Scottsdale, Arizona, December 17, 2025
The Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas, a significant reinvention of the former Scottsdale Plaza Resort, has opened with a $42.2 million investment. Strategically positioned in the Paradise Valley/Scottsdale area, the resort showcases the region’s booming luxury market, enhancing job creation and local economic growth while offering distinct amenities and a Baja-inspired dining experience at Hecho Libre.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Luxury Hospitality Renaissance: Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas Opens, Boosting Scottsdale’s Dynamic Economy
A significant private investment breathes new life into a cherished Scottsdale landmark, transforming it into a premier luxury destination. This development underscores the power of entrepreneurial vision and strategic capital in fostering robust economic growth and community vitality within Arizona’s thriving hospitality sector.
The spirit of innovation and private enterprise continues to drive substantial economic development in the Phoenix metropolitan area, particularly within the dynamic communities of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. A notable example of this forward momentum is the comprehensive rebranding and opening of the Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas. This ambitious project, backed by significant private investment, is not merely the launch of a new luxury hotel but a testament to the region’s appealing business environment, where entrepreneurial ventures and strategic capital converge to create new opportunities and enhance local amenities. Such developments highlight the benefits of a robust market that encourages investment, job creation, and a vibrant local economy, offering both residents and visitors enhanced experiences.
The transformation of existing assets through private sector initiatives often yields impressive results, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability inherent in a free market. The multi-million dollar reimagining of this resort showcases how thoughtful redevelopment can elevate a property, attracting new visitors and stimulating local commerce. This reinvestment reflects a broader confidence in the region’s economic future, propelled by both established businesses and aspiring Arizona entrepreneurs. As Scottsdale continues to draw a diverse array of visitors and residents, the expansion of its luxury offerings further solidifies its position as a sought-after destination, contributing to the overall strength of the Scottsdale economy.
A Landmark Reimagined: The Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas
The former Scottsdale Plaza Resort, a long-standing fixture in the Paradise Valley/Scottsdale market, has undergone an extensive transformation to emerge as the Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas. This rebranding effort signifies a new chapter for the 40-42 acre property, which is strategically located on the west side of Scottsdale Road, just north of Indian Bend Road, and framed by the scenic Camelback and Mummy Mountains. The resort is now accepting reservations for stays beginning January 5, 2026, marking its official opening. This project represents a substantial private investment, with a comprehensive $42.2 million renovation undertaken to revitalize the property. The ownership of the new Kimpton resort is a joint venture between private investment firms Partners Group and Trinity Investments, with Highgate, a prominent real estate investment and hospitality management company, overseeing the hotel’s management.
The resort’s design, led by Saguez & Dash, is intended to mirror the desert landscape and seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Upon completion, the Kimpton Miralina will offer more than 400 guest rooms, suites, and villas, with the initial phase featuring 260 Canyon Guestrooms and Casitas. Additional Valley Villas and Residences are planned for late 2026. This resort is also noteworthy as the first IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury and lifestyle property in the Paradise Valley/Scottsdale market, making it the second Kimpton property in Arizona, alongside the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix. Guests can anticipate a range of amenities, including six swimming pools, a full-service salon and day spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and 50,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor event and meeting spaces. Complementing these facilities are signature Kimpton perks such as complimentary bike rentals, in-room yoga mats, and the Kimpton Kickstart morning coffee and tea service.
Culinary Innovation: Hecho Libre by Chef Wes Avila
Central to the Kimpton Miralina experience is Hecho Libre, a new restaurant helmed by Chef Wes Avila, a two-time James Beard Award finalist. The name “Hecho Libre” translates to “made free,” reflecting a philosophy of culinary liberation that honors tradition while forging new paths. This Baja-inspired dining concept with a distinct Sonoran Desert twist offers a vibrant fusion of coastal Mexican flavors and the rich agricultural heritage of the desert. The menu, available from morning to evening, features ingredient-led dishes such as fresh aguachiles, flame-kissed grilled meats and seafood, house-pressed tortillas, and unique tacos. Other notable offerings include chilaquiles with queso oaxaca, halibut veracruzana, carnitas, and pescado a las brasas. The beverage program complements the cuisine with agave-forward cocktails and a selection of Mexican wines.
Chef Avila’s approach emphasizes local connection and craftsmanship. The restaurant sources pastries from Cielito Rosa Bakery, a local Latina-owned business, and procures produce from nearby desert growers like Blue Sky Organics in Litchfield Park and Ramona Farms in Sacaton. Executive Chef Stephen Jones, also a James Beard finalist, played a crucial role in immersing Chef Avila in the Sonoran Desert’s unique culinary landscape. The development of Hecho Libre was a collaborative effort with lifestyle hospitality group sbe, aligning with the resort’s mission to connect guests more deeply with the Sonoran Desert through exceptional cuisine and culture.
Driving Economic Growth and Job Creation
The Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas project is a significant contributor to the Scottsdale economy and the broader Phoenix metropolitan area. This substantial private investment in luxury hospitality underscores the region’s appeal for developers and businesses looking to capitalize on a growing market. The Phoenix metropolitan area is recognized as one of the fastest-growing U.S. metropolitan areas, attracting both business and leisure travelers.
Tourism serves as a powerful economic engine for Scottsdale, demonstrating strong growth with over 11 million visitors in 2024, contributing an estimated $3.7 billion in total economic output, including multiplier effects. These visitors allocated significant spending across various sectors, including $712 million on lodging, $510 million on food and drink, and $283 million in retail in 2024. This robust activity supports approximately 36,000 local jobs overall in Scottsdale, illustrating the sector’s vital role in employment. The expansion of luxury offerings like the Kimpton Miralina further stimulates job creation, from construction and hospitality roles to supply chain demands for local producers, strengthening the community’s economic fabric.
A Thriving Luxury Market in Arizona
Scottsdale and Paradise Valley are firmly established as leading destinations within Arizona’s luxury market. This segment continues to demonstrate impressive growth, driven by affluent buyers and visitors seeking high-end amenities and an unparalleled lifestyle. Paradise Valley, in particular, boasts the highest concentration of luxury and upscale properties in the Phoenix Valley, accounting for 90% of such properties. The presence of new luxury resorts and the ongoing renovation of existing ones signal a healthy and competitive market that caters to discerning clientele. This sustained investment in high-quality hospitality options contributes to the region’s allure, attracting further private investment and supporting Arizona AZ entrepreneurs.
New hotel developments and renovations are crucial for maintaining a vibrant local environment, drawing in residents, visitors, and potential homebuyers, and fostering synergistic relationships with residential markets. The Phoenix AZ business landscape benefits from this growth, as increased tourism and luxury demand lead to more jobs, greater spending power, and enhanced demand for local services and homes. The overall hotel market in Phoenix is experiencing a boom, with a notable increase in under-construction rooms compared to existing inventory, positioning it among the top 25 markets nationwide. This vibrant economic activity, fueled by entrepreneurial spirit and smart investment, fosters a dynamic environment for Phoenix small business growth and overall prosperity.
Conclusion
The grand opening of the Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas and its innovative restaurant, Hecho Libre, represents a significant milestone for Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. This extensive rebranding and renovation, driven by substantial private investment, showcases the profound impact that entrepreneurial vision and strategic capital can have on a local economy. By enhancing luxury hospitality offerings and creating new culinary experiences, these ventures not only draw visitors but also generate jobs, support local businesses, and reinforce the region’s status as a premier destination for both leisure and enterprise. Supporting such local businesses and staying engaged in Phoenix’s evolving economic landscape is crucial for sustaining this impressive trajectory of growth and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new name of the rebranded Scottsdale Plaza Resort?
The rebranded Scottsdale Plaza Resort is now known as the Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas.
When does the Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas officially open?
The Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas is officially accepting reservations for stays beginning January 5, 2026.
Who owns and manages the Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas?
The resort is jointly owned by private investment firms Partners Group and Trinity Investments, and it is managed by Highgate, a real estate investment and hospitality management company.
What is the name of the new restaurant at the resort and who is the chef?
The new restaurant at the Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas is called Hecho Libre, and it is helmed by two-time James Beard Award finalist Chef Wes Avila.
What kind of cuisine does Hecho Libre offer?
Hecho Libre offers a Baja-inspired dining concept with a Sonoran Desert twist, blending Baja’s coastal brightness with the agricultural richness of the Sonoran Desert in ingredient-led dishes.
What is the economic impact of tourism in Scottsdale?
Tourism in Scottsdale welcomed over 11 million visitors in 2024, generating an estimated $3.7 billion in total economic output, including multiplier effects, and supporting approximately 36,000 local jobs overall.
How many rooms will the Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas have?
The Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas will feature more than 400 guest rooms, suites, and villas, with the initial phase opening with 260 Canyon Guestrooms and Casitas.
Key Features of Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas and Hecho Libre
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Former Property Name | Scottsdale Plaza Resort | Local |
| New Property Name | Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas | Local |
| Official Opening Date | January 5, 2026 | Local |
| Location | Paradise Valley/Scottsdale market, near Camelback and Mummy Mountains | Local |
| Renovation Investment | $42.2 million | Local |
| Ownership | Partners Group and Trinity Investments (Private Investment Firms) | Nationwide (firms are private investment firms, not necessarily local) |
| Management Company | Highgate (Real Estate Investment and Hospitality Management Company) | Nationwide (company operates globally) |
| Number of Rooms | More than 400 guest rooms, suites, and villas (initial phase: 260 Canyon Guestrooms and Casitas) | Local |
| Event Space | 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event and meeting spaces | Local |
| New Restaurant | Hecho Libre | Local |
| Executive Chef (Hecho Libre) | Chef Wes Avila (two-time James Beard Award finalist) | Nationwide (recognition) |
| Restaurant Cuisine | Baja-inspired with Sonoran Desert twist | Local (concept inspired by regional influences) |
| Local Sourcing (Hecho Libre) | Pastries from Cielito Rosa Bakery; produce from Blue Sky Organics and Ramona Farms | Local |
| Significance in Market | First IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury and lifestyle property in Paradise Valley/Scottsdale | Local |
| Estimated Annual Tourism Economic Output (Scottsdale) | $3.7 billion (in 2024) | Local |
| Tourism Supported Jobs (Scottsdale) | Approximately 36,000 local jobs overall | Local |
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