Culinary

Tia Carmen Set to Debut at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa will debut Tía Carmen, a new dining destination led by renowned Chef Angelo Sosa along with seasoned restaurant operator Mark Stone in early April 2022. Tía Carmen, named after chef Sosa's aunt, celebrates the local landscape, farmers, and community of the Southwest while reflecting a mix of tradition and modernity with bold, elemental cooking and a diverse beverage program. Open for dinner, the menu will feature flavors highlighting the beauty and ingredients of the region. The menu is divided into three sections: light + fresh, maize + harina, and charcoal + wood + fire. Designed in collaboration with Thomas Schoos design firm, guests can expect an 'Earth meets Art' theme. The 130-seat restaurant will harmonize with Chef Sosa's inspiration, his 'Tía Carmen', a woman of passion, love, and humility. The exterior boasts a natural desert landscape, an open adobe-style fireplace, and native Southwestern Pueblo-style architectural Latilla structures. Tía Carmen's design aesthetic is all about simplicity and plays on the ques from the surrounding Arizona region.

• PR Contact:  J/PR
• Email: jwdesertridge@jpublicrelations.com
• Phone: 310-722-7066

Visit Mesa launches City Limitless®Beers & Brews Passport

Just in time for spring break and winter visitors, Visit Mesa is launching the City Limitless® Beers & Brews Tour. This digital passport combines the best of both worlds – craft beer and gourmet coffee – inviting folks to discover the breadth of locations to enjoy these two libations in Mesa and the East Valley. The free incentive program can be linked to from VisitMesa.com and connects the user to a digital passport that serves as a tour of the breweries, tap rooms, sports bars, and coffee shops. Visitors, and locals, can log-in for discounts and special seasonal offers at select businesses and, when they check-in at each location from their smartphone they can earn prizes. Prizes for guests that check-in on the passport, include coasters and bottle openers for the first five check-ins at participating businesses and an exclusive Beers and Brews t-shirt for the first 10. Check-ins, which are verified by a business's 4-digit code upon arrival, must be completed within 30 days from the starting date to be eligible for the prize. A monthly sweepstakes will award die-hard fans that visit all the participating locations with a race medal commemorating their dedication to visiting all locations. All prizes are subject to change and available while supplies last. 

• PR Contact: Michelle Streeter, Chief Communications Officer, Visit Mesa
• Direct: 480-682-3638 Toll-free: 800-283-6372 x345
• E-mail: Michelle@VisitMesa.com

March is officially named as Arizona Wine Month

Governor Ducey recently recognized the growing importance and impact of our state's wine producers by designating March 2022 as Arizona's first official Wine Month. The Arizona Office of Tourism promotes Arizona wines and wine experiences to residents and visitors alike. Fortunately, a quick stop at a tasting room or vineyard will fit into almost any Arizona itinerary. To make planning easy, last summer the Office of Tourism launched the digital Arizona Wine Trail Passport to help travelers find nearby tasting rooms and special offers. With more than 120 wineries, tasting rooms and vineyards around the state, there are plenty of places to explore! To put the exclamation point on what's sure to be a great new annual celebration, the Arizona Wine Grower's Association is hosting the Governor's Cup Awards and Wine Festival at Tarbell's Wine Store on March 27. The outdoor event will include booths from more than 20 local Arizona vineyards, fantastic Tarbell's food and live music. The Arizona Office of Tourism is also declaring every Wednesday in March #WineWednesday and raising a glass to wineries on social media channels. Follow Visit Arizona on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to find feature stories of Arizona wines and their makers. All are encouraged to share their own Arizona wine adventures with #AZWineTrail for a chance to be featured on one of their channels. Spread the word and make Arizona's inaugural wine month a favorite new statewide tradition! 

• PR Contact: Becky Blaine, Arizona Office of Tourism 
• Email: bblaine@tourism.az.gov
• Phone: 602-364-3696

Events

Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale Arts Team Up with Local Artists to Showcase Cactus Collective Celebrating 5 C's of Arizona Economy  

With the support of the Arizona Office of Tourism, Scottsdale Fashion Square, together with one of the state's preeminent cultural leaders Scottsdale Arts and City of Scottsdale, is celebrating Arizona's history and economy through 15 custom-created saguaro cactuses decorated to reflect the five Cs that are the root of Arizona's economy: cotton, climate, cattle, copper, and citrus. Unveiled on March 2 and on display through the entire month at Scottsdale's iconic luxury shopping center, the Cactus Collective Exhibit features the work of artists hand-selected by Scottsdale Fashion Square and Scottsdale Arts from a collection of artists with diverse artistic points of view for their commitment to providing a unique perspective into all that defines Arizona.

• PR Contact: Angela Menninger, Duality PR
• Phone: 602-373-8212
• Email: angela@dualitypr.com

Butterfly Wonderland Unveils Floral Sculpture Exhibit by Local Phoenix Artist

Spring has sprung at Butterfly Wonderland! Experience a unique exhibition of handmade floral sculptures displayed among thousands of beautiful butterflies as part of Art in Bloom in Butterfly Wonderland's Conservatory. Capturing the movement of nature, these sculptures are handmade by local Phoenix artist Jim Holbert of 3BoxStudios and were created specifically for Butterfly Wonderland. Ten floral sculptures made from raw materials are layered throughout the Butterfly Conservatory and are now fond resting places for the many tropical rainforest butterflies. Much of Holbert's art draws inspiration from the desert landscape of Arizona where he and his family have lived for nearly 20 years, but also are a dynamic addition to the rich green landscape of the Conservatory. Art in Bloom is free with admission and will be on display through September 2022. Butterfly Wonderland tickets are available onsite or online and the exhibits are open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m

• PR Contact: Karin Gallo, Arizona Boardwalk
• Email: Kgallo@azboardwalk.com
• Phone: 480-291-8218

Flight Service

PHX - Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Updates - Come Fly with Us 

Looking to travel? Many airlines have added or restarted routes giving you even more options as you plan your travel. 

• Sun Country began twice weekly service to Rochester, Minn. on Feb. 4. Rochester is a new market for Phoenix.
• Spirit has started daily direct service from Phoenix to Las Vegas. They are the fourth carrier to serve fly direct to Las Vegas.
• Allegiant started flying direct twice weekly to Knoxville on Feb. 16. Knoxville is a new market for Phoenix.
• For those looking to visit Canada, WestJet has restarted service to Regina, Canada.

To see a list of all the places you can fly from PHX, visit our Where We Fly page.

Haven't traveled in a while? Check out our COVID-19 page for airport updates.

Air Canada expanding its North American network this summer as recovery accelerates 

Air Canada recently announced an expansion of its North American network for Summer 2022 as the carrier's recovery from COVID accelerates. With the launch of new service on four transborder and three domestic routes, as well as the restoration of 41 North American routes. We are glad to report that the Montreal to Phoenix non-stop flight is back on and will be returning as a twice-weekly flight as of May 3rd.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport now offers free reservations for TSA Security Checkpoint lines. 

The new pilot program, PHX RESERVE, gives passengers the ability to schedule a specific time to get in the TSA Security Checkpoint line. Reservations can be made up to three days before a passenger's flight, and they will use a dedicated entry point to the security checkpoint. Using the program is free. Reservation times can be made for between 60 minutes and four hours before a passenger's flight. The dedicated PHX RESERVE Security entry point will be available between 4 a.m. and 3 p.m. Passengers traveling as a group (up to 10) can also reserve an appointment as one. Travelers should plan ahead and make their reservations in advance. Reservations can be made online up to 72 hours in advance of flight departure. Learn more about PHX RESERVE by going to skyharbor.com/PHXReserve.

Hotel News

The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch to Undergo Massive Multimillion-Dollar Renovation Under New Ownership

One of Arizona's legacy resorts - The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch - is getting ready to undergo a massive multimillion-dollar renovation under new ownership, which will be the largest property-wide undertaking in the resort's nearly 50-year history. Driftwood Capital has purchased the 326-room property that sits on 16.2 acres. Upon completion, the resort will join Curio Collection by Hilton. The renovation will include updates to all guest rooms, common areas, amenity spaces, food and beverage outlets, 80,000 square feet of flexible event space and the spa, which will also be expanded. The Stillman Building will be converted into a collection of two-story luxury villas, thereby reducing the overall room count to 276 when the resort is completed in early 2023. The renovation will be done in phases and the property will remain open throughout the process. Fun fact: Opened in 1976 as the Scottsdale Conference Center, The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch was the first conference resort in the country. 

• Media Contacts: J. Lauren PR & Marketing
• Jan Bracamonte / 480-540-3842 / jan@jlaurenpr.com
• Autumn Jarrett / 217-413-1744 / autumn@jlaurenpr.com

Canopy Scottsdale Debuts Wellness-Infused Guestrooms

Since traveling can have an impact on staying dedicated to fitness and wellness goals, Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town announced today it's helping its guests stay on track by debuting a selection of wellness-infused guestrooms geared toward the fitness-minded traveler complete with leading equipment from Peloton and Therabody. Each of these wellness-focused guestrooms come equipped with a Peloton bike to get the heart pumping, Theragun Elite Massage Gun and Therabody Wave Roller along with a yoga mat for a relaxing cool down.The Wellness Guestrooms are available for a $49 fee over the standard room pricing. Book an upcoming stay here to be greeted by an environment that captures the essence of the surrounding Scottsdale community. Beyond  a stay in a Wellness Guestroom, Canopy Scottsdale offers a 24-hour fitness studio that caters to any workout style with its assortment of cardio, strength, core and balance equipment.

• Media Contacts: J. Lauren PR & Marketing
• Jan Bracamonte / 480-540-3842 / jan@jlaurenpr.com
• Autumn Jarrett / 217-413-1744 / autumn@jlaurenpr.com

 Rest Easy With Chic, New Sleep Packages at Mountain Shadows and Hotel Valley Ho

Overdue for a getaway, and a good night's sleep? Hotel Valley Ho in Old Town Scottsdale and Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale have just launched two unique sleep packages – well timed for National Sleep Awareness Month, which takes place in March. These dreamy offerings are designed to lull you into a peaceful night of rest, enabling you to enjoy the mental and physical benefits associated with good sleep. The Bubbles & No Sleep Troubles package at Hotel Valley Ho is making counting sheep a breeze. From a luxurious soak enhanced with LUSH's Sleepy Bubble Bar to grabbing your velvet-lined flamingo eye mask, you'll be ready to snooze in no time. At Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, the Moon & Stars Sleep Package is designed for dreamy desert dozing. Start your evening routine by making a cup of Golden Moon Milk, and take a journey towards wellness and relaxation. When you're ready to start dreaming, grab the Brooklinen constellation eye mask and enjoy the cool, soothing feel of mulberry silk. Sweet dreams. Each package is $155 plus tax, available now through the end of 2022. The Bubbles & No Sleep Troubles package can be booked by contacting reservations@hotelvalleyho.com, while the Moon & Stars Sleep Package can be reserved by contacting reservations@mountainshadows.com.

• PR Contact: Kristin Heggli, Hotel Valley Ho + Mountain Shadows
• Phone: 480-624-5414
• Email: kheggli@benchmarkglobal.com

Sheraton Phoenix Partners with Feelmore Labs to Launch New Rest & Restore Package

This National Sleep Month, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, Arizona's largest hotel for business and leisure travelers, has partnered with Feelmore Labs, an innovative wellness technology company driven by neuroscience to offer Cove, a wearable device that supports healthy sleep and reduces stress, to provide guests with an exceptional overnight experience with the new Rest & Restore Package. Following the completion of an extensive renovation last spring, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown continues to enhance its guest experience programming with a focus on wellness. The Rest & Restore Package provides hotel guests with access to a Cove device to use throughout their stay, calming chamomile-lavender tea and biscotti welcome amenity, breakfast for two at & More by Sheraton, and a late check-out to maximize sleep time. The Rest & Restore Package starts at $229 per night. To book, please visit https://promos.marriott.com/PHXGP/rest-and-restore or call (480)-376-2600.

• PR Contacts:
• J Public Relations / sheratonphoenix@jpublicrelations.com
• Feelmore Labs / cove@maxborgesagency.com

 Quintero Golf Club offers new luxury condominiums 

Located in Peoria just west of Lake Pleasant, Quintero Golf Club is one of Arizona's most challenging and pristine courses, designed by master architect Rees Jones. It has received national attention — earning the ranking of No. 1 Best Public Golf Course by Golf Digest and Golf Weekly Magazine and No. 1 in Arizona by Golf Advisor. Those that wish to stay and play can enjoy one of the new luxury condominiums on property. Each condo is positioned right on the course. The lower level Terrace Casitas feature two spacious master suites, two full bathrooms, private patios and incredible views of the surrounding desert. The Executive Lofts on the second level provide more ample space with two master suites and two-and-a-half baths, towering windows and a private balcony. The kitchens are fully equipped with top-quality stainless appliances as well as a built-in wine refrigerator and are adjacent to the property pool, jacuzzi and a barbecue entertainment area. Quintero's staff can help guests customize adventure or pampering stay and play packages such as in-suite chef-prepared meals, boating, horseback riding, ATV'ing, shooting and more.  

• PR Contact: Eric Butruff, Knife and Fork Media Group
• Email: eric@knifeandforkmedia.com

Accolades

U.S. News & World Report names Sanctuary Camelback Mountain the best hotel in Arizona

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort & Spa has been named the number one hotel in Arizona by the editors of U.S. News & World Report in their Best Hotels list. The 2022 ranking—the twelfth annual by the prestigious national news team—also placed Sanctuary among the top hotels in the United States. Thousands of hotels were researched for this year's ranking, and the U.S. News & World Report editorial team employed dozens of data points and an unbiased approach to calculate the 2022 list. In total, more than 35,000 luxury properties across 400-plus destinations were evaluated. The editors' methodology considered a hotel's star rating, expert and guest sentiment collected through distinguished travel publications, and TripAdvisor user scores. Since opening in 2001, Sanctuary has been a beloved fixture of the greater Phoenix area and is regularly lauded in top national contests like Travel + Leisure's “Top 500 Hotels” and Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards.

• PR Contact: Jenna Bush
• Phone: 212-284-9936
• Email: sanctuarypr@mower.com

COVID-19 Updates in Arizona

For visitor guidance due to COVID-19 such as mask-wearing, a list of tourism-related reopenings or closures, and a link to public health guidelines, click here: https://www.visitarizona.com/covid-19/ . Some attractions are open year-round and some are open seasonally or move to seasonal hours. To ensure the places you want to see are open on your travel dates, please check their website for hours of operation.

Connect

Newsroom: https://www.visitarizona.com/newsroom/

Official State Travelers Guide: https://digital.milespartnership.com/publication/?i=718412