Resort Renovations ~ Signature Spas ~ Delectable Dining ~ World-Class Golf… and more!
Imagine a desert oasis where you can pamper your body at a luxurious resort spa, engage your mind at a world- renowned museum of Native American art, and take in some of the world’s finest golf. A place where shopping is an art form and activities abound in the lush Sonoran Desert. Well, Scottsdale is that place.
PAINTING A PICTURE OF THE “WEST’S MOST WESTERN TOWN”
Come January 2015, put on your cowboy boots and bolo tie and mosey on over to the long-awaited Scottsdale Museum of the West (www.scottsdalemuseumwest.org). The “West’s Most Western Town” will pay tribute to its roots with the opening of a museum that tells the story of history’s notable pioneers and frontier expansion. Through its five galleries showcasing paintings, sculptures and cultural artifacts, the museum will depict the ever-evolving American West, from cowboys on horseback to historic roads like Route 66.
GEARING UP FOR SUPERBOWL XLIX
In 2015, Arizona will again play host to the biggest sporting event of the year— the Super Bowl. And Scottsdale will be at the center of the party as the big game coincides with the final day of the PGA Tour’s biggest tournament, the Waste Management Phoenix Open (www.wmphoenixopen.com). Get ready for celebrity sightings and unparalleled access to event venues and football coverage.
Scottsdale Fan Fest will be the home of the ESPN live broadcast outside Scottsdale Fashion Square (www.fashionsquare.com), the largest shopping mall in the Southwest. Stop by to see live sports coverage and partake in the food, games and fashion. Scottsdale Fan Fest will be in the heart of the downtown district with plenty of shopping and dining. Scottsdale Fashion Square will also host the NFL Wives Fashion Show.
AQUARIUM JOINS LINEUP OF NEW ATTRACTIONS
In fall 2015, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale will be home to the largest aquarium in the Southwest. The 16-acre OdySea Aquarium (www.odyseainthedesert.com) will break ground this summer, in the OdySea in the Desert complex, a hotbed of family friendly attractions. OdySea Aquarium promises guests a high-tech, high-entertainment, oceanic adventure.
DOWNTOWN CLUB HUB PERFECTED
Described as a “desert version of Miami’s South Beach” by The New York Times, downtown Scottsdale is the place for chef-driven restaurants, fine art galleries, unparalleled shopping and, of course, sizzling nightlife. With new development coming on the scene, Scottsdale’s nightlife district promises to impress clubbing vixens far and wide. And the area is sure to be prime real estate during Super Bowl 2015 festivities.
AERIAL TOURS TAKE VISITORS TO NEW HEIGHTS
Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert as you’ve never done before – from the air. Desert Splash Seaplane Adventures (www.desertsplashadventures.com) takes you to new heights during aerial tours showcasing Arizona’s stunning landscapes.
SEEK ADVENTURE AND LUXURY IN ONE SPOT
Get a taste of the cowboy life at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale) with the Cowboy for a Day experience. You kick off the experience with a boot and hat fitting in preparation for the “no-frills”Arizona Cowboy College (www.cowboycollege.com), a working cattle ranch. You then spend the day learning the ropes of horse-handling, round-up, doctoring and more. Afterward, rest and relaxation await at the Four Seasons as you dive in to a campfire dinner catered by the resort and listen to tales of the Old West from a cowboy crooner.
ARTISTIC RENAISSANCE IN FULL BLOOM
Downtown Scottsdale is like an outdoor, walking museum with nearly 50 eye-catching public art pieces thanks to Scottsdale Public Art (www.scottsdalepublicart.org). Check out the 10 most celebrated pieces during a self-guided 60-minute walking tour that includes significant sites such as the Soleri Bridge and Plaza (www.soleribridge.com), which serves as a landmark of downtown’s Scottsdale Waterfront. The bridge’s 64-foot-long steel clad pylons jut into the air and cast shadows on both the bridge and Arizona Canal, an ancient Indian Hohokam canal, tracking solar events such as the winter solstice and solar noon. Or, stand inside a kaleidoscope created by three 29-foot-tall mirrored panels at Donald Lipski’s “The Doors.” A variety of Western statues, dramatic equestrian fountains and interactive installations will keep you moving through downtown. Expect to see more statues, sculptures and installations in the months to come.
NEW, RENOVATED PROPERTIES SPEAKEASY MEETS SPA
Knock on the Castilian-style doors and whisper the secret password to access the new bespoke luxury spa experience at Joya Spa at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia (www.montelucia.com). Joya Spa captures the exclusivity and secrecy of a speakeasy with a wellness-inspired and romantic twist with the unveiling of Puerta Privada – meaning ‘private door’ in Spanish. Puerta Privada gives you exclusive access to the renowned spa’s myriad offerings after hours. Once spa-goers have gone home refreshed and massaged, your night begins. A butler guides you and your significant other to a luxurious spa suite situated along the terrace, complete with private pool. Relax in the Moroccan-inspired setting with Camelback Mountain as your backdrop. An acoustic guitarist performs for you and your loved one all evening.
PRINCESS UNDERGOES ROYAL RENOVATION
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (www.scottsdaleprincess.com) celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013, further elevating its status as one of Scottsdale’s premier properties with $25 million in renovations for its meeting spaces, dining concepts, retail venues, spa and exteriors. The Princess’ latest round of refurbishments wrapped up a five-year, $60 million capital investment project of the resort.
DOWNTOWN’s MID-CENTURY MODERN HOTEL
El Dorado Scottsdale (www.eldoradoscottsdale.com) opened for business in September 2012 as a hotel with a fresh, timeless look for its 33 apartment-style rooms. Built in 1960, El Dorado Scottsdale is located in a decorative downtown neighborhood on a palm tree-lined block characterized by 1950s and ‘60s design, with native stone walls, balconies and courtyards with swimming pools, and lush grass lawns. El Dorado Scottsdale’s owners have kept much of its original design, including soft turquoise kitchen tiles and retro appliances, but have added eclectic furniture and other modern-day touches. Most of the suites are two- bedroom, but some one-bedrooms available as well.
SCOTTSDALE’S ONLY BED AND BREAKFAST OPENS
Experience the laid-back ambiance of Scottsdale’s newest and quaintest downtown property, BeSpoke Inn, Café and Bicycles (www.bespokeinn.com), which opened in January 2013. As Scottsdale’s only bed and breakfast, the four-room inn offers a tailored experience for visitors seeking elegance and privacy while staying in Scottsdale’s buzzing epicenter.
MEDITTERANEAN MAKEOVER IN THE DESERT
The Royal Palms Resort and Spa (www.royalpalmshotel.com), a longtime favorite of Scottsdale visitors for its Mediterranean-style architecture and picture-perfect views of Camelback Mountain, further elevated its status with a $1.2 million renovation of the property’s Valencia Casitas in late 2012 and the debut of the all- new T. Cooks in September 2013. The 30 casitas, nestled in the resort’s Valencia Gardens, were updated with a new color palette, custom-made furniture, and a complete revitalization of the bathrooms.
CULINARY SCENE GOLDEN AGE OF CULINARY
In Scottsdale, eating is so much more than just basic means of survival. This culinary oasis was the No. 2 “Foodie City, 2014” by Livability.com. Rankings were determined by exploring U.S. cities that had most established farmer’s markets (check), restaurants that use locally grown ingredients (check), and cities with the most critically acclaimed chefs, restaurants, and winners of James Beard Foundation Awards (check, check, and check!). Scottsdale’s restaurant scene is finally getting the recognition it deserves, but the city has been home to incredible restaurants for ages with more than 600 options to choose from. There’s a place for every taste bud in Scottsdale – old favorites and new spots alike.
CHOW DOWN
Chef-driven restaurants have dominated Scottsdale’s culinary scene for the past several years. Still, foodies have been “chomping” at the bit for new hangouts from notable chefs. Well, their wish is our command. Executive Chef Michael Dei Maggi joined forces with Joey Maggiore, son of Tomaso Maggiore of Phoenix’s Tomaso’s, at Cuttlefish Ocean Kitchen (www.cuttlefishscottsdale.com) to provide Scottsdale with ocean- inspired Italian cuisine. The restaurant opened in December 2013. Even in this landlocked city, the menu features coastal Italian dishes such as Octopus Sopressata and Live Catalina Sea Urchin made with environmentally-conscious seafood flown in daily.
SCOTTSDALE – SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED
Scottsdale loves to shake things up when it comes to crafting cocktails. And there’s no better place to sip on a martini than jade Bar at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain (www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com), which debuted its sleek, expanded new look in October 2013. Named one of the best bars in America by Esquire magazine, this chic lounge underwent a major renovation that nearly doubles its seating both inside and out, while maintaining its signature feature: floor-to-ceiling windows that offer incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valley. Cozy up with a friend or loved one at the stand-up drink bar – made of authentic jade– or on the patio, featuring a retractable shade, heaters and a fireplace.
A GASTRONOMICAL TOUR
Embark on a cross-country road trip at Proof, a new American Canteen that opened in November 2012 at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale). Featuring home-style comfort fare sourced entirely from the 50 states, this relaxed restaurant draws upon Arizona’s frontier history and local ingredients such as Maya Farms veggies, Sunizona tomatoes and Gila Bend shrimp. Classic American favorites populate the menu, including fried green tomatoes and chicken and waffles, and drinks include wine, microbrews, and small batch and craft distilled American spirits.
SCOTTSDALE MAKES WINE EXPLORATION EASY
Let Detours of Arizona (www.detoursaz.com) guide you on a day-long exploration of Arizona’s newest wine community in the scenic Verde Valley just south of Sedona. This fully guided tour features stops at four wineries and highlights some of Sedona’s most picturesque landmarks including Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock and Airport Mesa Overlook. Beyond the views, you’ll likely meet one or more of the winery owners who will relay their passion for Arizona wines. Taste full bodied red and crisp white varieties during this full-day tour, which costs $170 per guest and includes luxury ground transportation, guide services, wine tasting and lunch.
WORLD-CLASS GOLF NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
For the first time since it opened in 1986, TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course will undergo a complete makeover. The crews at TPC Scottsdale will be working diligently this summer to complete the ambitious seven month, $12 million renovation of the Stadium Course and Clubhouse. Plans call for resurfacing all greens, renovating all of the bunkers and tees, and augmenting the challenge and playability of select holes. In addition, the Stadium Course will have new cart paths and enhanced landscaping. And of course, the Clubhouse will get a facelift as well with upgraded décor and amenities. The facilities are scheduled to reopen Nov. 14, 2014.
SCOTTSDALE CVB NEWS DESERT I DO’S
Looking for the perfect destination wedding spot? The perfect Scottsdale wedding is at your fingertips with the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau’s new wedding planning website (www.experiencescottsdale.com/weddings-honeymoons/). Browse the bureau’s Wedding Guide, which includes ideas on where to shop for the big day, catering options, and most importantly, a variety of properties and venues that range in size and price.
FEEL THE RUSH OF THE SONORAN DESERT
With 330 days of sunshine, Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert offers adrenaline junkies the chance to powerchute, hike or speed through the desert on a Tomcar all year long. Plan your adventure-filled vacation with just a few clicks at www.adventureinscottsdale.com. Peruse through lists of outfitters, such as 360 Adventures (www.360-adventures.com), a tour company that offers guided rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking and canyoneering, and Green Zebra Adventures (www.gogreenzebra.com), where you’re navigating the desert’s rugged terrain in a Tomcar.
