This season, Scottsdale continues to raise the bar on luxury with a wave of resort redesigns and exclusive new experiences.

One of the most significant transformations in The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa‘s history will be complete in early October. The six-month renovation includes an expansion of the resort’s iconic Scotch Library, the addition of a speakeasy, enhancements to the pool area, a redesigned lobby to flow into its striking new three-tier lounge bar and the modernization of the resort’s three ballrooms and 45 meeting rooms. The Scotch Library, renowned for housing one of the largest and most exclusive collections of its namesake spirit, will feature new floor-to-ceiling cabinets showcasing 450 bottles and deliver more immersive tasting experiences.

  • Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas will conclude its $70 million renovation in early 2027 with updates to its 134 Valley Villas and the debut of The Enclave, a new hotel-within-a-hotel featuring 10 private luxury residences. Arizona’s first Katsuya, the globally acclaimed modern Japanese restaurant known for its flagship in Los Angeles, will serve as The Enclave’s culinary centerpiece, led by Culinary Director Chef Benjamin Dayag. Upon completion, the resort will feature 404 fully renovated guestrooms and villas, six pools, 22 indoor and outdoor event venues, two signature restaurants and a collection of on-property experiences.
  • The 585-guestroom The Phoenician and The Canyon Suites, the resort’s exclusive 60-guestroom Forbes Five-Star boutique hotel, will complete a refresh of all guestrooms and suites in October. Inspired by the Arizona sky and Camelback Mountain, the new interior design blends warm earth tones, desert jewel accents and bespoke finishes.
  • In September, CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa will unveil eight renovated casitas designed for groups seeking space to gather, reconnect and recharge. Each casita features two bedrooms, a living area and a spacious patio, plus full access to CIVANA’s amenities, including over 100 weekly wellness and fitness classes, an award-winning spa and two resort pools.
  • W Scottsdale will reveal its transformed Living Room lounge and enhanced fitness center in September, setting the stage for new social and wellness programming. Living Room’s bold new design creates a dynamic gathering place that transitions seamlessly from daytime meetings to evening cocktails. The FIT fitness center is now equipped with industry-leading Technogym, offering trainer-led workouts, on-demand classes and personalized training.
  • Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North has reimagined its culinary program after welcoming Executive Chef Gregory James earlier this year. Menu updates span the resort’s dining venues, including Talavera’s fire-driven signature cuisine, Proof’s elevated American classics, Saguaro Blossom’s poolside coastal Mexican fare and Onyx Bar & Lounge’s handcrafted cocktails and small plates.

ART, ADVENTURE + ATTRACTIONS

A new hotel next to the family-friendly entertainment destination, Arizona Boardwalk, broke ground last month. Expected to open in late 2027, Arizona Boardwalk Hyatt Place at Talking Stick will have 142 guestrooms, an aquarium in the lobby that pays tribute to the boardwalk’s larger Odysea Aquarium and an outdoor pool. Located within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the hotel’s design will draw inspiration from the area’s rich cultural heritage.

  • Scottsdale Fashion Square, the largest retail center in the Southwest, continues its tradition of retail excellence with an upgrade of Palm Court, the mall’s central gathering space. Fast-casual dining options in the court also now include Edo Japanese Grill and Bacio di Latte, which serves classic Italian gelato, baked goods and coffee.
  • H5 Helicopters, offering scenic helicopter rides, has expanded its private tour offerings to include the Mountain Top Landing flight. After departing from a private hangar, travelers touch down on a remote mountain summit above Apache Lake that’s accessible only by helicopter. Along the way, they take in scenic views of the Salt River and iconic Four Peaks mountain range. The two-hour excursion can be customized to add drinks or a catered dinner on the summit.
  • Outdoor adventure company, Stellar Adventures, now has five tasting tours that combine the beauty of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with a signature Scottsdale culinary experience. Tours start with a thrilling ride on an ATV, UTV or Hummer through rugged desert terrain then end at a standout local restaurant. Guests can cap off their adventures with barbecue at Frasher’s Smokehouse, a beer or whiskey tasting at O.H.S.O. Brewery & Distillery, tacos and margaritas at Cien Agaves or wine and bruschetta at Postino.