A Season of Resort Evolutions and Exciting Culinary Debuts
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Aug. 11, 2026) – This season, Scottsdale continues to raise the bar on luxury with a wave of resort redesigns, exclusive new experiences and culinary advancements, as well as the highly anticipated announcement of the Michelin Guide Southwest.
RESORT ROUNDUP
THE BIG NEWS: 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
THE BIG NEWS: 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.
ENGAGING EVENTS
- Sept. 16-19: The Arabian National Breeder Finals is back at WestWorld of Scottsdale for a four-day competition showcasing the best of purebred Arabian horses from around the world.
- Nov. 6-15: Scottsdale Arts’ Canal Convergence returns to Scottsdale Waterfront for a free, 10-night celebration of the Southwest’s environmental and cultural landscapes through the theme “Western Nature” and perennial focus on the interactivity of water, art and light. The event features large-scale public artworks by local and global artists, fire shows, live music, dance performances, creative workshops, educational tours, food trucks and a beer and wine garden.
- Nov. 11-15: The internationally recognized floral exhibit Fleurs de Villes NOËL will kick off the holiday season at Scottsdale Fashion Square, home to more than 200 shops and restaurants. The free, five-day showcase will display 15 glamorous couture mannequins wearing fresh holiday blooms as well as ticketed floral workshops that are open to the public.
- Nov. 7: The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale for its 15th anniversary of six exhilarating polo matches and a full lineup of on- and off-field experiences. This year’s event will also feature an expanded fashion show, Arabian Horse showcase, Burning Man art car, Arizona wine tasting and college football sports bar.
SIP + SAVOR
- Drake’s Hollywood, an old-school Hollywood-inspired fine-dining concept, is set to open its largest location yet in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale this fall. The restaurant will also debut an invitation-only members lounge, Maître D, which is limited to 100 members.
- BOA Steakhouse, a celebrity-favorite modern steakhouse, will debut at the Scottsdale Waterfront this fall. Under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Brendan Collins, the entire menu will be prepared seed-oil free, using premium avocado oil and beef tallow. The kitchen will feature meats from 6666 (Four Sixes) Ranch, an Arizona-first exclusive partnership showcasing heritage Black Angus cuts.
- This fall, the Desert Botanical Garden welcomes Quail House Coffee & Creamery in partnership with award-winning Arizona chef and restaurateur Mark Tarbell, who took the helm of Gertrude's by Tarbell's last year. In a newly built space, Quail House serves coffee, tea, gelato, grab-and-go bites and a chef-crafted menu.
- The Musical Instrument Museum is hosting two globally inspired dinners in its main courtyard this fall: The Art of Sake on Sept. 4 and Prost! An Oktoberfest Dinner on Oct. 1. The Art of Sake pairs premium sake selections with a Japanese-inspired menu. Oktoberfest’s menu highlights hearty Bavarian flavors with artisanal sausages, sides and indulgent desserts paired with craft beers and traditional brews.
- The intimate fine-dining restaurant in Old Town, Anhelo, has launched a new ultra-luxury offering: The Ultimate Night of Indulgence. The exclusive experience begins with a chauffeured Rolls-Royce that transports guests to and from the restaurant, complete with chilled Dom Pérignon and hors d’oeuvres. Upon arrival, guests enjoy a personalized, off-menu tasting paired with rare wines or craft cocktails, followed by a nightcap fireside or fountain-side, before being whisked away back home.
SEASONAL EXPERIENCES
- Celebrate Halloween at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ annual Nightmare on Princess Drive on Oct. 31, featuring a DJ and costume contest. Additionally, the resort’s signature restaurant, La Hacienda, is offering a Día de los Muertos menu with traditional dishes such as Pastel Queso and Empanada De Muerto, alongside seasonal, fall-themed treatments at Well & Being Spa.
- Great Wolf Lodge Arizona’s annual Howl-O-Ween celebration runs Sept. 24 through Oct. 31, where families will enjoy the spooky atmosphere combined with the thrills of the indoor water park. Kids can wear costumes to collect goodies along the trick-or-treat trail, show off their best moves at the Monster Bash Dance Party and wrap up the evening with themed games, arts and crafts, Boo Bingo and story time.
- This fall, Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale is celebrating Arizona’s peak honey season with a themed Honey Dinner in its outdoor organic garden and the debut of a new spa treatment, the Milk & Honey Wrap by Pure Fiji, at the iconic The Spa at the Boulders.
- The 14th annual Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick from Oct. 23-25. Hot air balloons will turn into glowing trick-or-treat stations, distributing over two tons of candy while tethered balloon rides give attendees panoramic views of the festival grounds.
For more Scottsdale travel news and story ideas, visit www.ScottsdalePressroom.com.
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480-429-2253, lmcmurchie@experiencescottsdale.com
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480-889-2709, cdicksen@experiencescottsdale.com
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480-424-1958, ekline@experiencescottsdale.com
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480-424-1980, mbrower@experiencescottsdale.com
