Travelers are back for views, monuments and adventures of the Grand Circle.
This high desert haven is perched above the expansive Page/Grand Canyon/Lake Powell zone, known as the Grand Circle, where stone can be swirled into timeless art pieces, rain showers drift across the pastel plateau and sparkling blue water beckons the outdoor recreationist.
Nearly five million visitors arrived at this destination in pre-pandemic 2019 and Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell General Manager Nadia Santacruz says 2022 is on track for another amazing year in tourism.
“Page has been discovered by visitors all over the world,” she said. “The beautiful slot canyon, Antelope Canyon, is the No. 1 attraction. It’s an amazing experience. You feel like you are completely outside of this world.”
Visitors also want to go to Horseshoe Bend or kayak, boat, stand-up paddle and explore the area’s many national parks and scenic byways. “Lake Powell is a family destination,” said Santacruz. “For some, it’s a tradition to visit every year, stay on the lake in houseboats or stay in our hotel and go back and forth to the lake and other destinations.”
After a big day of discovery, Hyatt Place guests can enjoy a dip in the heated outdoor pool, relax on the open-air patio with boundless high desert views or return to spacious, suite-style rooms with separate places to sleep and work. The vibe is both relaxed and sophisticated.
Despite the number of people wanting to explore, there are no big hotels in Page. That’s one of the reasons why Hyatt Place is so popular. Another reason is the atmosphere – stylishly trendy, insanely clean and authentically Southwestern. Santacruz’s influence is undeniable.
Santacruz grew up in Sonora, Mexico, making meals with her mother and grandmother using local spices and fresh produce. She folds those cherished memories, signature flavors and treasured family recipes into the menu of the hotel’s Prickly Pear Kitchen.
“We are Southwestern influenced and inspired. The soup is from scratch, the tortillas and tacos are from scratch, the sauces and dressings are from scratch. Nothing is better than home-cooked food. It is also the healthier way to go. We use unique ingredients and take special care. For example, we roast the jalapenos and tomatillos to give them that sharp flavor you are not going to find anywhere else.”
That passion for getting it right wafts into every part of the hotel. Santacruz was hired to help open Hyatt Place in 2018. She came from the nearby resort of Amangiri, where she served as the food and beverage manager and took care of guests like Kobe Bryant, Suzanne Somers, and Victoria and David Beckham and their family.
She says she is living her dream. “I started when the walls were not built. I feel very emotionally attached to this property. We put in all the furniture and flooring and went from zero to opening the doors. It was a good experience.”
A good experience is what she wishes for all guests and employees. “I am 100% proud of my team from housekeeping to the kitchen to the front desk. They do a tremendous job. They have been here through the pandemic and are the backbone of the property. We could not be successful without their hard work.” QCBN
By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN
For information about Hyatt Place, reservations and seasonal packages, visit PageLakePowell.Place.Hyatt.com.
