. The Poyas’ feel they have the “best of all worlds.” Far from the glitz, concrete and crowds of most travel destination, “The Peaks” offers seclusion, refreshingly friendly service, mountain-style amenities, breathtaking scenery, and ample opportunities for relaxation. The Amberian Peaks provides an unforgettable setting for weddings, retreats, group events and conferences. The lodge and cabin accommodations can sleep up to seventy guests in sixteen units ranging from rooms, to penthouse suites, to cabins. The Peaks provides all-inclusive packages, banquets, seminars and team building programs. The Amberian Peaks offers its unique, gourmet, picnic basket lunches and a map for getaways right out their back door and into the National Forest hiking trails. Spread your picnic blanket out beside the East Fork of the Little Colorado River and take home memories of an unforgettable nature experience. If you watch their calendar, you can join in on one of The Peaks fun and exciting events include a madcap Murder Mystery dinner party that can be attended as a Saturday evening event or as a complete weekend package. With outrageously fun, gourmet food, plenty of excitement, and fabulous door prizes, The Peaks Murder Mystery Parties are “to die for.”To discover more about the Amberian Peaks Lodge and Conference Center, visit their web site at www.peaksaz.com or phone the Lodge at 1-800-556-9997. Let them help you plan your “great escape.” Amberian Peaks Lodge and Restaurant
PO Box 1, Greer, AZ 85927 928 735-9977
www.peaksaz.com
