VAI Resort to Open in Glendale, Arizona

Arizona's Largest Resort, VAI, Elevates Experiential Hospitality by Creating the Ultimate Entertainment Destination

The $1B, 60-Acre Desert Oasis Boasts a $40M Concert Stage, 6-Acre Swimming Retreat, Temperature-controlled White Sand Beaches & Country’s First Man-made Party Island

Glendale, Ariz. (PRESS RELEASE) – VAI Resort, what will be the largest resort in Arizona and the premier daylife, nightlife and entertainment global destination, is transforming experiential hospitality by creating the ultimate desert oasis inspired by iconic international hotspots with an unprecedented $1 billion, 60-acre luxurious retreat.  

VAI is influenced by famed vacation destinations around the world, from Mykonos and Dubai to Miami and Tulum. At the core of the unrivaled entertainment epicenter is a $40 million, state-of-the-art concert stage that will feature top acts with prime viewing from hotel room balconies and VIP skyboxes while opening to 360 degrees to interact with the entire property. Incorporating top-tier acoustics, lighting and pyrotechnic effects, the stage is surrounded by a vast pool deck that will transform into an inimitable and intimate concert experience for 8,000 showgoers.   

VAI, with a name a nod to Vai Beach in Greece and the Greek word for palm, will be home to a 6-acre swimming sanctuary and temperature-controlled white sand beaches for year-round enjoyment. In the center of the pool oasis is the country’s first man-made party island, Konos Island, a 52,000-square-foot marvel that will feature a Mediterranean restaurant, private cabanas, DJ booth and a 16-person aerial bar ideal for sipping cocktails while enjoying panoramic views from 130 feet in the air.  

“VAI is undoubtedly breaking the mold with experiential hospitality, as every aspect is designed to treat guests to incredible entertainment, cuisine and luxury,” said Grant Fisher, president of VAI Global Development, the Arizona-based ownership company that is developing and managing the resort. “Debuting VAI in my home state is a monumental moment and one that I hope will further elevate Arizona on the international stage as a notable entertainment destination.”

With approximately 1,200 luxurious rooms and suites across three stunning towers curated by world-renowned artists and architects, the VAI experience will include 12 upscale restaurants, seven of which will feature waterfront views, 10 exclusive bars and lounges, a shopping corridor with high-end retail and much more. VAI is a two-minute walk from State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, and a 20-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.  

Building a luxury resort with a 6-acre swimming retreat in the Arizona desert is a remarkable feat and environmental responsibility is a top priority. The property will only use approximately 30% of the allotted water designated to the former agricultural site, which equates to less than 1% of the city’s SRP (Salt River Project) portfolio. VAI Global Development is working closely with the Arizona Department of Water Resources and the city on a water conservation plan. The resort is also prioritizing sustainability by building a system that allows the capturing of rainwater, reducing the amount of water necessary to compensate for evaporation, and recycling water for irrigation and landscaping. In addition, VAI is making efforts to reduce its ecological footprint by incorporating solar power.

For more information or to register to be among the first to receive information, visit VAIResort.com.

About VAI Resort: Opening 2024, VAI Resort will be the largest resort in Arizona and the premier daylife, nightlife and entertainment destination in the U.S. This unprecedented $1 billion, 60-acre oasis of luxurious fun draws inspiration from hotspots around the world, from Mykonos and Dubai to Miami and Tulum. At its core is a $40 million, 360-degree concert stage featuring top acts with premium viewing from hotel room balconies and VIP skyboxes. Surrounding the stage is a massive pool deck that transforms into a concert venue for 8,000 showgoers. VAI offers a pristine 6-acre swimming oasis and temperature-controlled white sand beaches for year-round enjoyment. Konos Island, the country’s first man-made party island, is a 52,000-square-foot marvel featuring a restaurant, private cabanas, DJ booth and a 16-person aerial bar ideal for sipping cocktails while enjoying panoramic views from 130 feet in the sky. With more than 1,000 luxurious hotel rooms and suites across three stunning towers curated by world-renowned artists and architects, the VAI experience includes 12 upscale restaurants; 10 exclusive bars and lounges; a shopping corridor with high-end retail; the world’s first Mattel Adventure Park™ and much more. VAI will revolutionize the world of experiential luxury hospitality, promising an indulgent escape from the ordinary. For more, visit VAIResort.com.  

 

Hermosa Inn Completes Multi-Million Dollar Renovation and Expansion

Authentic design and decor pays homage to The Inn's original adobe architecture and storied past maintaining the beloved hotel’s mantra, #UnmistakablyArizona

(Press Release) (February 2017)— The Hermosa Inn, a AAA Four Diamond boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Paradise Valley, recently completed the second phase of a $5.5 million dollar renovation and expansion, according to Managing Director Stephen Ast. 

Situated on six pristine acres of Sonoran Desert landscape with panoramic mountain views, the renovation included the addition of 10 deluxe hideaway casitas, the complete renovation of 12 historic rancho casitas and an expansion of LON’s Last Drop bar and patio, increasing the hotel's number of hacienda-style accommodations and casitas to 43.

Phase one of the expansion began in 2015, shortly after the resort was purchased by Allred Capital LLLP, a partnership led by Ron and Mike Allred, who are passionately committed to retaining the legacy and historic charm of the original home and studio built by Arizona's famed and first cowboy artist, Lon Megargee, in the early 1930's.

"Maintaining the integrity and character of Hermosa Inn and the dream that once inspired its inception, was at the forefront when the Allreds embarked on this renovation and expansion," said Ast.  "Their investment of $5.5 million dollars translates to $125,000 per key, which by any standard, is impressive and indicative of their commitment, not only to preserving The Inn's legacy, but to creating an authentic and memorable guest experience that is unmistakably Arizona.”

Boasting an unobstructed view of Camelback Mountain, a stately fountain anchors the hotel's new entryway, creating a welcoming arrival that leads directly into the newly-built, ruggedly handsome lobby with beamed ceilings and a hefty fireplace that perfectly mirrors the understated, Old Arizona elegance and residential comfort of the original hacienda.

Situated just a short stroll from the main building, via a walkway trellised with hot-pink bougainvillea, Old West meets modern luxury in the 10 spacious, 700-square-foot deluxe hideaway casitas that feature European white oak floors, vaulted ceilings with a skylight, a beehive fireplace, an expansive yet secluded patio, and luxurious bathrooms with both a clawfoot tub and a glass enclosed shower.

The furnishings are generous in size and comfort, featuring wrought iron and wood canopy king beds draped with gauzy sheers; authentic, mesquite tables and dressers handcrafted in Tubac, Arizona; and over-sized wingback leather chairs. Upholstered benches, pillows and rugs stay true to the local environs with sophisticated Southwestern patterns in a soothing desert palette of sienna red, with dusty tans, muted golds and greens.  Wood shutters frame the expansive windows in both the bed and bathroom, while the walls in both are appropriately adorned with Lon Megargee prints.

Simultaneously, 12 historic rancho casitas were completely renovated, with careful attention paid to modern-day conveniences and residential comforts, while preserving their Old Arizona charm, historic touches and original adobe walls. Graciously appointed, the rancho casitas also feature beehive fireplaces, European white oak wood floors, king beds with sumptuous new linens, secluded patios and Lon Megargee artwork. 

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In 2016, all of Hermosa Inn's existing accommodations underwent a complete renovation, including the installation of wood floors; new and luxurious bedding, soft goods and leather furnishings; reupholstered benches and completely remodeled bathrooms.

“We’re proud to own a very exclusive niche as Paradise Valley’s only historic boutique hotel where all of the accommodations are either newly built or have been completely renovated,” said Ron Allred.

Complementing the rooms addition and further paying homage to Megargee's love for a drink with fellow cowhands, the Allreds also expanded the much loved and lauded hotel bar: LON’s Last Drop, appropriately named after Megargee’s most famous painting:  “Last Drop From His Stetson," which was commissioned by the Stetson Hat Company in the 1920's, and to this day still appears on the inside of every top-of-the-line Stetson hat.  LON’s Last Drop doubled its interior seating capacity with low slung leather seating clusters that encourage guests to unwind and reconnect over signature cocktails or an Arizona wine or beer on tap.  Consistently revered as the 'best dining patio in the Valley,' the outside patio also doubled in capacity, adding five more fireplaces and cozy conversational couches, making it the ultimate gathering spot with the simplest of ingredients - creative cocktails, globally-inspired Arizona fare, unrivaled views of Camelback Mountain and perfect Arizona temperatures.

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ABOUT THE HERMOSA INN, LON’S & LON’S LAST DROP: Ranked among the top hotels in the Southwest, the AAA Four Diamond Hermosa Inn is a jewel of a hideaway surrounded by an exclusive neighborhood in Paradise Valley, and minutes from Scottsdale and its many attractions. Handcrafted in the 1930s by cowboy artist Lon Megargee as his residence and art studio, the Inn’s adobe architecture has kept its “authentic Arizona” character and charm. The 43 newly renovated guest casitas are nestled in a garden setting with breathtaking vistas of the lush desert and Camelback Mountain. Accommodations reflect the southwestern design of the original Casa Hermosa (beautiful house) and most include deep soaking tubs, beehive fireplaces and private patios. The culinary centerpiece is LON’s at the Hermosa, a AAA Four Diamond restaurant serving globally inspired Arizona fare. A Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator recipient, the restaurant is complemented by a subterranean wine cellar, a celebrated outdoor dining patio, and its bar and casual dining counterpart LON’s Last Drop, named after one of Megargee’s iconic paintings, many of which are displayed throughout the resort. For more information, visit HermosaInn.com or call 602.955.8614. To become a fan, visit us on Facebook at www.facebook/HermosaInn, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HermosaInn or share with us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/HermosaInn. The Hermosa Inn is located at 5532 Palo Christi Road, Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253.

L'Auberge de Sedona Awarded Conde Nast Traveler's Number One Top Hotel in the Southwest

L’AUBERGE DE SEDONA RECOGNIZED WITH CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER’S 2016 READERS’ CHOICE AWARD“#1 TOP HOTEL IN THE SOUTHWEST”

THE WORLD’S BEST HOTELS, RESORTS, CITIES, ISLANDS, AIRLINES, AND CRUISE LINES

October 18, 2016 – Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its 29th annual Readers’ Choice Awards with L’Auberge de Sedona recognized as the #1 hotel in the southwest, with a score of 95.45.

“Here at L’Auberge, we are lucky enough to have one of the most idyllic settings in the spectacular destination of Sedona, peacefully situated along the banks of Oak Creek,” says Managing Director Greg Hanss. “We recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation that has elevated the property to a level of luxury that the hotel has never seen before. These enhancements, paired with an unprecedented service standard and fueled by staff that take pride in providing heartfelt hospitality for each guest, allows us to offer a truly special Sedona experience. We are honored that the Conde Nast Traveler readers have recognized these efforts by voting us the #1 hotel in the Southwest.”

Over 300,000 dedicated readers – nearly twice as many as last year -- cast votes for 7,394 hotels, 606 cities, 500 cruise ships, and 236 islands, in an average survey time of 8.4 minutes. The result? The 1,402 best travel experiences in the world.

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L’Auberge de Sedona is one of the Southwest’s foremost luxury retreats. Nestled on the banks of Oak Creek amongst Sedona’s Red Rock region, L’Auberge features 62 luxury cottages, 21 lodge-style guest rooms and a newly redesigned, stand-alone five-bedroom Creekhouse, which is ideal for weddings, executive retreats, or family gatherings. The Vista cottages were recently added to provide stunning Red Rock views, and the Creek, Preferred Garden and Spa cottages underwent renovation earlier this year. All cottages include outdoor, open-roof cedar showers that encourage guests to indulge in the warmth of rain-head shower water, while also feeling refreshed from the crisp, outdoor air. The property, which has always been known for some of the best cuisine in Sedona, recently unveiled two new creekside culinary concepts – Cress on Oak Creek and Etch Kitchen + Bar, which provide two unique dining experiences, from fine dining to more casual. Onsite L’Apothecary Spa allows guests to become closer to the Earth’s essential, native benefits through creating their own, custom body care blends with local ingredients; or by interacting with the environment through earthing-inspired spa treatments. When not relaxing at the spa or in their cozy accommodations, guests can enjoy guided hikes, daily yoga classes, forest bathing, sound healing, meditation classes, and more.

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as “the best of the best of travel.” Under Editor in Chief Pilar Guzmán, the Readers’ Choice Awards have become more selective and specific to the passions that inspire today’s travelers.

The Readers’ Choice Awards are announced in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler, on newsstands nationwide on October 25, 2016. The full list is published exclusively online, at www.CNTraveler.com/rca.

About L’Auberge de Sedona:  L’Auberge de Sedona offers exceptional experiences in a place of extraordinary beauty. Nestled along the banks of Sedona’s Red Rock region, this luxury creekside resort provides the best in scenery, accommodations, fine dining, romance and wellness. For more information, visit www.lauberge.com. 

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Visit this link for a detailed Write on Rubee trip report: Arizona Travel: L'Auberge de Sedona