A roundup of what’s new on the resort scene
As temperatures cool in the Sonoran Desert, the destination has a variety of new experiences for travelers looking to escape the cold – or hustle and bustle at home – this winter.
THE BIG NEWS: As of this month, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch is unveiling its highly anticipated $115 million property-wide renovation and rebrand to Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort, marking the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Arizona. The newly reimagined luxury resort with 496 rooms invites guests to connect with the captivating spirit of the American Southwest, complemented by six distinct, elevated dining concepts in partnership with celebrity chef Richard Blais, as well as a refreshed 10-acre pool complex and Spa Avania.
Tucked within the Sonoran Desert and Bradshaw Mountains, Castle Hot Springs reveals a new slate of 2024-25 programming that embraces the healing power of nature. As Arizona’s first wellness resort in the late 1890s and a member of Historic Hotels of America, Castle Hot Springs now offers the “Connecting with Water” tour, to discover the history, geology and therapeutic benefits of its mineral-rich hot springs. Additionally, the new “Wellness Through Water” package features mindful soaking, a private 60-minute Watsu treatment and hot springs. The resort’s Farm-to-Bar curriculum also expands with the Molecular Mixology class using fresh, farm-grown ingredients from resort crops.
Winter is prime time for pickleball in the desert and the Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale has added full-time pickleball instructor, David Rogers to its roster of sports professionals. Guests can join Rogers for lessons on one of the resort’s 12 pickleball courts and find “Pickleball Stay & Play” packages, which include nightly accommodations, court time, and food and beverage credits. In conjunction, the spa will offer “pickleball pampering” for players, topped off by “pickleball perfect cocktails and provisions” at the Grill Kitchen & Bar.
The 23-acre luxury oasis, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows is host to a honeybee hive and two wild bee homes, as part of an onsite beekeeping program in partnership with Alvéole. By installing beehives on the property, Andaz takes part in the movement for more eco-conscious cities and nature-based solutions to support urban biodiversity and engage the community. The bees pollinate the surrounding urban flora during the summer and at the end of the season, the honey is harvested for limited-time-only culinary and cocktail creations at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen.
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
