CINDY AND MIKE WATTS RECEIVE 2025 HISTORIC HOTELS OF AMERICA® LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ON BEHALF OF CASTLE SPRINGS

Historic Hotels of America® is pleased to announce that Cindy and Mike Watts were honored as recipients of the 2025 Historic Hotels of America Lifetime Achievement Award this October. The award recognizes the significant contributions of Cindy and Mike Watts as owners, preservationists, and philanthropists dedicated to revitalizing historic places, including Castle Hot Springs in Morristown, Arizona. 

Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. The Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence honor historic preservation and timeless hospitality at historic hotels in various categories each year.

The 2025 Historic Hotels of America Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Cindy and Mike Watts at the Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Gala during the 2025 Hotels Annual Conference at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle on October 30, 2025, in front of an audience of owners, general managers, and other senior decision makers representing many of the finest historic hotels from across the United States of America and from around the world. 

The 2025 Historic Hotels of America Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Cindy and Mike Watts in recognition of their passion, dedication, personal efforts, and financial support of the preservation, restoration, recognition, and celebration of Castle Hot Springs, a 1,100-acre oasis in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. Castle Hot Springs, established in 1896 and inducted into Historic Hotels of America in 2024, has been fortunate to receive numerous accolades over recent years, and much of this success is due to their steadfast commitment to preserving the historical integrity and legacy of this iconic and legendary hotel. Their vision for bringing this important Arizona treasure back to life, combined with preserving both the history and natural beauty of Castle Hot Springs, is noteworthy and the paramount reason future guests will be able to experience its grandeur.

“Historic Hotels of America is honored to recognize Cindy and Mike Watts for being exemplary role models, especially for being deeply invested in fostering a sense of community and heritage, always ensuring that their collective work reflects a commitment to local culture and the long-term preservation of Castle Hot Springs,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “Their leadership has left a lasting impact, which makes both of them deserving of the 2025 Historic Hotels of America Lifetime Achievement Award for their outstanding contributions to Historic Hotels of America and the preservation of one of the finest, iconic, and legendary historic hotels and its many stories.”

“We are truly honored to receive the 2025 Historic Hotels of America Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition is a deeply meaningful affirmation of what has always been most important to us: preserving Castle Hot Springs as a place where history lives on and future generations can connect,” said Cindy and Mike Watts. “From the moment we first set foot on its grounds, it has been a source of inspiration, and it has been our privilege to help ensure its story endures. To be counted among so many remarkable stewards of history is both humbling and profoundly gratifying.” 

Their collective efforts have led to transformative renovations that go beyond physical enhancements. Through their creative vision, they have created spaces that respect and honor the past while offering a sophisticated and welcoming experience that connects guests to Castle Hot Spring’s unique story and place as Arizona’s first wellness resort. Their approach has restored Castle Hot Springs into a vibrant, iconic, and legendary resort that continues to enrich its community culturally and economically. Importantly, they have preserved Castle Hot Springs' treasured past and stories by commissioning and creating, as executive producers, Castle Hot Springs: Oasis of Time, the Rocky Mountain Emmy® Award Winner for Best Historical Documentary.

Cindy and Mike Watts have also achieved success in civic involvement and philanthropy. This includes their enduring commitment to Arizona State University’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, as well as their support of Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, the YMCA, the Arizona Humane Society, and many other organizations that address social causes and provide vital support. These are just a few examples of their ongoing commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities across Arizona. 

The 2025 Historic Hotels Annual Conference was held from October 28-31 at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, Washington. The much-anticipated 2025 Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence Ceremony & Gala took place during the conference on October 30 at 7 p.m.