Attractions 

Enjoy an AI-Powered Massage at the W Scottsdale
Those ready to combine technology and tradition should experience a one-of-a-kind massage at the AWAY Spa in W Scottsdale, now offering Arizona's first AI-powered massage in collaboration with Aescape. This cutting-edge treatment features intelligent robotic arms guided by advanced AI technology to deliver a customized full-body massage. Guests can personalize their session by selecting pressure levels, target areas, and massage styles while the system responds and adjusts in real-time.

Unwind on a Lake Pleasant Cruise this Summer 
Visitors can explore Lake Pleasant in Peoria on an hour-long themed cruise aboard Lake Pleasant Cruises. They can watch a signature Arizona sunset on the water while enjoying a mouthwatering dinner and live music on the Sunset Music Cruise. They may want to savor brunch with a view on the Brunch Cruise or enjoy a personal charcuterie cup on the Wine & Cheese Music Cruise. If they are looking to learn about the lake and the surrounding desert fauna? The Narrated Sightseeing Cruises offers insights into the local landscape. This cruise also offers the best chance to spot desert creatures. 

Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott is Now an Officially Recognized Arboretum 
Plant lovers can wander among 89 species of trees and woody plants at Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, a newly recognized arboretum. Visitors can explore the museum's four-acre campus, including the Yavpé Ethnobotany Garden, created with the help of the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe. Or, they choose to stroll through the stunning Memorial Rose Garden, home to 180 rose varieties and dedicated to Arizona's early pioneer and frontier women. Visitors can also explore the museum's eight historic buildings, including the log cabin Governor's Mansion built in 1864 for the first Governor of the Arizona Territory, John Goodwin. This landmark houses exhibits on pioneer life, the history of the Yavapai people and early vehicles.

Hotel News

The REMI Scottsdale Set to Debut This Month
Newly debuting, the REMI Scottsdale, Autograph Collection, is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Scottsdale's Entertainment District. Intertwining luxury with a dynamic atmosphere, this 161-room hotel features five dining venues, VIP access to the adjacent Maya Day + Nightclub and stunning sunset views from its rooftop pool, the highest one in the city. Guests looking to soak up the sun can book one of the two Loft Suites patios that open to the hotel's pool deck. They can enjoy the hotel's culinary experiences, including savory dishes at the Japanese Steakhouse, elevated comfort food at the modern diner and curated cocktails at the Rooftop Bar alongside the pool. The REMI Scottsdale is slated to open at the end of June. 

Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale Announces $18 million Renovation 
The historic, mid-century designed Hotel Valley Ho in Old Town Scottsdale is undergoing an $18 million renovation to refresh its rooms, fusing vintage aesthetic with modern design. This marks the largest renovation since opening in 1956. Renovated rooms in the hotel's original wings are now open to guests to enjoy after exploring Old Town's galleries, dining at the onsite restaurant, Zuzu, or learning about the hotel's storied history on the 90-minute Magical History walking tour.

Hidden Gem Getaway: Acoustic Cellars Lodge in Verde Valley Wine Country
Those who want to enjoy wine, wellness and live music can now visit the newly opened Acoustic Cellars Lodge in Cornville, nestled in the Verde Valley, one of Arizona's three American Viticultural Areas. Options include taking part in the lodge's AZ Wine Crawler tour and visiting several wineries in Sedona and Verde Valley, where guests can savor award-winning wines while soaking in the picturesque scenery. At this cozy lodge, visitors can spend the day playing pickleball, petting the alpaca and relaxing in the hot tub. In the evening, they can unwind at intimate onsite concerts from the lodge's owner, Leon J, an award-winning Heritage Blues Hall of Fame artist.

Top of The Lodge: A New Stay at Castle Hot Springs 
Perfect for a girls' getaway or a trip with extended family, Top of The Lodge is a new luxury suite at Castle Hot Springs. The suite features three bedrooms, four bathrooms and a wraparound deck with stunning views of the Sonoran Desert. Just steps away from Castle Hot Springs' Bar, 1896, and its farm-to-table restaurant, Harvest, guests have easy access to exceptional dining. On-site activities include swimming in the remedial hot springs, touring the farm and hiking or biking.

Industry News

New Arizona Wild Bunch: Family Pass
Families traveling with kids can discover all of Arizona's best family-friendly activities with the new Arizona Wild Bunch: Family Pass. The free passport offers an interactive map and guide that showcases more than 60 kid-approved attractions and destinations across the state. With this pass as a resource, families can easily plan their trip and embark on fun adventures like riding the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, expressing creativity at the i.d.e.a Museum in Mesa, or exploring five completely different environments at Biosphere 2 near Tucson. With an abundance of outdoor adventures, museums, zoos and hands-on activities — there's something fun to discover for the whole family.

Visit Mesa Launches a New Digital Accessibility Travel Guide 
Mesa, the world's first Autism Certified City, now offers a new digital Accessibility Travel Guide that helps people on the autism spectrum and their families easily plan and enjoy their visit. The new guide showcases the city's sensory-friendly attractions, autism-certified businesses and firsthand stories from travelers to support inclusive travel. As the first city to earn a Destination Verified Seal from Wheel the World, a website dedicated to connecting people with disabilities with recommended activities in destinations, Mesa's new guide also includes accessible trails, accommodations and resources. 

Accolades

Travel + Leisure Names Sedona 'Most Mindful Destination on Earth'
Sedona's natural wonders and spiritual elements have earned the prestigious designation of  "Most Mindful Destination on Earth" by Travel + Leisure. After analyzing thousands of TripAdvisor reviews for three years, Sedona scored a 92 on the mindfulness scale, beating other wellness hotspots to claim the honor. Sedona's red rock formations, strong spiritual community and energy vortexes help many travelers discover serenity and inner transformation. In addition to the vortexes, visitors can enjoy world-class spas and resorts, scenic hiking trails and a thriving arts community.

Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience Named “Best Under the Radar Activity” 
PHOENIX Magazine's Arizona Travel Awards named Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience as the “Best Under the Radar Activity” for their “Best of the Valley” July/August 2025 issue. This two-day event, held in November, features Native Arizona cuisine, arts, and live performances. Attendees enjoy curated tasting stations and demonstrations by Indigenous chefs.

Culinary News

Arizona's First Upscale Supper Club Opens in Scottsdale 
Elevated fine dining and entertainment can be enjoyed at the new SHIV Supper Club, which opened in May 2025 in Scottsdale's Entertainment District. This luxurious and intimate culinary experience offers world-class cuisine paired with craft cocktails and immersive entertainment. On weekends, the Supper Club transforms into The Dessert Room, where guests can indulge in 12 ever-changing, unique desserts crafted by acclaimed Pastry Chef Nundi Harris. Reservations are required.

Flights

Arizona's First Nonstop Flight to Asia Commences in 2026
STARLUX Airlines will start nonstop flights between Phoenix and Taipei, Taiwan, in February 2026, marking Arizona's first nonstop flight to Asia. The new service will offer flights three times a week between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Taipei's Taoyuan Airport aboard an Airbus A350-900. Starlux's A350-900 jets can seat 306 passengers; four in first class, 26 in business class and 36 in premium economy.

Air France Increases Nonstop Flights between Phoenix and Paris 
Air France now offers nonstop service between Phoenix and Paris five times a week on an Airbus A350-900, a fuel-efficient aircraft known for its reduced environmental impact. This increase in flights for Air France's first-ever nonstop flight between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport started just in time for the inaugural flight's first anniversary in May 2025.

Contact Visit Arizona's Media Relations Team
Kim Todd, Director of Media Relations, ktodd@tourism.az.gov,
Marjorie Magnusson, Media Relations Manager, mmagnusson@tourism.az.gov
Taryn Super, Media Relations Specialist, tsuper@tourism.az.gov