Frank Lloyd Wright would be proud. An American architect and interior designer of renown, Mr. Wright was recognized for thinking outside the box. His organic design philosophy is perfectly suited to the shape of the 2009 Ford Flex. Though this is pure speculation on my part, it wouldn’t surprise me to find out Peter Horbury, Executive Director of Design, Ford North America, took inspiration for the new Flex after making a visit to the ultra-luxurious Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, AZ.

Originally opened in 1929 as the state’s first resort, it was erected entirely out of 'Biltmore Block', a variation on a block used by Mr. Wright to construct various private homes. Block glass walls encourage natural light to cascade into common areas, while a copper roof adorns the resort, a reminder that Arizona is known as the Copper State.

 

 

 

Multiple entrances on both sides of the main building cultivate the desire for guests to socialize in various activities. Tea is served daily in the relaxed elegance of the Lobby Tea Court, while several large TV's and a casual atmosphere make for the perfect place to sit down with a rowdy group of fans and watch the game.

Eight swimming pools provide the ideal setting to catch some sun, or cool off under an umbrella in a lounge chair while watching all the beautiful people watch you. The Paradise Pool combines three pools into one and features a 92-foot water slide, swim-up bar and private cabanas.

The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa offers a total of 739 guest accommodations.

Suites are available in a wide-range of sizes including the Biltmore, Grand, Villa and Presidential. Guest rooms range from the 400 sq. ft 'Classic', with limited views of the mountains, to the larger 500 sq. ft Premier with deluxe views of the grounds, mountains or various swimming pools.

 

 

 

The three-story Ocatilla at Arizona Biltmore opens March 1, 2009. Offering the next level in luxury service, a private check-in area awaits your arrival at the hotel. Once inside, 47 sq. meter Club and Club Deluxe guest rooms feature the latest in luxury and high tech amenities. 

Driving in downtown Phoenix, I was surprised by the number of stares we received. You would think by now, almost everyone would know what a Ford Flex looks like in person. Obviously this wasn’t the case. Steve Nash could not have received as many double-takes as we did.

How best to describe it is still a mystery to many including me. A building block on wheels is one way to think of it, hence the reason why it suits the Arizona Biltmore so perfectly. But no matter how you portray its outer appearance, it is safe to say the new Ford Flex is the ultimate 4-door CUV for a family of 3-7 people.

On the road, the Ford Flex is a dream to drive as we found out on a trip from San Diego to Phoenix and back to Newport Beach, CA. Thirteen hour’s total driving time left everyone impressed with the ride quality, space, refinements and fuel economy. If I were in the market for this type of vehicle, the Ford Flex would be at the top of my list. 

 

 
Performance comes in the form of a 3.5L 24-valve V6 engine. It produces 262 horsepower @ 6250 rpm and 248 lb.-ft at 4600 rpm.

Four-wheel independent suspension with power rack and pinion steering translates into an excellent drive experience.

The Flex is not a sport sedan by any means, but it also isn’t a whale that rolls from side-to-side as is the case with several other, taller CUV’s. Instead, the Ford Flex feels solid, even when changing lanes quickly or taking beautiful dessert road corner a little too fast for everyone, except the driver’s, comfort level.

Inside, the Limited version we drove featured leather seating surfaces, navigation system, power seats and power'glass moonroof, front dual and rear area temperature adjustment, premium audio sound and storage areas in abundance. Legroom, headroom and personal space is excellent throughout.

After a long day of travel, the Spa at the Arizona Biltmore is the perfect place to unwind. The expert staff at this 22,000 sq. ft. facility makes full use of the many indigenous ingredients such as aloe and rosemary. Indoor and two outdoor treatment rooms plus multiple spa pools mean less waiting and more healing time for guests looking to rejuvenate.

 

 

 

 

Two unique golf courses are on the resort property. The Links and Adobe challenge players of all skill levels. When the day winds down, dining at the Arizona Biltmore is meant to be savored and not hurried in anyway. Wright's, the signature restaurant for the resort, is the setting for a light breakfast or fine dining.

The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa is referred to as the 'Jewel of the Dessert'. Frank Lloyd Wright designed it as a unique destination in a sometimes barren landscape. The Ford Flex is likewise a distinctive appearing vehicle different from the rest.
Where to Stay:

2400 East Missouri Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Tel: 602.955.6600

2009 Ford Flex
Wheelbase: 2,994 mm
Overall length: 5,125 mm
Engine: DOHC 3.5L, 24-valve V6 engine
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Steering: Power rack and pinion
Brakes: Power 4-disc, ABS
Fuel Economy, city'highway: 13.5'9.2 L'100 km
Air Bags: 2 front, 2 side, side curtain 
Warranty: 3 years, 60,000 km basic
Competitors: Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander
MSRP: $35,499- $43,499