Phoenix Spas history

After retiring in 1925, he purchased 65 acres near the base of Camelback Mountain, building a 3,500-square-foot Spanish Colonial mansion where he settled with his wife, Florence, and son, Chauncey.

Evans gave 12 acres to her son and daughter-in-law, who built a unique adobe house on the land in 1926, expanding it over the years to accommodate visitors for tea, and eventually, overnight guests.

Royal Palms first debuted in 1929 as the winter home of New York financier Delos Willard Cooke.

After Cooke’s untimely death in 1931, the home was sold to a series of private parties, who added various rooms, including an in-house chapel.

When it ended up in the hands of Al Stovall, the former band leader eventually transitioned it to an inn, building 15 casitas and booking the first reservations in 1948.

In 1985 Charles Keating had a vision to build a multi-million dollar luxury resort that would display the elegance and sophistication of Europe, standing out as a sparkling gem in the Sonoran Desert.

The 1992 television movie "Sunstroke," was filmed at Royal Palms.

In 1995, local Arizona businessman Fred Unger purchased the landmark property and went about the task of restoring Royal Palms to its original charm and elegance.

In October 1996, the Canyon Suites building was completed.

In Spring 2007 following a $5.5 million renovation, The Canyon Suites debuted as Arizona’s only boutique resort within a resort.

August 2016 unveiled The Canyon Suites in a new style of luxury, following a complete renovation of the interior as well as outdoor amenities.