A word like “Where time stands still” is on the outside of the lobby at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, and I have to say that there’s really something very much about this crown jewel of Marriott resorts set in the magical Sonoran Desert. From the moment you enter the property, you feel relaxed – and that feeling of relaxation just got elevated even more.
I have been a huge fan of for almost 20 years, living near the resort. But this time I was the first journalist to tour this storied resort’s stunning reimagined spa after a yearlong closure and undergoing whose $25 million renovation led to an estimated $1 million remodelling, so that it had been my first visit.
Consider this your exclusive sneak peek as it finally reopens to the public this week.
What is the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort and Spa?
Dec. was opened at the historic Camelback Inn, which is a former in 1863 and has since been named “Cameback”. Approximately 15, 1936, with 75 casitas (all made from handmade adobe bricks) for $75,000. Arizona’s warm winter-like weather was a hit for the country’Sunning, with wealthy visitors flocking to enjoy the new luxury resorts of The Arizona Biltmore, Royal Palms and Camelback Inn. s and business tycoons of Hollywood stars, including the likes for Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, Bette Davis and J. W. Marriott Sr, . went to the resorts in Scottsdale.
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In the 1940s, a family of Marriott families has been in love with the resort before they ever owned the property. Sadly Bill Marriott still visits his “favorite resort” with family every year on his birthday. It’s one of my favorite favorites, too.
This swanky 90th anniversary is set on the property’s newly renovated, well-represented spa complex that has raised the resort’t offerings yet again with its offering as it celebrate their 90 years anniversary in style under an impressively reimagineable spa building now known as the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa.
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a $12 Just before the resort’s 85th anniversary, 5 million room renovation was completed with soothing desert tones and weathered wooden accents breathing new life into the rooms. Now, as the property enters its 90th year of hospitality, the resort has completed a $25 million full renovation of its iconic destination spa.
The property has 453 casita-style rooms (including 26 suites) from 410-square-foot rooms to a three-bedroom, 2,700- square- feet Manor House with ‘private pool. It has a property with fragrant, colorful gardens between beautiful views of Mummy Mountain to the north and Camelback Mountain in the south spread out more than 125 acres.
Arizona is considered the world’s paradise for golfers, and Camelback Inn has two 18-hole championship golf courses that should be on every golfer’ horizon for those looking for a golf getaway.
An exclusive first look at the reimagined Spa at Camelback Inn
BECKY BLAINE/THE POINTS GUY
I was the first journalist to tour the reimagined 32,000-square-foot Spa at Camelback Inn after its remarkable $25 million renovation. I’ve always loved the spa during its past history, but must say that the new design and facilities have made it a better experience than I could imagine — including all of the latest technology and treatment.
A lavishly appointed treatment room, which was set up to be launched this week at Camelback Inn, has 20 well-designed rooms for treatment including a specially designed Vichy table, immersive hydrotherapy pools and serene meditation spaces where guests can disconnect and unwind. spa experience detox, soothe, harmonize and restore.
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The spa experience, which is based in its desert environment, highlights desert-inspired treatments made with native ingredients like adobe clay, prickly pear and agave nectar. These local based therapies connect guests with the natural elements of the area while advocating holistic health. It also complements the calming atmosphere of the modern space with its art and architecture throughout the new space limestone and travertine, an attractive desert palette and sculptures in cacti.
Shelley Narath, spa director at the resort since 2020, said ‘The new menu at The Spa in Camelback Inn allows guests to truly tailor their spa day according to what they are going on. The options are intentionally flexible, whether someone wants to concentrate entirely on detox selecting every service according to that purpose – or prefers mixing and matching (such as pairing a detox massage with ‘friendly face’). “** ,.
This personalized wellness journey also allows for complete customization and flexibility for guests with ingredient sensitivities.
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Narath recommends the Return to Balance massage, which is inspired by the legacy treatments of the resort’s past.
That means “it is a connection to our roots” – an acknowledgement of where we came from. The mind and body are reunited with this deeply restorative service, which “still creates a deep sense of peace” in the form of energybalancing techniques that promote full renewal,” she said.
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Moreover, she says guests take time to explore the indoor wellness circuit including contrast bathing. It involves a journey through the aromatherapy steam cavern, cold therapies, he Himalayan salt sauna and finishing in limestone infrared loungers.
“The warmth of the infrared loungers is especially comforting,” she explained.
This balanced hot-and-cold experience supports relaxation and recovery.
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Stillness Lounge. JW MARRIOTT CAMELBACK INN RESORT
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Stillness Lounge The stillness lounge provides a calm, meditational environment with Mind-Sync Harmonic Wellness Loungers for deep mental and sensory relaxation. sessions from 5 to 60 minutes, including blankets and eye masks as well with noise-cancelling headphones designed to help reduce stress and anxiety while enhancing resting sleep or sleep.
Wellness Waters is a outdoor pool space with three tranquil hydrotherapies for guests, and offers guests the opportunity to indulge in Wellness waters. Unlike its original Arizona counterpart, custom-designed that mixes soothing water elements with the calm of desert environment, this experience is mixed with what’s most relaxing about it.
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There are also well-designed, coed and thoughtfully designed lounge rooms in the spa sanctuary; a dedicated couple’s treatment room for shared relaxation is one of the most elaborate private spaces available to guests. A more exclusive experience The Villa offers a private poolside retreat with ‘double treatment room, patio and lounge area’ for the ultimate couple or small groups of up to 10 guests.
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wellness is still going beyond the spa with a new studio offering sound baths, yoga and mindfulness sessions; 24-hour fitness center equipped with Peloton bikes and Technogym equipment. And guests can also take on Ora Cafe, a striking new wellness-inspired dining concept developed in partnership with Licensed Nutritionist; the food and beverages are nutritious options that fit into overall wellness journey.
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The spa was redesigned by DesignOne-Studio and EDG Design, with the focus of natural materials and sophistication. Among its other clients are Montage, Four Seasons and Mii Amo in Sedona (It is also owned by the company). The structure is a tribute to the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert, with materials and details that blur the line between indoors and outdoors; it encourages relaxation and reconnection with nature. Job well done it’s breathtaking in every way.
Rooms at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn
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I stayed here on this trip in a mountain-view, one-bedroom suite with Southwestern decor. One and half baths were also included in it as well as an adobe-style gas fireplace living room with an “amazing” type of bathroom. There was a coffee maker, full wet bar and stocked minibar in the dining room with. I loved two patios one off the living room and another off bedroom. A cup of coffee was enough for this lovely morning sunrise view over Camelback Mountain, a beautiful day.
Suite The suite has a bedroom with king bed and pull-out sofa for ‘three or four people’, including.
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The huge bathroom which was separated from the bedroom by double sliding doors – included a tub, sex shower, an identical double vanity and ‘ful closet’. The Aromatherapy Associates London, based in Bath, honour the calm scents of the desert.
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It was adorned with the exclusive JW Luxury Bedding Package, which includes a lush pillowtop mattress, feather pillows and duvet.
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Any hotel stay is always characterized by a comfortable bed, and this was the mark of any hotel staying.” If you want a quiet sleep experience delivered to your room, try “the Dreamery,” based on ‘new evening turndown amenity ($79) for. Set Red light therapy, calming soundscapes and soothing aromatherapy — with a silk sleep mask, pillow mist and melatonin-infused patch.
Dining at JW Marriott Camelback Inn
Rita’s Cantina
It’s a Sunday brunch buffet, lunch or happy hour at Rita’S Cantina with live music on the patio — perfect for enjoying beautiful weather. The poblano queso ($18, add chorizo for $6) is served with the namesake Rita’s margarita ($8).
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One of the breakfast favorites is an old-fashioned southwestern flavor such as huevos rancheros ($24) or something nutritionally rich like salmon lox ($22), which served with herb cream cheese, cucumbers pickled onions, dill and capers and usually served on a bagel (bamil). Hot tip If the chef has made Noble sourdough bread on hand and order it open-faced with the lox, ask for any local recipe.
Dinner at Lincoln Steakhouse
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A glamorous dinner at the chic Lincoln Steakhouse with views of Camelback Mountain at sunset Have a lavish dinner with . We loved the starters a lot beet salad, Duroc pork belly and’lobster “escargot’ in scampi butter. But restaurant chef de cuisine John Fraser referred to the Josper oven-style ribeye, which didn’t disappoint medium rare, of course — with three sauces. A slanger (Don’t skimp on the sides Potato au gratin with drunken mushrooms). JW cheesecake Just keep yourself in the closet for dessert Bill Marriott’s favorite, Jw cheese cake.
Amenities and things to do
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Read a few of these can’t-miss experiences and activities to make the most of the beautiful weather and Sonoran Desert setting Help with your stay.
But just leave time to take vitamin D at the Jackrabbit pool, *’so be sure that you don’t have to go back in. In winter, the pools are heated by (Yes, in a pool). ) Sip a La Fresa of Tito’s Handmade vodka ( lime, strawberry puree and soda ($17) from Hoppin’ Jack’s Poolside cafe). Daybeds are $100 and poolside cabanas, with rent starting at $300 per day.
- Meet the resort’s falconer and learn about desert hawks daily on Rita’s patio from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
GET IN A SHOCKING PLATE OF pickleball (one hour) or tennis (two hours) supplies and court time are included in the resort fee per day. - LINKS One of Camelback Golf Club’s two 18-hole championship courses is one of the links on which it has been linked to. Was it a mistake to pack your clubs? Taylormade club rentals are available.
- Artists will rejoice over the painting kits and easels, which can be set up on the resort’s lush grounds or on your guest room patio ($68)).
Guest use * Electric bikes are also available, and offer a great way to visit Paradise Valley and the local shops at Camelback and 44th Street.
If you’re off the property for outdoor adventures, concierge will help you book desert horseback riding tours ( Cave Creek Outfitters or off-roading experiences with Stellar Adventures and Wild West Jeep Tours).
How to book your next stay at the historic JW Marriott Camelback Inn
BECKY BLAINE/THE POINTS GUY
The resort rates start at $499 (plus taxes and fees) in busier months or from $199 in the summertime, low season. For those who use points, there are rooms that can be booked from 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night during the low season and 77,000 Bonvision points a night at peak season.
The resort also participates in Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts program and The Edit by Chase TravelSM. There are perks and benefits for both premium programs, including early check-in, breakfast for two, late checkout and room upgrades if there is an option to upgrade.
Accessibility
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The resort, which is governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, provides pool chair lifts, wide door doors and broad pathways. There is also a ramp to the front entrance of the main building, and there’s an elevator to that main house.
Access to visual, auditory and mobility for guests in accessible rooms is available with . The TPG, as always does, recommends calling the resort directly with any specific questions or concerns.
Some other helpful things to know:
- Accessible casitas and suites are available.
- The spa is fully accessible.
- There are chair lifts at the pool and in the hot tub.
- Golf cart transportation is available to all areas of the resort for those who need assistance.
Checking out
This 453-room, midsize resort is the historic Camelback Inn (as it has been described in its history as a small town) with no largest pool or waterslide complex like other resorts in the valley do. Nevertheless, it is the best place for total relaxation and quiet, calm surroundings as well as luxury. While the resort is family-friendly and offers a variety of activities for everyone, if you’re looking for nonstop action or he’s at. kids club nearby there are plenty other points properties to do so. Bringing back the spa experience here is just an alteration to what’s already beautiful resort with exceptional service.
This weekend will be my spa weekend, pickleball and reading on the patio (and I’ll also book my kids for a water park weekend another time)
Related reading:
- The award traveler’s guide to Marriott Bonvoy
- The best Marriott credit cards
- Get free breakfast, upgrades and more with the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program
- Fun in the desert sun: A family guide to Scottsdale, Arizona
- The 10 best hotels in Scottsdale, Arizona, for a dreamy desert getaway
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