TPG exclusive: I was the first journalist to see JW Marriott Camelback Inn's $25M spa renovation
Editor's Note
The words "Where time stands still" adorn the lobby's exterior at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, and I have to say, there really is something distinctly time-stopping about this crown jewel of Marriott resorts set in the magical Sonoran Desert. You feel relaxed from the moment you step onto the property — and that sense of relaxation just got even more elevated.
After living near the resort for close to 20 years, I've been a huge fan for a long time, but this particular visit had me even more excited than usual because I was the first journalist to tour this storied resort's stunning reimagined spa after a yearlong closure and a whopping $25 million renovation.
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?
The historic Camelback Inn opened on December 15, 1936, with 75 casitas (all constructed with handmade adobe bricks) at a cost of just $75,000. Arizona's sunny, warm winters attracted wealthy visitors from across the country to enjoy the newly built luxury resorts such as The Arizona Biltmore, Royal Palms and Camelback Inn. Even Hollywood stars and business tycoons flocked to the resorts in Scottsdale, including the likes of Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, Bette Davis and J.W. Marriott, Sr.
The Marriott family's love of the resort dates back to the 1940s, before they ever owned the property. In fact, Bill Marriott still visits his "favorite resort" with family annually on his birthday. I don't blame him — it's a favorite of mine, too.
Now known as the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort and Spa, the property is about to celebrate its 90th anniversary in style with a beautifully reimagined spa complex, elevating the resort's offerings yet again.
A $12.5 million room renovation was completed just before the resort's 85th anniversary, with soothing desert tones and weathered wooden accents breathing new life into the accommodations. And now, as the property enters its 90th year of hospitality, the resort has undertaken a $25 million complete renovation of its iconic destination spa.
The property features 453 casita-style rooms (including 26 suites) ranging from 410 square feet to a three-bedroom, 2,700-square-foot Manor House with a private pool. Spread out over 125 acres, fragrant, colorful gardens are tucked between gorgeous views of Mummy Mountain to the north and Camelback Mountain to the south.
For those in search of a golf getaway, Scottsdale is known around the world as a golfer's paradise, and Camelback Inn's two 18-hole championship golf courses should be on every golfer's bucket list.
An exclusive first look at the reimagined Spa at Camelback Inn
I was lucky enough to be the first journalist to tour the 32,000 square foot reimagined Spa at Camelback Inn after its remarkable $25 million renovation. I have long been a fan of the spa in its previous iteration, but I must say that the new design and amenities have elevated the experience in ways I never could have imagined — incorporating all the latest technology and treatment options.
Scheduled to debut this week, The Spa at Camelback Inn features 20 thoughtfully appointed treatment rooms, including a custom-designed Vichy table, immersive hydrotherapy pools and serene meditation spaces that invite guests to disconnect and unwind. Four pathways to wellness will guide spa experiences: detox, soothe, harmonize and restore.
Rooted in its desert surroundings, the spa experience highlights desert-inspired treatments crafted with indigenous ingredients such as adobe clay, prickly pear and agave nectar. These locally influenced therapies connect guests to the natural elements of the region while promoting holistic wellness. The art and architecture throughout the updated space — limestone and travertine, a soothing desert palette and cacti sculptures — also complement the calming atmosphere.
"The new menu at The Spa at Camelback Inn allows guests to truly customize their spa day based on their personal pathway to wellness," said Shelly Narath, who's been spa director at the resort since 2020. "Whether someone wants to focus entirely on detox — selecting every service aligned with that intention — or prefers to mix and match, such as pairing a detox massage with a soothe facial, the options are intentionally flexible." This personalized wellness journey also allows for complete customization and flexibility for guests with ingredient sensitivities.
Narath recommends the Return to Balance Massage, which is inspired by the legacy treatments of the resort's past. She said, "It serves as a connection to our roots — an acknowledgment of where we came from. This deeply restorative service brings the mind and body back into harmony, instilling a profound sense of peace with energy‑balancing techniques that promote full renewal."
She also suggests guests make time to explore the indoor wellness circuit, including contrast bathing. This involves moving through the aromatherapy steam cavern, cold therapies, a 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.
For deep mental and sensory relaxation, the Stillness Lounge offers a tranquil, meditative environment featuring Mind-Sync Harmonic Wellness Loungers. Sessions range from five to 60 minutes and incorporate weighted blankets, eye masks and noise-canceling headphones to help reduce stress and anxiety while enhancing rest and sleep.
Guests can indulge in Wellness Waters, an outdoor pool space offering a trio of tranquil hydrotherapies. Custom-designed and the first of its kind in Arizona, this experience blends soothing water elements with the calming influence of the desert environment.
The spa sanctuary also offers thoughtfully designed separate and coed lounge spaces, along with a dedicated couple's treatment room for shared relaxation. For a more exclusive experience, The Villa provides a private poolside retreat complete with a double treatment room, patio, and lounge area, ideal for couples or small groups of up to 10 guests.
Wellness continues beyond the spa with a new wellness studio offering sound baths, yoga, and mindfulness sessions, as well as a 24-hour fitness center equipped with Peloton bikes and Technogym equipment. Guests can also enjoy Ora Cafe, a striking new wellness-inspired dining concept developed in collaboration with a licensed nutritionist, offering nourishing options that complement the overall wellness journey.
The Spa was re-envisioned by DesignOne-Studio and EDG Design through a lens of natural materials and sophistication (other clients include Montage, Four Seasons and Mii Amo in Sedona). The design is a celebration of the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert, with materials and details chosen to blur the line between indoors and out, encouraging relaxation and a reconnection with nature. I'd say job well done — it's breathtaking in every way.
Rooms at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn
On this visit, I stayed in a mountain-view one-bedroom suite adorned with southwestern decor, featuring one and a half baths and a living room with an adobe-style gas fireplace. The dining area featured a a coffee maker, a full wet bar and a stocked mini bar. A detail I appreciated was the two different patios: one off of the living room and the other off of the bedroom. This was lovely for enjoying the morning sunrise view over Camelback Mountain with a cup of coffee.
The suite offers ample sleeping space for a family of three or four people, featuring a king-size bed and a pull-out sofa in the bedroom.
The huge bathroom — separated from the bedroom by double sliding doors — included a tub, separate shower, double vanity and full closet. Bath amenities pay homage to the calming scents of the desert, courtesy of Aromatherapy Associates London.
The bed was extremely comfortable, decked out with the exclusive JW Luxury Bedding Package, which includes a lush pillowtop mattress, feather pillows and duvet.
A comfortable bed is always a highlight of any hotel stay, and this hit the mark. For a restful sleep experience delivered to your room, try "the Dreamery," a new evening turndown amenity ($79). The set includes red light therapy, soothing soundscapes and calming aromatherapy — complemented by a silk sleep mask, pillow mist and melatonin-infused patch.
Dining at JW Marriott Camelback Inn
Rita's Cantina
You can't go wrong with a Sunday brunch buffet, lunch or happy hour at Rita's Cantina, complete with live music on the patio — perfect for enjoying the gorgeous weather. Order the poblano queso ($18, and add chorizo for $6) while enjoying the namesake Rita's margarita ($18).
Breakfast favorites include a traditional southwestern fare like huevos rancheros ($24) or something more nutrient-rich like salmon lox ($22) served with herb cream cheese, cucumbers, pickled onions, dill, capers and typically on a choice of bagel. My hot tip: Ask if the chef has any locally made Noble sourdough bread on hand and order it open-faced with the lox — it's delicious.
Dinner at Lincoln Steakhouse
Enjoy a glamorous dinner at the chic Lincoln Steakhouse with views of Camelback Mountain at sunset. We thoroughly enjoyed the starters: beet salad, Duroc pork belly and a lobster "escargot" in scampi butter. Restaurant chef de cuisine John Fraser recommended a ribeye from the restaurant's Josper oven, and it didn't disappoint — medium rare, of course with a trio of sauces (and don't skimp on the sides: potatoes au gratin with drunken mushrooms). Just be sure to save room for dessert — Bill Marriott's favorite, JW cheesecake.
Amenities and things to do
Enhance your stay with a few of these can't-miss experiences and activities to make the most of the beautiful weather and Sonoran Desert location.
- Be sure to leave time to soak up some Vitamin D at the Jackrabbit pool (yes, the pools are heated in the winter) while sipping a La Fresa of Tito's Handmade vodka, lime, strawberry puree and soda ($17) from Hoppin' Jack's Poolside cafe. Poolside cabanas are available for rent starting at $300 per day, and daybeds are available from $100.
- 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 quick game of Pickleball (one hour) or tennis (two hours) — supplies and court time are included in the daily resort fee.
- Didn't pack your clubs? No worries — Taylormade club rentals are available to hit the links on one of Camelback Golf Club's two 18-hole championship courses.
- Artists rejoice! Painting kits and easels are available to set up on the resort's lush grounds or on your guest room patio ($68).
- Electric bikes are available for guest use and offer a great way to explore Paradise Valley and the nearby shops at Camelback and 44th Street.
- For outdoor adventures off the property, the concierge can book desert horseback riding tours with 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
Rates for the resort start at $499 (plus taxes and fees) during peak season or from $199 in the summertime, which is low season. Those using points can find rooms bookable from 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night during low season and 77,000 Bonvoy points during peak season.
The resort is also a member of Amex's Fine Hotels & Resorts program and The Edit by Chase Travel, with both premium programs offering perks and benefits such as early check-in, breakfast for two, late checkout and room upgrades if available.
Accessibility
The resort is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as it offers pool chair lifts, wide door entrances and wide pathways. The main building has a ramp to the front entrance, too.
There are visual, auditory and mobility accessibility options for guests in accessible accommodations. As always, TPG suggests contacting the resort directly with any specific questions or concerns.
- 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
While the historic Camelback Inn is a mid-sized resort with 453 rooms (and does not have the largest pool or a waterslide complex compared to other resorts in the Valley), it exudes luxury and offers quiet, calm surroundings, making it the ideal place for total relaxation. The resort is family-friendly and offers a variety of activities for everyone, but if you're looking for nonstop action or a kids club, there are plenty of other points properties nearby. The reimagined spa experience here is simply a game changer, enhancing an already beautiful resort that offers exceptional service.
I'll take my spa weekend, pickleball and reading on the patio like the Xennial that I am (and I'll book my kids for a water park weekend another time).
Related reading: