Westwind Enterprises
All sites are spacious and big-rig friendly for seasonal or annual stays.
Words by Steve Fennell
When we spoke to Joyce Hahn of the Westwind RV and Golf Resort in the Fortuna Valley, just east of Yuma, AZ, the resort manager regaled a comment she was once told by a visiting snowbird: “When we stay at an RV resort for the winter, we prefer to enjoy a community atmosphere and on-site services without ever having to leave the grounds.”
According to Hahn, the Westwind RV and Golf Resort meets these demands - so much so that it has a 90 to 100 percent return rate among Canadian snowbirds with an increasing number of new guests every winter. A testament to its popularity, this Arizona destination makesz a lot of effort to ensure its guests are comfortable and all of their needs are met among its grounds for the duration of their stay.
Many services, shopping and dining opportunities are in the foothills of the Fortuna Valley on the east side of Yuma. However, with the resort’s popular on-site Westwind Bar and Grill, swimming pool, well-groomed, nine-hole golf course, plus pickleball courts, social activities - even a massage therapist and hair salon - short trips to Fortuna or Yuma can be as infrequent as guests prefer.
Westwind Enterprises
Pickleball is very popular and guests can expect great matches during the 2023/2034 season.
The restaurant is owned and operated by resort management and is just one of the go-to social hot spots. With its professional chef, the restaurant serves daily specials, select seafood, chops, pasta, Mexican cuisine and more. Upon request, the chef has been known to prepare exclusive meals for guests if specific ingredients are available.
“We are very personable with our guests,” says Hahn. “Throughout the snowbird season, we schedule themed parades, festive socials, dinner theatres, and a variety of activities during the week - from pickleball and golf tournaments to line dancing and jewelry-making classes.”
Some other special events, activities, and amenities include:
- Mardi Gras Parade and festivities
- St Patty’s Day Parade and festivities
- ‘Western Days’ with a chilli cook-off
- Live Saturday night tribute concerts including Paul McCartney, Reba McIntyre, Ray Orbison and Jimmy Buffett for the 2023/2024 season.
- Health and Wellness checks
- Friday night dances
- Live poolside entertainment on Saturdays (with a BBQ) and Sundays
- Ceramics and yoga classes
- Monthly craft fairs
- Vehicle washing that’s available once a week
Westwind Enterprises
Relax poolside or enjoy the on-site restaurant. Both are go-to social hotspots.
Through 2023, Hahn explained the resort introduced several events including a car show, rubber ducky race and ‘Pet Palooza.’ For the 2024 season, expect to enjoy a new fashion show, talent contest and mystery murder party, entitled Trailer Park Tragedy.
The resort also supports many local non-profit organizations such as the Wreaths Across America and the Shriners.
Expect Even More for 2023/2024
The grounds of the Westwind span across 28-plus ha (70-plus ac) and with 1107 sites (60 percent are park model rentals) there’s a choice of pull-through or back-in locations. All RV sites have 30- and 50-amp power, cable, and WiFi. There’s also ample space for a tow/towed vehicle, a golf cart or bicycles, and outdoor living comfort. Carports are permitted, but storage sheds are allowed only for those with an annual site.
Westwind Enterprises
Practise and play your game on the well-groomed nine-hole golf course.
With a focus on continued comfort and convenience this snowbird season, Hahn explained renovations to the restaurant’s kitchen are in the works for more efficiency, while a fifth pickleball court is expected to be completed by January 1, 2024. Guests should also expect to see a resurfaced pool area and an additional fitness centre. Plans are currently being drawn up for an automatic gate system at the east entrance for its residents.
“Right now, we are offering seasonal RV site packages from September through to December for $899 (USD), which is very reasonable,” explained Hahn. “In addition, we offer an annual/12-month rate for $5,000 (USD) and also have three- and four-month discounted rates in the fall and winter through to spring.”
With extra amenities like three dog parks, golf leagues, plus a variety of activities, the Westwind RV and Golf Resort serves snowbirds well by providing everything they need right on its grounds all winter.