JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa announced AquaRidge WaterPark, a 140,000-square-foot reimagined and expanded pool experience designed with water-filled adventures for all ages. The $18 million pool transformation embraces the destination with renewed areas offering an enhanced lazy river, the refreshed Wildfire Grove featuring two pools and a waterfall, and the lively Havasu Playground that will offer three new exhilarating water slides set to open mid-summer, including the only dual-person vertical wall tube slide at a resort west of the Mississippi. The new Sedona Springs and exclusive adults-only Sky Island are scheduled to open later this summer.

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“We are very excited to welcome guests to AquaRidge WaterPark as part of our resort-wide $80 million transformation,” said General Manager Paige Lund. “Our intentional design and exclusive programming will offer our guests an entirely reimagined experience from the moment they enter AquaRidge WaterPark. The water park will offer surprises and delights around every corner, luxury accommodations including secluded areas for respite, and family-friendly activities that appeal to all types of travelers.”

Havasu Playground & Lazy River

The new Havasu Playground features a full line-up of water park experiences catering to a variety of ages and thrill levels. Guests can enjoy family-friendly cabanas in a prime location just steps from the Canyon Creek Lazy River, an active family zone with cabanas, a splash pad for kids and three one-of-a-kind water slides opening mid-summer. Food and beverage offerings 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 savory meal pre- or post-swim. Havasu Playground highlights include:

Canyon Creek Lazy River: A family favorite that’s recently been enhanced! Guests can relax and float on tubes down this winding lazy river surrounding Splash Island.

Canyon Creek Day Suites: These expansive suites offer premium access to the lazy river and provide guests a secluded area with lounge seating, a private bathroom, air conditioning, multiple TV’s, and a personal towel bin along with amenities such as seasonal fresh fruit, chilled water and sunscreen.

Splash Island: A new, active family area in the center of the lazy river with two luxurious cabanas offering couch-style seating and lounge chairs, and a kids splash pad.

Havasu Bar & Bites: Guests can enjoy grab and go snacks at this new outdoor food zone. Surrounded by foliage and desert flora, the space features a selection of seating and shaded tables for guests to relax and recharge. 

Splash Canyon Water Slides: Set to open mid-summer, AquaRidge WaterPark will include three brand new exhilarating multistory water slides, inclusive of:

Gullywasher: The only dual-person vertical wall tube slide at a resort west of the Mississippi, Gullywasher combines a traditional serpentine with a heart-racing plunge that launches riders up a vertical wall for a show-stopping finish and jaw-dropping photos!

The Drop: This high-speed body slide accelerates riders with twists and turns from top to bottom with a straight steep drop. Perfect for thrill-seekers!

Little Eddy: A beginner body slide for younger kids or thrill-adverse adults with gentle slopes and tiny turns. 

Wildfire Grove and Sedona Cove

The original Wildfire Grove area has been completely refreshed and features two pools, a selection of Wildfire Cabanas, reservable plush chaise lounge chairs and the resort’s popular ‘Just A Splash’ pool bar. Menu items feature traditional Southwestern fare with a focus on barbeque favorites. The Wildfire Pool is an ideal location for kids to splash around the large waterfall while parents take to the shade in one of the Wildfire Cabanas, which include a misting fan, spacious couch and TV, seasonal fresh fruit, chilled water, sunscreen, personalized service, and two chaise lounge chairs. Perfect for families, groups or couples, poolside cabanas at Sedona Cove offer four upgraded plush lounge chaises and a couch, misting fan, TV, seasonal fresh fruit, chilled water, sunscreen, and personalized poolside service. Sedona Cove also offers guests a variety of daybeds for lounging and relaxation.    

As part of the new welcome experience, every guest staying at the resort now receives 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 to elevate their experience. To reserve a cabana or daybed, please visit desertridge.ipoolside.com.

Coming Soon

The tranquil Sedona Springs and exclusive adults-only Sky Island will be unveiled later this summer. Sedona Springs will be a luxurious sanctuary that offers personalized concierge services along with three cabanas, five shaded daybeds, cushioned lounge chairs, a hot tub, and a stargazing area. Furthermore, Sky Island will be a new, exclusive adults-only retreat that will feature an infinity edge plunge pool and hot tub, four secluded cabanas, cushioned chaise lounges, a selection of daybeds, VIP welcome attendant, stone fire pits. It also will offer an exclusive space for weddings and private events overlooking the lake and golf course.

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is owned by a joint venture among Trinity Real Estate Investments LLC and institutional investors. For more information on JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, please visit jwdesertridge.com or call (480) 293-5000.