Arizona’s Paradise Valley Prepares for New Desert Retreat
A large redevelopment project is underway in Paradise Valley, Arizona, where the former Scottsdale Plaza Resort is being converted into the Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas, scheduled to open in early 2026. Covering 42 acres near Camelback and Mummy Mountains, the property will be the first IHG-branded luxury lifestyle resort in the Scottsdale area. Plans include more than 400 guest rooms and villas, as well as 50,000 square feet of event and meeting space.
According to official announcements, the resort will include several pools, a spa, a fitness center, and direct access to hiking routes in the surrounding desert. Standard Kimpton features such as in-room yoga mats, bicycle rentals, and daily social gatherings will be part of the offering. Dining facilities are being developed in partnership with the hospitality group sbe, with one of the restaurants planned to be led by a known chef.
The location places the resort close to Camelback Mountain, one of the region’s most visited natural landmarks. Hikers often use the Echo Canyon and Cholla trails, which rise nearly 1,420 feet and offer panoramic views of the Phoenix valley. Located to the northeast, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve spans over 30,000 acres of safeguarded desert terrain and offers more than 180 miles of trails open to hikers and cyclists.
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and downtown Scottsdale’s arts district are nearby, appealing to both families and culture lovers. The park's historical train displays and rides in the open air are very different from the area's modern urban developments. This shows how the region is a mix of history and recreation.
The redevelopment shows that people are still putting money into the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley corridor, which has seen steady growth in tourism over the past ten years. For travelers, it shows how more and more places to stay are being built near major outdoor attractions and cities. The Kimpton Miralina project shows how the hotel market in the area is changing to meet the needs of both tourists and business travelers in Arizona's desert.