Arizona Resorts and Spas

• Greater Phoenix and Central Arizona
• North Central Arizona
• Tucson and Southern Arizona
• Arizona’s West Coast

Greater Phoenix and Central Arizona

Four Seasons Scottsdale breaks ground on renovations

On July 9, 2007, the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North broke ground on a $14 million renovation project that includes a complete casita guest room and suite makeover as well as a transformation of the lobby, lobby lounge, and Acacia restaurant. The resort’s 210 guest rooms will feature new custom furnishings and accessories in a color palette of purples, pinks and oranges that reflect the full bloom of the Sonoran Desert. Technological advancements will include installation of wireless internet, flat screen televisions, MP3 player docking stations and electronic private bars.

For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale or call (480) 515-5700. For media information only, contact Kim Cole at kim.cole@fourseasons.com or (480) 513-5049.

BLT Steak to debut in Scottsdale at Camelback Inn

As part of its $45 million renovation, Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa is opening BLT Steak in spring 2008. The restaurant will be the first outpost of the acclaimed BLT restaurant group in the Southwest United States. Helmed by award-winning chef Laurent Tourondel, BLT Steak will showcase his modern American steakhouse concept and signature blend of American flair with French classicism.

Camelback Inn broke ground on the renovation on April 30, 2007 and will remain open during the 10-month construction project. The renovation also includes a reinvention of the main building, a complete rebuild of the ballroom, a more welcoming arrival, and a soothing experiential courtyard with water and fire elements for guests to enjoy.

For information visit www.thelegendgrows.com or call (800) 24-CAMEL. For media information only, contact Gina Masullo at gina@njfpr.com or (212) 228-1500.

Royal Palms Unveils New Alavadora Spa Suites as part of the Montavista Collection

As part of a $12 million renovation, the Royal Palms Resort and Spa now boasts seven unique spa suites. This new level of accommodation, centered on the spa lifestyle traveler, offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the Scottsdale marketplace. Custom-designed by world-renowned spa designer, Sylvia Sepielli (most known for her designs at Spa Grande at Grand Wailea Resort in Maui, Hawaii; Ojai Valley Inn’s Spa Ojai in Ojai, Calif.; Mii Amo at Echantment Resort in Sedona, Ariz.), the spa suites encourage guests to place their focus on relaxation and restoration.

The spa portion of the guest suite is seamlessly transitioned into the comfort of the room to address flexibility and endurance attributes with dumbbells and yoga mat. Guests staying in the spa suites also are entitled to special services including exclusive in-room spa treatments such as the luxurious Savasana body treatment, and innovative therapies utilizing color, vibration and light.

For more information, visit www.RoyalPalmsResortandSpa.com or call (602) 840-3610. For media information only, contact Sally Cooper at sally@sallycooperandcompany.com or (480) 946-9446.

Caleo Resort & Spa Debuts as Firesky Resort & Spa

On April 5, 2007, Caleo Resort & Spa debuted with a new name and look. The resort was purchased by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in December 2005 and has been undergoing renovations and enhancements to elevate the property to Kimpton’s signature brand style, services and amenities. The new FireSky Resort & Spa tells the story of the four elements of nature – fire, water, earth, and air. The resort includes new features such as a bold, contemporary decor, a soaring lobby and lounge dominated by a towering 28-foot-tall fireplace, free Wi-Fi resort-wide, yoga and meditation TV channels, and the signature “Forgot it? We got it” service.

Taggia, a full-service restaurant adjacent to the lounge, serves up the coastal Italian cuisine of Chef Claudio Urciuoli. In addition, the resort’s 3,500-square-foot Jurlique Spa is the only Jurlique branded spa in Arizona and features these high-end products in the treatments.

For more information, visit www.caleoresort.com or call (800) 528-7867. For media information only on FireSky Resort, contact Margo Kesler at margo@margomedia.com or (602) 264-2655. For media information only on Taggia, contact Debora Bridges at db@bridgesmediagroup.com or (602) 381-7771.

Mondrian Scottsdale Unveils New Urban Resort Offering

The JAMES Hotel Scottsdale, the first hotel in the JAMES brand, was sold by founders Stephen Hanson and Danny Errico to Morgans Hotel Group for $46.5 million. The 200-room hotel was re-named Mondrian Hotel on May 1, 2005. The property completed a $5 million renovation in January 2007 to become one of Morgans Hotel Group’s distinctive lodging, spa and dining experiences.

The property includes an Agua Bathhouse spa, open-air Skybar and Jeffrey Chodorow’s Asia de Cuba. The Morgans Hotel Group introduced the “boutique hotel” concept in 1984 with its first property and is consistently recognized as a strong brand in the hotel industry.

For more information, visit www.mondrianscottsdale.com or call (800) 504-0370. For media information only, contact Ted Anderson at ted@agencymma.com or (602) 466-3940.

The Phoenician Renovates its “Hotel within a Hotel”

On March 1, 2007, The Phoenician completed a $5.5 million enhancement of the 60 guestrooms, private lobby, pool, cabanas and meeting space in The Canyon Suites building. The Canyon Suites, which originally opened in 1996, is a separate building from the main resort and features its own porte cochére, lobby, pool and cabanas, and parking garage.

In addition to the physical enhancements, The Phoenician also added a new menu of highly personalized services for guests staying in this building. These special touches include a welcome amenity prepared by Executive Chef Paul Carter; a personal Phoenician Ambassador to take care of a guest’s every need; a sterling silver coffee and tea service wake-up call; daily wine tasting with the master sommelier; and a chauffeured Mercedes to take guests to the spa, golf course or shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square. To end the day, guests can enjoy the new Canyon Suites Therapeutic Turndown with bathwater drawn and a variety of spa salts.

For more information, visit www.thephoenician.com or call (800) 888-8234. For media information only, contact Shannon Wardlow at shannon.wardlow@luxurycollection.com or (480) 423-2657.

Sanctuary Offers Interactive Culinary Experiences with Resort Chef

In 2007, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain will introduce a Dinner with the Chef package to showcase their newly renovated Casa Montana. Executive Chef Beau MacMillan will take guests through the entire cooking process, starting with a chauffeured trip to the local farmers market. Guests will learn a few of the chef’s culinary secrets by working alongside him in the Casa Montana kitchen to prepare and then share a family style dinner.

The dinner also will include wine pairings and cocktail lessons by the resort’s mixologist, Greg Portsche. In addition, Sanctuary will once again feature its wildly popular lunch & learn series every Saturday in July and August 2007. The series will expand to include dinner and learn as well.

For more information, visit www.sanctuaryaz.com or call (800) 245-2051. For media information only, contact Patricia Nugent at pnugent@MG-PR.com or (212) 980-9231.

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Unveils New Interpretive Trail

The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa has completed the construction of a two and a half mile Interpretive Trail which runs alongside the resort’s replication of the storied Gila River. More than 50 signs detailing the culture, history and plant life of the Gila River Indian Community can be found along the trail. More than half of the signs focus on the vegetation that is of historical significance to the Pima and Maricopa People.

Each sign, named in both the Pima and English languages, features a picture of each plant and denotes what it was used for and its significance to the Gila River People. The remaining signs detail facts about the surrounding area such as the history of Pima Cotton and facts about the Pima and Maricopa languages.

For general information, visit www.wildhorsepassresort.com. For media information only, contact Kristen Jarnagin at kjarnagin@sheraton.com or 520-796-8246.

Take back the table: Sunday family dinner at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale

Encouraging a return to the family table, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale's new “Sunday Supper with Chef” program offers take home tips and inspiration from the Resort's culinary team to make every meal memorable – together. “Sunday Supper with Chef” is designed for a family of four to six participants, and includes personalized time with the culinary team at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. Participants learn simple food terminology, preparation techniques, and take-home ideas to "bring back the family dinner" and make cooking as a family fun.

Each “chef for the day” receives a personalized apron – embroidered with their name and the Four Seasons logo – as a memento of the experience. The program is based upon availability at time of booking, and limited to one family per experience.

To schedule “Sunday Supper with Chef,” call restaurant reservations at (480) 513-5085. For Resort reservations, call (480) 513-5039 or (888) 207-9696. For media information only, contact Kim Cole at kim.cole@fourseasons.com or (480) 513-5049.

Le Meridien hotel announced for Tempe

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and SunCor Development Company have announced that a Le Meridien hotel is the latest addition to the stylish, mixed-use, master-planned project, Hayden Ferry Lakeside, in Tempe, Arizona. Le Meridien at Tempe Town Lake is the brand's first new build property since it was acquired by Starwood in November of 2005, and follows the May 2006 opening of Le Meridien San Francisco.

The 183-room, 14-story contemporary styled hotel with a European flair will offer to worldly travelers a culturally-rich and sophisticated accommodation in Tempe, a highly popular downtown district in the greater Phoenix area. The hotel is bordered by the 220-acre Tempe Town Lake and picturesque Hayden's Butte, and is located ten minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport.

The Hayden Ferry Lakeside project is part of the master-planned Tempe Town Lake, an extensive landscape comprising of water and park space that frames Tempe Beach Park, originally built in 1931. The park connects to five miles of picturesque bike and jogging paths, and boating concessions. The area plays host to open-air concerts and holiday celebrations throughout the year. The Tempe Town Lake is Arizona's second largest tourist attraction.

For more, go to www.starwoodhotels.com. For media information only, contact Toni Smith at toni@tempecvb.com.

Camelback Inn Celebrates 70 Successful years with $35 Million Renovation

Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa will celebrate its 70th Anniversary by breaking ground on a new $35 million renovation on April 30, 2007. The renovation will include a reinvention of the main building, a complete rebuild of the ballroom, a more welcoming arrival, and a soothing experiential courtyard with water and fire elements for guests to enjoy.

The new grand ballroom will be 22,000 square feet with 22-foot ceilings and boast features such as keyless entry and security, full production capabilities, as well as indoor and outdoor capacities. Other enhancements to the property include two new restaurants with contemporary décor, outdoor seating among gardens and fireplaces, and exciting new cuisine showcasing the culinary talent of the resort chefs. The resort boasts 453 luxurious casitas with private patios, two 18-hole championship golf courses, three swimming pools, six tennis courts, and a 32,000-square-foot world-renowned spa.

For general information, visit www.camelbackinn.com. For media information only, contact Terri Worthington at Terri.Worthington@marriott.com or 480 596-7021.

InterContinental Announces First Arizona Property

InterContinental Hotels Group is opening its first InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property in Scottsdale. Formerly the La Posada Resort, InterContinental Montelucia Resort, Spa & Residences is scheduled to open in early 2008. Crown Realty & Development Corporation of California is investing more than $250 million to purchase and convert the property into a world-class Andalusian-style resort and spa destination.

The finished resort will offer 292 high-end rooms, including 34 luxury villas that will be separately owned by the residents, but managed by the resort. In addition, Montelucia will feature a new 30,000-square-foot luxury spa that will be conceived by spa designer Sylvia Sepielli and built to focus on health, beauty and fitness; a new restaurant that will offer outdoor dining and views of Camelback Mountain; five pools; and 31,000 square feet of indoor meeting space.

For more information, visit www.monteluciaresort.com. For media information only, contact Alison Collins at acollins@martzagency.com or (480) 998-3154.

Boulders Transforms into First All-Organic Resort in the United States

With an organic menu, cooking class and produce already available, The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa recently began its transformation into an all-organic resort. The resort offers Scottsdale’s first all natural farmers market on Fridays at the adjacent el Pedregal festival marketplace. The market experience includes musical performances and chef demonstrations in addition to farm-fresh produce.

Resort guests can drop off their market purchases at The Boulders’ restaurant, where they can enjoy their hand-selected produce incorporated into a gourmet meal that evening. In October, the resort will debut its 5,280-square-foot all organic garden featuring eight elevated planter box areas separated by a flowing water feature down the middle. Each plot will grow vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, celery, and heirloom tomatoes, as well as a variety of herbs and edible flowers. A fragrant orchard of various citrus trees like grapefruit, orange, lemon, and lime will line the five walls of the garden’s perimeter.

Guests of the all-organic luxury resort will be able to the Enlightened Garden Lunch program. Diners participating in the program will feast on meals consisting of fresh-picked produce while learning more about cooking with the organic goods from the resort’s chefs. The Boulders’ master gardener will also provide educational garden tours, while organic cooking demonstrations and interactive classes will be held in the Golden Door Spa chef demonstration kitchen.

For more information, visit www.TheBoulders.com or call (800) 553-1717. For media information only, contact Debora Bridges at db@bridgesmediagroup.com or (602) 381-7771.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale unveils premier Southwestern Art Gallery

Underscoring a growing commitment to supporting the arts and culture of the Southwest, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale has created “The Gallery” at Four Seasons in partnership with The Trail of Painted Ponies artist organization. The collection will be completed in separate gallery “zones,” with the unveiling of the first zone, which opened in early April. Works by premier Native American painter Kevin Red Star will mingle with contemporary pieces by award-winning artist Joel Nakamura and organic sculptures by natural materials artist Marcela Panasiti, among others.

To complement The Gallery at Four Seasons, Native American silversmith and master bow maker Peter Roybal will assume the role of “Artist in Residence” at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. In this role, Roybal will display and create handcrafted works of art on property, and will take guests on complimentary guided tours of the Gallery collection. Roybal has been cultivating and refining his unique artistic style for more than 30 years.

For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale. For media information only, contact Kim Cole at 480-513-5049 or kim.cole@fourseasons.com.

Scottsdale Among First Sites for New Eco-Friendly Hotel Brand

Starwood Capital Group recently announced the launching of “1” Hotel and Residences, the first luxury, eco-friendly global hotel brand. The concept will combine the best of environmentally sustainable architecture and interior design with impeccable service and luxurious comfort.

Scottsdale will be the location of one of the initial four properties in the United States, which all will be new construction. The first hotel is scheduled to open in Seattle in late 2008 followed by the opening of “1” Hotels in Mammoth Mountain, Calif.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Fort Lauderdale, Fl. The first international “1” hotel will be located in Paris and will be a renovation of a historic property. In addition, Starwood Capital Group plans for “1” to enter New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and other major urban markets, as well as premier resort destinations, within the next 12 months. The brand will demonstrate that green principles can coexist and enhance a luxury hospitality experience and healthy residential lifestyle.

For more information, visit www.starwoodcapital.com. For media information only, contact Tom Johnson at (212) 371-5999.

W Hotels storms into Arizona with the announcement of two hotels

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is planning to open its first W Hotel in Arizona in Downtown Scottsdale in 2007. The W Scottsdale Hotel and Residences will feature 225 guestrooms, a spa, a restaurant, two bars and 25 to 30 luxury condominiums. A focal point of the hotel’s design will be unique water features throughout, including an infinity pool, fountains and an under water porte cochere. The second floor pool area will be the center of entertainment in the hotel featuring a full-service spa, fitness facilities and pool bar. The W Residences will offer owners a combination of stylish one- and two-bedroom condominiums with the benefits of being attached to a W Hotel, including all the amenities enjoyed by hotel guests.

The second W Hotel and Residences is scheduled to open in Downtown Phoenix in 2008. Located next to the America West Arena, home of the Phoenix Suns basketball team, the hotel will feature approximately 190 rooms and 170 W Residences, a 3,000 square foot signature restaurant, 4,000 square foot destination bar, as well as a 10,000 square foot Bliss Spa and fitness area. The W Phoenix will offer W Hotel's signature Living Room experience, a place where guests, residents and Phoenix insiders will sip and socialize. The hotel's other distinctive elements include substantial 10,000 square feet of meeting space, Wired, a full-service business center open 24 hours and a sprawling outdoor pool and sundeck.

For more information, visit www.starwood.com. For media information only, contact Jane Lehman at Jane.lehman@starwoodhotels.com.

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North Central Arizona

A One-of-a-kind Spa Bed & Breakfast Opens in Sedona

Sedona Cathedral Hideaway has opened its doors to those who are seeking romantic hideaway in Sedona. This new, private, luxury "one-of-a-kind" romantic, personalized B&B retreat has spa services; awesome views; labyrinth; two suites; fireplaces; in-suite two-person spa tub & shower; internet/Ipod access; flex-menu/meal times; five-minute hike to Oak Creek/Cathedral Rock.

For details, please visit www.sedonacathedralhideaway.com or call 928-203-4180. For media information only, contact Jennifer Wesselhoff at jwesselhoff@sedonachamber.com.

Amara Creekside Resort Adds Full-Service Spa

Sedona’s Four-Diamond Amara Creekside Resort is reaching a pinnacle in its evolution by investing in a million dollar state-of-the-art spa boasting the Southwest’s only Elemis treatment program and line of products. The 4,000 square-foot Elements Spa at Amara will feature six treatment rooms, manicure/pedicure areas, separate male/female locker areas, full weight-training facilities and the exclusive London-based Elemis line of products and treatments.

The spa will be one of only five in the United States to offer the Elemis line of products as well as Elemis-trained professionals. The Elemis training program involves a two-week intensive, hands-on experience with site visits and training at the resort by Elemis professionals from London. Amara is investing in training nearly 20 full-time employees in the program.

Reservations can be made by calling toll free 866-455-6610 or visiting www.amararesort.com. For media information only, contact Shelley Parnell or Sara Fleury at 602-277-9530 or shelley@bjc.com and sara@bjc.com.

Mii Amo Introduces New Spa Treatments

Mii amo, voted #1 destination spa in North America, adds three treatments and a new version of an original Mii amo favorite to their spa menu. The new Inner Quest, Soul Seeker and Resonance treatments help restore energy flow and harmony to mind and body. The popular Sedona Clay Wrap adds cocoa, a potent antioxidant that protects and heals. These services were created exclusively for Mii amo after years of study and experience in healing traditions.

For reservations, please call 888-749-2137, or visit our website at www.miiamo.com. For media information only, contact Babs Harrison at 212-851-8425 or babs@sheiladonnelly.com.

Explore the new Page Springs Bed & Breakfast at Rancho Feliz in Peaceful Page Springs

At Verde Valley’s newest B&B, Page Springs Bed & Breakfast, one may simply enjoy the peaceful feeling of being in the country high in a natural amphitheater on eight acres overlooking the valley carved by cottonwood-lined Oak Creek with the red rocks of Sedona in the distance.

One may visit Sedona's Wine Country with exclusive educational packages offered only by Page Springs B & B, in cooperation with the three Page Springs Wineries, including gourmet dinner at El Portal Restaurant in Sedona and a jeep tour with Sun Country Tours, lunches at the wineries and educational seminars. The magnificent willow tree, expansive lawns, centrally located barn and gallery flanked by the two homes and surrounded by national forest provide a unique setting for up to 15 people to overnight and enjoy.

Call 928 634-4335 for more information and reservations or visit www.pagespringsbandb.com. For media information only, contact Jennifer Wesselhoff at jwesselhoff@sedonachamber.com.

Tucson and Southern Arizona

W Hotels is going ALOFT in Tucson

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and its stylish W Hotels division has named Tucson as one of the first cities to be home to its much-anticipated new brand in the select-service hotel category: aloft. aloft will raise the bar in the select-service category, offering urban-inspired, loft-like guest rooms, enhanced technology services, landscaped outdoor spaces for socializing day and night, and an energetic lounge scene.

With generous nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows, guest rooms will have a decidedly loft-like feel. In addition to the guest room centerpiece -- a signature, ultra-comfortable bed for which Starwood's brands are well known -- a well-designed workspace, an mp3 docking station and a flat panel television will further differentiate the aloft guest room. With Relax; a communal space to grab a drink with friends and Fresh air; an open-air area out back, guests can socialize and gather for light meals during the day or night.

For more information, visit www.starwood.com. For media information only contact Jim Kloiber at 212-242-9353 or jkloiber@laforce-stevens.com.

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Arizona’s West Coast

The Cocopah Resort and Conference Center to Open in Somerton

For centuries, the Cocopah, known as the River People, have lived along the lower Colorado River and delta. The Cocopah Reservation nestled in the historic Yuma Valley along the Colorado River in Somerton features the Cocopah Casino, the Cocopah Resort and Conference Center and Cocopah Rio Colorado Golf Course, all of which are located minutes from the City of Yuma on Highway 95.

Scheduled to open in November of 2007, The Cocopah Resort and Conference Center will offer comfortable accommodations, quiet surroundings and tranquil beauty set away from the busy city life.

For more information, visit www.cocopah.com. For media information only, contact Liz Pratt at lpratt@cocopah.com or (928) 627-2102.