JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa has announced an $18 million pool transformation to unveil AquaRidge WaterPark as part of its resort-wide $80 million renovation project. The 140,000-square-foot expanded pool experience will include an enhanced lazy river, a refreshed Wildfire Grove with two pools and a waterfall, and the Havasu Playground that will offer three new slides set to open mid-summer. The new Sedona Springs and adults-only Sky Island will open late this summer.
The new Havasu Playground featincludes ures water park experiences catering to various ages and thrill levels. Family-friendly cabanas are located steps from the Canyon Creek Lazy River. F&B options in this area include Havasu Bar & Bites and a food zone area offering shaded tables and seating, Canyon Creek Bar for kid- and adult-friendly refreshments, and Desert Ridge’s Taqueria for a pre- or post-swim meal. Havasu Playground highlights include:
- Canyon Creek Lazy River – Guests can float on tubes down this enhanced winding lazy river surrounding Splash Island
- Canyon Creek Day Suites – These suites offer access to the lazy river, a secluded area with lounge seating, a private bathroom, air conditioning, multiple TVs, and a personal towel bin, besides in-room amenities
- Splash Island – A new family area in the center of the lazy river with two cabanas offering couch-style seating and lounge chairs, and a children’s splash pad
- Havasu Bar & Bites – A new outdoor food zone offering grab-and-go options, the space includes a selection of seating and shaded tables
- Splash Canyon Water Slides – Set to open mid-summer, AquaRidge WaterPark will include three new "multistory" water slides, inclusive of the Gullywasher, the only dual-person vertical wall tube slide at a resort west of the Mississippi; The Drop, a high-speed body slide with twists and turns from top to bottom with a straight steep drop; and Little Eddy, a beginner body slide for children and thrill-adverse adults.
The original Wildfire Grove area has been refreshed and offers two pools, a selection of Wildfire Cabanas, bookable chaise lounge chairs and the resort’s Just A Splash pool bar. The Wildfire Pool is an ideal location for children to splash around the waterfall while parents take to the shade in one of the Wildfire Cabanas, which include a misting fan, spacious couch and TV, seasonal fruit, chilled water, sunscreen, personalized service, and two chaise lounge chairs.
Perfect for families, groups or couples, poolside cabanas at Sedona Cove offer four chaise lounges and a couch, misting fan, TV, seasonal fruit, chilled water, sunscreen, and personalized poolside service. Sedona Cove also offers daybeds for lounging and relaxation.
All resort guests will receive an RFID wristband, which acts as a room key and pool gate key. For those who reserve a cabana or daybed, the pool concierge team will escort guests to their specific area upon entry to the water park and assist with any requests.
Sedona Springs and the adults-only Sky Island will be unveiled later this summer. Sedona Springs will offer personalized concierge services along with three cabanas, five shaded daybeds, lounge chairs, a hot tub and a stargazing area. Sky Island is an adults-only retreat with an infinity-edge plunge pool and hot tub, four secluded cabanas, cushioned chaise lounges, a selection of daybeds, VIP welcome attendant and stone fire pits. It also will offer an exclusive space for weddings and private events overlooking the lake and golf course.
For more information, visit jwdesertridge.com.
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