Scottsdale Unveils a Season of Bold Openings and Bucket List Experiences
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (April 14, 2026) – As temperatures rise, so does the energy in Scottsdale. A fresh wave of resort transformations, headline-worthy dining debuts and cultural milestones is redefining the city. From innovative ways to explore the desert to elevated hospitality at every turn, Scottsdale is entering a vibrant new chapter.
RESORT ROUNDUP
THE BIG NEWS: Old Town’s newest property, Hotel Solaya, is opening its doors following an extensive transformation. The newly reimagined boutique property introduces a lively desert oasis of modern Mexican influence, playful design and social energy. The hotel features 194 redesigned guest rooms and suites, art-filled common spaces, two curated dining concepts, Tod Miller Spa and Wellness, a fitness center, seven versatile event spaces, a 3,500-square-foot outdoor lawn, and an outdoor pool deck where Sol Social, a weekly Saturday pool series, runs through Labor Day. The signature restaurant, Ella on the Park, is open for dinner, with a 360-degree bar and patio overlooking Scottsdale Civic Center.
- The Privado Villas at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – an ultra-luxurious resort within the resort – has earned the coveted AAA Five Diamond designation, placing it among an elite group of hotels and resorts recognized for exceptional service, attention to detail, refined elegance and memorable guest experiences. Guests of Privado Villas enjoy expansive, private accommodations, dedicated concierge and host services, exclusive pools and dining venues, and seamless access to the resort’s award-winning amenities. The distinction complements Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ own AAA Five Diamond rating, recognizing both as premier luxury accommodations for discerning travelers.
- The mid-century modern Hotel Valley Ho in Old Town Scottsdale has debuted two new Hideaway Suites, completing the hotel’s $18-million room renovation, the largest since its opening in 1956. The Hideaway Suites are a re-envisioning of the former Executive Suites, creating a captivating blend of vintage charm and modern functionality inspired by the hotel's iconic architecture. The Hideaway Suites feature a separate king bedroom, a living room with a chic sofa bed and adjoining bathroom, a wet bar and a private wrap-around balcony. Special touches include a custom makeup vanity inspired by mid-century dressing tables and Hollywood backstage lighting, a nod to the hotel’s glamorous past.
- The Spa at Camelback Inn, which recently underwent a $25-million renovation, introduced immersive outdoor wellness programming designed to connect guests with the desert landscape. Highlights include the Wellness Circuit, a thoughtfully curated journey through a Himalayan salt sauna, aromatherapy steam cavern, experiential cold therapies, limestone infrared loungers, and a sunlit solarium featuring a vitality pool. The Wellness Waters experience utilizes one of the region’s only fully integrated, multi-temperature hydrotherapy circuits set entirely outdoors, allowing guests to engage in contrast therapy surrounded by nature. For a more private escape, The Villa provides a secluded, private pool suite with a double treatment room, heated vitality pool and lounge patio, ideal for customized rituals, small-group wellness sessions or intimate spa celebrations.
- Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas, which opened in January, is introducing signature weekly programming, including immersive sound baths and Storytelling Under the Stars, an evening series in a scenic outdoor setting. Live music at Chef Wes Avila’s restaurant, Hecho Libre, takes place every Friday evening, while CIMA Pool hosts weekly DJ sessions every Saturday afternoon. Floating Mahjong at CIMA, a playful, social activation, brings a twist to poolside leisure. A new chef-led demonstration series also launches in May, designed to engage guests through interactive culinary moments. More seasonal activations will roll out throughout the summer.
ART + ATTRACTIONS
THE BIG NEWS: Last month, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, a Smithsonian Affiliate since opening in 2015, debuted its $12-million expansion. The Louis Sands IV Center – a two-story, 12,000-square-foot addition – brings the museum to 55,000 total square feet. This expansion also introduced four new exhibitions spanning two floors, showcasing Western American and American Indian art across sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and painting, including the first public presentation of the renowned Eddie Basha Collection. The milestone is marked by a city proclamation declaring March 24 “Western Spirit Day,” underscoring the museum’s cultural significance to Scottsdale.
- As Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts concluded its 50th anniversary season with the ARTrageous Gala on April 11, nonprofit Scottsdale Arts conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for a major remodeling project at the Center. Stage 2 theater, original to the building since opening in 1975, will become an intimate, modular performance space.
- The Musical Instrument Museum, one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to music and musical instruments, presents new seasonal programming and events that celebrate music, culture and cuisine. The Summer 2026 Concert Series lineup includes Corinne Bailey Rae, Micky Dolenz, Esperanza Spalding, and John Oates and the Good Road Band, among others. Signature events extend into the summer with Celebrate Reggae (May 23-24), Celebrate Soul (June 13-14) and Experience France (July 11-12), timed ahead of Bastille Day.
- A new, free baseball museum opened in February. Local nonprofit, Arizona Baseball Legacy and Experience, operates the Old Town Baseball Experience at Frasher’s Tavern, with an emphasis on Scottsdale’s rich baseball history and heritage, including personal items from owner George Frasher’s large memorabilia collection and a bookstore. Frasher’s Tavern has been a Scottsdale landmark since 1999, set on the historic grounds of Scottsdale High School, where Hall-of-Fame Baltimore Orioles pitcher Jim Palmer spent his formative years.
- Wilde Meyer Gallery presents “Visionary Voyage,” a month-long exhibition on view May 1-31, showcasing a dynamic mix of styles and media, including works by five Arizona-based artists. The exhibition highlights the energy and creativity of the Scottsdale Arts District in Old Town, a walkable hub of premier galleries.
SIP + SAVOR
- The James Beard Foundation named three Scottsdale standouts among its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists: INDIBAR for Best New Restaurant, Zac Adcox of Café Monarch for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Chef Charleen Badman of FnB for Outstanding Chef, one of the industry’s highest honors, recognizing her leadership in Arizona’s farm-to-table movement and her celebrated vegetable-forward cuisine rooted in local sourcing.
- Texas-based il Bracco opened in Scottsdale March 30, marking Western Addition Restaurant Group’s first out-of-state expansion of the concept. Serving lunch and dinner daily, il Bracco focuses on house-made, Italian-inspired cuisine rooted in quality ingredients and precise technique, including pastas, seafood dishes, and prime meats butchered in-house. A curated wine list presents rare by-the-glass pours of Italian wines and the renowned Martini Exchange, which refreshes every martini tableside into a chilled glass.
- Telefèric Barcelona opened March 4 and brings a taste of Spain to Scottsdale Fashion Square, as the brand’s seventh location and first outside of California. The menu is centered on shareable signature tapas and paellas, led by Spanish chefs and built around ingredients imported from Spain. Beverages include Spanish-inspired craft cocktails, fresh sangrías, more than 100 Spanish wines, and an extensive gin and tonic selection. An in-restaurant market provides gourmet imports such as olive oils, specialty rices, conservas, spices and at-home Paella Kits. Unique to the Scottsdale location are Brunchelona and The Evolution of Sound on Saturday nights, a concept that begins with live Flamenco and guitar performances before transitioning into a high-energy, DJ-driven atmosphere.
- JING, known for its globally inspired cuisine, subtle Asian influence and high-energy dining, opened its first Arizona location in February, following an $11-million transformation of the space in Scottsdale. This also marks the brand’s first restaurant to feature a rare Josper charcoal oven and grill imported from Spain. The menu offers an extensive selection of hand-crafted sushi rolls, nigiri and sashimi, raw bar items, hand-folded dumplings, Wagyu hot rock, grains and noodles, shellfish platters, and Josper-grilled meats. Signature dishes include the Famous Peking Duck, Tuna Pizza and Alaskan Snow Crab roll. The beverage program extends from wines and creative cocktails to premium sake.
- The Emerald Lounge has launched at CATCH Scottsdale, a refined late-night offering that transforms the existing private dining room into a relaxed, cocktail-forward environment. The elevated lounge is open Friday and Saturday nights only, serving a specialty menu of premier ingredients and shareable dishes. Must-tries include Golden Osetra Caviar Service, signature sushi selections from Tokyo’s renowned Toyosu Market, a special Emerald Nigiri Flight, and an off-menu Japanese Wagyu Sando with A5 Miyazaki beef and chili katsu.
- A local favorite, Virtù Honest Craft, has introduced a Monthly Bar Series with a rotating lineup of exclusive bar-only beverages and bites Tuesday through Friday evenings. Following the successful Martini March kickoff, the series continues with April’s Aperitivo Hour, inspired by Italy’s beloved pre-dinner ritual, and May’s Amaro Hour. June brings back fan-favorite Burger at the Bar, and July kicks off the Summer of Spritz, which will continue through August.
- For those looking for more Old Town Scottsdale spots to cool off with a cocktail, look no further than HULA’s Modern Tiki, offering a different trio of specialty summer cocktails each month and Tiki Time Happy Hour every weekday, and Cala, which recently added a new lineup of extravagant shareable cocktails. Among the most popular is the $280 Smoke Show, which begins with Código 1530 Origen tequila and Lillet Rouge.
SUMMER FUN UNDER (+ AFTER) THE SUN
- This summer, Scottsdale delivers luxury for less, with top resorts offering up to 60% off peak season rates. From iconic desert retreats like The Boulders Resort & Spa for $229 per night, to boutique hideaways like The Scott Resort & Spa at $149 per night, travelers can snag top-notch stays and value-packed packages, with dining specials and spa credits. Visitors can head to SummerInScottsdale.com to plan a five-star, affordable summer getaway.
- Yak N Sup is expanding its lineup of on-water adventures in the Sonoran Desert with a mix of guided tours and specialty paddles. New offerings include the Hidden Coves – Southwest History Meets Nature tour on weekdays, blending scenic exploration and regional history, and the Paranormal Paddle Guided Tour, lit by lanterns and echoing with ghost stories, on the third or fourth Saturday of each month. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of self-guided tours such as the dog-friendly Pup Paddles on select Sundays, tranquil Full Moon Paddles (May 30, June 27 and July 25), and Paddle & Sound Bath sessions on select Sundays.
- Discover the wonders of the Arizona night sky on Scottsdale Adventure Tours’ interactive Astronomy Tour set in a scenic dark sky location away from city lights. Led by a professional astronomer, the tour provides an in-depth, guided exploration of the cosmos, with a laser pointer to show constellations and a high-powered telescope for close-up views of celestial objects such as planets, star clusters, double stars, galaxies, nebulae and stellar nurseries.
- Explore the Sonoran Desert in a whole new light at “Garden: After Dark” at the Desert Botanical Garden, where illuminated trails and vibrant installations showcase the landscapes at night. Running through May 10, this immersive event invites visitors to wander through 10 colorful light displays and five “Desert Pulse” installations, blending art, rhythm and technology. While strolling the scenic paths, sip specialty cocktails and listen to a curated playlist.
- Arizona Party Bike is teaming up with the new Hotel Solaya to bring back its Pool Party Bike Crawl. Morning and afternoon tours that are pedaling-optional stop by watering holes in Old Town such as Not My First Rodeo and 50 Shades of Rosé. Each ride concludes at Hotel Solaya, where guests can cool down with a complimentary round of poolside drinks and live music. Rides are available every weekend through September.
For more Scottsdale travel news and story ideas, visit www.ScottsdalePressroom.com.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura McMurchie, Vice President of Communications
480-429-2253, lmcmurchie@experiencescottsdale.com
Christina Dicksen, Director of Communications
480-889-2709, cdicksen@experiencescottsdale.com
Emily Kline, Communications Manager
480-424-1958, ekline@experiencescottsdale.com
MacKenzie Brower, Communications Coordinator
480-424-1980, mbrower@experiencescottsdale.com
