Stay up to date on the latest venue openings and property renovations, including these found in the West.
Arizona
Amara Resort and Spa, located in Sedona, is set to complete a multimillion-dollar renovation this fall that aims to bring a “tree lodge” aesthetic to the property’s 100 guest rooms and public spaces. The property’s signature restaurant, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen, and the Amara Spa will also be enhanced. The full project is slated to be completed ahead of Labor Day weekend.
The new design of the guest rooms is inspired by the resort’s surrounding red rocks and its location along the banks of Oak Creek. Rooms will feature rich wooden elements and new artwork, carpet and linens that reflect the craftsmanship and traditions of the Hopi and Navajo tribes that are indigenous to Northern Arizona.
Spa renovations include a reconfigured entry that will allow for dual access to the spa’s lobby and the brand-new fitness center. The lobby will feature an elongated bar that extends from the adjoining SaltRock Southwest Kitchen into the communal area to encourage guests to mix and mingle.
California
In early June, The Westin Anaheim Resort debuted as The Westin brand’s first new build in Southern California in more than 25 years. The AAA Four-Diamond resort, with a design inspired by the destination’s historic orange grove roots, is steps away from Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
The state-of-the-art property features 618 guest rooms, including 121 suites and a 2,000-square-foot presidential suite. It also offers more than 47,500 square feet of meeting and event space, both indoor and outdoor. Planners can utilize 23 event rooms and 18 breakouts, including the 16,120-square-foot Anabella Ballroom. High-tech features of the spaces include changing LED ceiling coves, remote control lighting and sound panels and onsite Encore Global services available for all AV needs.
Guests can also expect a heated swimming pool, whirlpool, five private cabanas, a pool bar and seven distinct restaurant and bar concepts. This includes the signature Tangerine Room—serving up fresh, modern California dishes—and Anaheim’s largest rooftop bar, RISE Rooftop Lounge.
[Related: The Sun Rises Again in Los Angeles for Meetings and Events]
During the pandemic, Balboa Bay Resort, a premier waterfront property in Newport Beach, made an interesting pivot: It transformed a restaurant into a new indoor-outdoor function room dubbed Lighthouse.
The coastal-inspired space features a full-service bar, 2,669 square feet of interior space, a private outdoor patio and an attached 308-square-foot private room. A wall of La Cantina folding doors can turn the entire bar area into a private al fresco reception space with firepits and Adirondack chairs.
Additional details include beautiful gray herringbone wood-look flooring, a candle wall with an antique mirror backdrop in the entryway, new lighting fixtures, accent wood walls, contemporary artwork and display monitors.
Lighthouse can accommodate 150 guests for dining and 225 in a reception setting.
A New Wonder in Wyoming
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, recently welcomed The Cloudveil, an Autograph Collection Hotel in the heart of the city’s historic town square. The property offers 100 guest rooms and suites, The Bistro restaurant and bar, an outdoor pool and a 5,000-square-foot rooftop terrace overlooking the square and Snow King Mountain.
The Cloudveil also features 7,500 square feet of indoor-outdoor event space ideal for retreats, incentives and meetings. The rooftop terrace, along with stunning views, is equipped with a retractable awning and infrared heaters for events year-round. Inside, planners can use a meeting room that splits evenly into two and features floor-to-ceiling windows, two fireplaces, built-in TV screens and full AV capabilities.
The hotel’s design is inspired by Jackson Hole’s history and natural setting as the gateway to Grand Teton National Park. The exterior features stately stone walls, wood and metals, while the interiors flaunt a modern take on Western imagery such as ranches, cowboys and pioneers.
Guests can also leverage The Cloudveil’s “Pathfinders,” in-the-know concierges who can assist them in curating itineraries that might include exploring hidden trails or finding the best location to spot a moose.
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