In The Spotlight

October 22, 2026

This festive season, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess welcomes guests and locals to its 17th annual Christmas at the Princess, returning November 20, 2026, through January 2, 2027. Over the six-week celebration, the AAA Five Diamond resort transforms its 65-acre Sonoran Desert setting into an extraordinary holiday destination unlike any other, bringing together millions of lights, seasonal activities, dining, and entertainment across its gardens, lagoons, plazas, and guest spaces. The Princess is proud to be supporting Make-a-Wish Arizona during this season of giving.

This year marks the largest Christmas at the Princess celebration yet. More than 17 million lights will adorn the property, including two miles of lights surrounding the four-story Enchanted Plaza tree. Larger-than-life holiday installations, illuminated palm trees, and seasonal landscapes create a festive setting in the desert, framed by views of the McDowell Mountains. Guests can skate on a 6,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink with real ice, take a spin on the nation's largest traveling Ferris wheel at 120-foot tall, and gather around 128 fire tables and igloos, while Santa experiences, seven holiday characters, and train rides bring added seasonal moments throughout the property. Nightly light shows, snow play, s’mores experiences, seasonal dining and live entertainment continue the celebration across the resort. Complementing its family-friendly festivities, the celebration also offers elevated, indulgent experiences for adults and couples, including fireside gatherings, private igloos and other opportunities to enjoy the holidays in true resort style.

“Christmas at the Princess is more than a holiday celebration, it’s a tradition that lives here, and one that families return to year after year,” said Jack Miller, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. “There’s something incredibly special about seeing families come back, watching children experience these moments for the first time, and knowing that the memories they make here become part of their own holiday traditions. Each year, we have the privilege of building on what our guests love while creating new moments to discover together. From the new Premium Admission to S’mores Chalet to our reimagined Nordic 9 mini golf challenge, this season brings even more ways for families and loved ones to celebrate, reconnect and make memories together. Tradition lives here, and we’re honored to be part of it.”

THE SEASON’S NEWEST EXPERIENCES

Premium Admission to S’mores Chalet
Guests can enjoy unlimited hot cocoa, a festive s’mores bar, and cozy semi-private shared seating while overlooking Starlights: A Spark of Christmas.

Nordic 9: Great Alpine Adventure
Embark on a frosty Alpine Adventure with nine holes of snow-themed mini golf, winding through icy peaks, snowy obstacles, and winter-inspired challenges. Putt your way through a playful mountain wonderland where every hole brings a new cold-weather adventure!

Photos With Santa
Santa’s photo backdrop uses forced perspective to help guests feel polished, immersive and distinctly modern. Photos with Santa includes up to eight people per reservation, a meet and greet with Santa and his elves, Mrs. Claus’ Christmas carols, singing reindeer stable and one digital photo; personal photos and videos are encouraged. Advanced ticket purchase required. $55 per ticket; 4 – 10p.m. nightly, through Dec. 24, as Santa must return to the North Pole to make sure all the good little boys and girls get their presents.

Character Sets
This year, each of the Princess’s beloved holiday characters gets a set all their own. Bespoke environments are designed around each character’s personality, story and holiday world, creating immersive little moments to discover throughout the resort. From playful to whimsical to wonderfully unexpected, every set gives families a new reason to stop, explore and capture the magic together. 

HOLIDAY MAGIC IN THE DESERT

Rides and Attractions

Ice Passes
The ice skating pass gives guests unlimited access to Desert Ice, a 6,000 square foot outdoor skating rink made of real ice. $35 per person, includes skate rental.

Snow Mountain
Sled down 200 feet of blizzardy bliss on the expanded eight lane ice slide, sledding across a 20-foot-tall snowy landscape.

Ultimate Santa Experience
Surprise your family with the ultimate Santa experience. Meet Mrs. Claus, enjoy milk and specialty cookies, Santa story time and up to 10 digital photos. Featured Nov. 20 – Dec. 24 from 11 AM to 2 PM, accommodates up to four guests. $500. Reservations required.

VIP Igloos
As Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, warm up in one of 14 VIP climate-controlled igloos with adjoining heated patios. Enjoy the ambience with a warm winter cocktail in hand. Advanced tickets required; inclusions vary by selection but generally include:

• Privacy of firepit or igloo for up to eight guests
• Express wristbands
• Skate passes
• VIP food & beverage table service
• Complimentary valet parking

The Village
The powder is falling and the mountains are calling at The Village. Sled down the 20 foot tall and 200 foot long Snow Mountain, catch a thrill with a ride on North America’s largest traveling Ferris wheel on the all new 120-foot tall Chair Lift with 26 gondolas and enjoy the Nordic 9 mini golf.

Winterland
Visitors enter the festivities through a 32-foot long infinity tunnel complete with LED bulbs and complimentary firepits. Guests will enjoy an ice bar stocked with specialty cocktails and the brilliance of the giant snowflake. Hot winter alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are available.

Twinkle Town
Visit a magical land filled with twinkling lights, delectable light bites and beverages as you take from Twinkle’s Takeout and incredible sweeping views of the resort around cozy fire pits. Don't forget to say hello to our friend Twinkles, Santa's brightest Christmas light! Twinkle Town is ideal for younger children to enjoy, with new rides this year including:

• Santa’s Spinning Cocoa Cups
• Santa’s Sleigh Ride
• Rudolf’s Train Ride
• Frosty the Snowman Bounce Around
• The Nutcracker Bounce House
• Christmas Carousel

Enchanted Plaza Musical Tree & Animated Holiday Light Show
Custom designed for the Princess, the resort’s Christmas tree has 70,000 LED lights that twinkle and dance to 18 holiday songs in Enchanted Plaza, appropriately named Enchanted Plaza for the holidays. The musical tree plays from 5 – 10 p.m. nightly throughout the season, while the lit palm trees lining the plaza are synchronized to complement the tree’s music. Add to that, a brand new high definition, one-of-a-kind custom animated video show featuring our newest Christmas character, Cocoa the Bear, set to music and projected against the resort’s façade. This seven minute show plays every half hour from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly in the Enchanted Plaza.

Starlights: A Spark of Christmas is a beloved light and musical spectacular that brings millions of lights together in a celebration of the love, joy, and hope of the holidays.

Desert Ice Skating Rink
Made with real ice and surrounded by picturesque saguaros, skaters experience magical snowfalls beneath a star-filled Arizona sky. The 6,000 square-foot rink is open to the public nightly throughout the festival. For the ultimate VIP experience, luxury rink-side fire pit tables with s’mores and blankets are available for evening sessions and include valet parking. Reservations are required and available to book online.

Lagoon Lights
The resort shines once again with more than 17 million dazzling lights. Throughout the resort, nearly 400 trees are wrapped in lights, many draped with icicles and snowflakes. Visitors will also see a 20-foot snowman, elves peeking around trees, a giant ornament as well as families of singing trees, singing snowmen, singing reindeer, singing Grinch and singing lights.

Princess Express Trains
Guests board one of two Princess Express Trains nightly for a ride around the Lagoon Lights. Overnight hotel guests receive a priority boarding pass; non-hotel guests require general admission wristbands to ride. Prior to boarding, guests can grab a toasty beverage at Comet's Caboose, located just outside the train depot.

Holiday Characters
Checking in are the resort’s holiday friends: Graham, Shivers, Princess Noel, Twinkles, Peppermint Penguin, Cocoa and Queen Amara, each bringing their own special charm from the North Pole. They can be seen each night with the opening welcome ceremonies at 5 p.m., through the closing ceremonies at 9 p.m.

Christmas Quest Crystal Tag Edition
Illuminate the night with our Christmas Quest Interactive Bubble Wand. Become filled with wonder as you visit 12 stops on the Christmas Quest Experience. Discover holiday magic around every corner, your Christmas Quest RFID-activated wand works as your interactive guide. Your Christmas Quest wand will activate by flashing whimsical colors and blowing a wafting wave of bubbles throughout your journey.

Trailblazers Trek: The Secret Star Search
Guests are invited to become official Star Seekers and embark on a festive scavenger hunt to find 10 missing magic stars. Follow the clues, explore the resort and discover each hidden star to help restore the Christmas Wishing Star and light the way for Santa.

SHOPPING

The Christmas Shoppe
The Christmas Shoppe allows guests to take the memories of Christmas at the Princess home with our one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts, stuffed animals and pajamas for the entire family. Keep your Christmas at the Princess collection growing with this year's custom ornament.

CHRISTMAS BREAK

Christmas Day Camp
For younger guests, Christmas at the Princess Day Camp transforms into a winter wonderland from December 28 through January 1. Campers can enjoy holiday crafts, festive games, cookie decorating and exclusive access to the resort’s Christmas festivities, creating a fun-filled holiday experience with plenty of opportunities for creativity and memorable moments.

PARTNERED WITH MAKE-A-WISH ARIZONA

This holiday season, Christmas at the Princess is partnering with Make-A-Wish Arizona to bring even more meaning to the magic of the season.

Guests can donation through the resort’s A Christmas Wish experience, while Princess Noel’s Wish Station invites children to share a special wish for someone they love. During the Tree Lighting celebration, the resort will host a special Night of Wishes, welcoming Make-A-Wish families to experience the magic of Christmas at the Princess and inviting guests to support the organization.

A TASTE OF THE HOLIDAYS

Holiday food and drinks are woven throughout Christmas at the Princess, with seasonal offerings available across the resort.

• Memorable dining experiences range from Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak to Toro Scottsdale and the iconic La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval and the comforting Ironwood American Kitchen. To book reservations, please call 480.585.2694. Advanced dining reservations required due to limited capacity.
• Fire Tables and Igloos
  • All fire tables and igloos receive VIP Express wristbands, ice skating passes, complimentary valet parking and access to a private luxury bar.
  • Chateau Champagne offers a private retreat for adults and includes champagne, a shellfish tower, assorted artisanal petite fours and an artisanal s’mores board.
  • Fire & Ice offers fire tables for four to 10 guests just steps from the Desert Ice Skating Rink.
  • The Lodge fire tables provide fireside seating surrounded by holiday lights.
  • The Igloos are 13 climate-controlled and offer a more private place to relax within The Village.
• The Lodge Alpine Bar and Kitchen offers a comforting craft-inspired menu, including rye pretzels and crispy chicken schnitzel.
• Claus is baking the season’s most festive creations with plenty of holiday ingredients, including sugar n’ spice, chocolate chip, hot cocoa cookie, and more in the Town Square (La Hacienda Plaza).
• At the Princess Express Train Depot, Comet’s Caboose offers festive beverages including Cup O’ Christmas, Jingle Juice and Peppermint Penguin’s Hot Cocoa. Kringle Kup serves hot chocolate, coffee drinks and other beverages at 11 concession locations throughout the event, while Twinkles Takeout in Twinkle Town offers family-friendly meals, hot chocolate, treats and adult beverages.

ADMISSION & PARKING

• In house guests – express pass event admission is complimentary for registered hotel guests
• Dine at the resort’s signature restaurants and spend a minimum of $85 per vehicle to receive complimentary valet parking – a $120 value
• General Admission - $35 per wristband preorder, $45 day of, children 3 and under are complimentary
• Valet parking without dining at the resort is $120 preorder, $130 day of
• Self parking is $35 preorder, $45 day of

General admission includes access to Enchanted Plaza with the four-story musical tree, Enchanted Plaza video show, Starlights: A Spark of Christmas, Princess Express Train, a walkthrough experience of more than 17 million Lagoon Lights, the Nativity Garden, The Village, Winterland and Twinkle Town.

For guests not staying at the resort who are ride sharing or walking in, wristbands are $35 per person to ride the attractions including the Princess Express Trains, Snow Mountain Ice Slide, The Village, The Chair Lift Ferris Wheel, and Twinkle Town. Ice skating, photos with Santa, Aurora Ice, shopping, parking, dining and spa are priced separately. Non resort guests must pre purchase wristbands at ChristmasatThePrincess.com.

A HOLIDAY GETAWAY AT THE PRINCESS

Guests can extend their visit with an overnight stay at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, where Christmas at the Princess is complemented by 750 guest rooms, six pools, the 44,000-square-foot Well & Being Spa and signature dining. Winter overnight stays include VIP wristbands for Christmas at the Princess, providing front-of-line access to select attractions, along with opportunities to enjoy seasonal dining, spa experiences and other resort amenities.

For a more private celebration, Christmas at Privado brings the holiday experience to the resort’s exclusive Privado Villas, offering a secluded, residential style setting for private dinners, gift exchanges and intimate holiday gatherings. With refined Southwestern design, dedicated concierge and villa host services, exclusive amenities and seamless access to the resort, Privado offers a more intimate way to experience the holidays.

Christmas Wish Package
This holiday season, guests can make their stay even more meaningful with the Christmas Wish Package at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. For every night of their stay, $10 will be donated to Make-A-Wish Arizona, helping bring the wishes of children facing critical illnesses to life.

Additionally, Arizona residents can enjoy up to 25% off stays. For families looking to make the most of their holiday visit, the two-night Ultimate Santa Experience Package includes a $100 daily breakfast credit and a special Santa experience with holiday activities, photos and keepsakes. The package is available for stays November 20 through December 24, 2026, with advance booking required.

Through November 1, guests can also take advantage of the extended Early Bird offer, with 30% on General Admission, Premium Admission to S’mores Chalet, Ultimate Santa Experience and self-parking, plus $150 on select Fire Table experiences.

For more information about Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, please visit www.scottsdaleprincess.com, or call (480) 585-4848. Details about this year’s Christmas at the Princess can be found at www.christmasattheprincess.com/, with the full line-up of activities available at www.christmasattheprincess.com/activities-in-scottsdale.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., September 25, 2026 – Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Arizona's iconic AAA Five-Diamond resort, introduces Solstice Terrace, a new outdoor ceremony venue designed to create a seamless wedding experience from ceremony to cocktails to reception. Set in a private enclave overlooking the TPC Scottsdale golf course and McDowell Mountains, Solstice Terrace connects directly with Solstice Veranda for cocktails and Solstice I & II for receptions, allowing couples and their guests to experience the entire celebration in one intimate setting.

"Every wedding tells a story, and at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, we want to give couples a setting worthy of the story they're beginning together,” said Jack Miller, regional vice president and general manager of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. “We are thrilled to introduce our newest wedding venue, Solstice Terrace, an exciting investment in our wedding experience that reflects our vision to continually evolve the Princess."

Solstice Terrace, the outdoor centerpiece, is framed by manicured trees, desert gardens, and views across the TPC Scottsdale fairways to the McDowell Mountains. Named for the solstice, when the sun appears to pause in the sky, the terrace gives couples a place to exchange vows as the sun settles into golden hour, surrounded by family and friends before the celebration continues.

Two adjoining spaces carry the celebration seamlessly from ceremony to cocktails to dinner. Solstice Veranda provides an open-air setting for cocktails alfresco, while Solstice I & II, formerly the Fairmont Gold Meeting Room, transforms into an elegant indoor setting for receptions and seated dinners. Together, the Solstice venues create a private, connected wedding experience that moves effortlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing couples and their guests to remain within one exclusive enclave while taking in Arizona’s landscape from every setting. Solstice Terrace offers 3,000 sq. ft. of outdoor event space, and together, the three Solstice venues span 13,165 sq. ft. and accommodate celebrations for 150 guests.

"We were inspired by the idea of creating a space where the beauty of Arizona, the magic of golden hour and the energy of a wedding day come together in a way that feels both timeless and distinctly our own,” said Amanda Bealer, director of conference services and catering at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. “Solstice Terrace, along with our newly named Solstice I & II and Solstice Veranda, expands the ways we can bring each couple's vision to life, from the first moment they say 'I do' through the celebrations that follow. We're passionate about creating spaces where our guests can celebrate life's most meaningful moments, and we're thrilled to offer couples a new place at the Princess where, for just a moment, the world stands still and their next chapter begins."

The Solstice venues join a resort where weddings take place across 65 acres of gardens, Spanish Colonial courtyards and desert landscapes. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess provides full-service catering and couples also have access to Studio F Designs, the resort’s in-house event planning, and design studio. From custom décor, lighting and branding to fabrication and transportation, Studio F gives couples the ability to customize the look and feel of their celebration and bring their vision to life on property. The studio’s in-house team can also coordinate tours, activities and off-site events, providing a range of services to support the wedding experience beyond the venue itself.

Wedding parties looking to extend the celebration can stay in the beautiful Fairmont Gold, located near the new Solstice venues, and offering personalized concierge service, private lounge access, daily breakfast and evening canapés, with select suites featuring spacious living areas and golf-course views. For couples seeking a more private setting or larger groups traveling together, Privado Villas offer residential-style accommodations with private patios, spacious living areas, a private pool and dedicated concierge services. Both options allow wedding parties to stay on property and remain close to the celebration while enjoying distinct accommodations tailored to their needs.

Renderings may be found HERE (credit: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess). Solstice Terrace, Solstice Veranda, and Solstice I & II are now available to reserve for weddings after November 1, 2026

For more information about Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, please visit www.scottsdaleprincess.com, or call (480) 585-4848.

Media Contact:

The Point PR
fairmontscottsdale@thepointpr.com

Exclusive villas recognized among North America’s most elite luxury accommodations 

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Privado Villas at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has earned the coveted AAA Five Diamond designation, placing the ultra-luxury enclave among an elite group of hotels and resorts recognized for delivering the highest levels of service, sophistication, and comfort. Due to its secluded location on property, Privado bills itself as a place apart that is perfectly connected – as guests enjoy enhanced service and amenities. 

AAA Five Diamond status is awarded to fewer than one percent of the more than 27,000 properties evaluated annually by AAA. The designation honors establishments that demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, refined elegance, and a consistently memorable guest experience. 

Nestled within the renowned Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Privado Villas offer an elevated resort experience defined by privacy, bespoke service, and residential-style luxury. Guests enjoy expansive villa accommodations, dedicated concierge and villa host services, exclusive pools and dining venues, and seamless access to the resort’s award-winning amenities. 

“This recognition reflects the extraordinary commitment of our Privado Villas team to delivering personalized, world-class hospitality,” said Jack Miller, Regional Vice President and General Manager of the Princess. “Earning AAA Five Diamond is a testament to the passion, precision, and care our colleagues bring to every guest experience.” 

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has long been celebrated as one of the Southwest’s premier luxury destinations, and the AAA Five Diamond distinction further underscores Privado Villas’ position as a top-tier offering for discerning travelers seeking privacy, exclusivity, and uncompromising service. 

“The level of care that a Five Diamond designation requires doesn’t come from checklists. It comes from pride, discipline, and a team that understands what luxury feels like. It is because of this commitment that Privado has earned a AAA Five Diamond Service rating,” says Thomas Overton, Director of Rooms. 

AAA inspectors conduct anonymous, in-person evaluations that focus on service quality, cleanliness, comfort, and overall guest experience. Five Diamond properties represent the pinnacle of luxury and hospitality excellence. 

About Privado Villas at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Privado Villas is an exclusive, gated enclave within Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, offering refined villa accommodations, personalized services, and a private resort experience in the heart of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. Designed for travelers seeking the ultimate in luxury and discretion, Privado Villas blends residential comfort with the amenities of a world-class resort. 

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Named AAA Timeless Diamond Hotel

Scottsdale, Ariz. — The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is proud to announce that it has been named an official AAA Timeless Diamond hotel by AAA’s Diamond Program – the only hotel on the West Coast to earn this distinction. This prestigious distinction marks an enduring legacy of luxury and service excellence since the property first earned AAA Five Diamond status in 1991.
The AAA Timeless Diamond designation is reserved for AAA Five Diamond properties with an exceptional and consistent level of service and hospitality over time. With the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess holding the Five Diamond rating since 1991 it is Arizona’s largest and longest running Five Diamond resort.

The resort features 750 guest rooms, including the newly renovated Privado Villas, six heated swimming pools, world-class dining a Toro Scottsdale, Bourbon Steak and La Hacienda, a 44,000 sq ft Well & Being Spa, and adjacent championship golf at the TPC Scottsdale.

“Fairmont Scottsdale Princess isn’t just a remarkable resort; it’s an unforgettable experience,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “For nearly 35 years, the Princess has been raising the bar to deliver dream stays for AAA members and all guests. What the team has created and continues to build on is nothing short of amazing. We congratulate the Princess for its commitment to excellence and creativity.”

AAA inspectors evaluate hotels on the 4 Cs: Cleanliness, Comfort, Cuisine and Consistency – a rigorous yearly process that less than 1 % of 27,000 inspected properties achieve at the Five Diamond level. On top of the 4 Cs, hotels are evaluated on personalized, anticipatory service and a highly trained professional staff. Further, to earn a Five Diamond distinction, evaluators are looking for properties to deliver a transformational experience rather than just a stay, with guests often describing their experience as effortless luxury – where every detail, big or small, contributes to a sense of ease and indulgence. AAA defines these hotels as “the ultimate in luxury, sophistication, and comfort with extraordinary physical attributes, meticulous service, and impeccable standards of excellence.”

“Our undying commitment to our culture, built on love, respect, joy and collaboration, has been the guiding light of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Our team is passionate, dedicated, innovative, and relentlessly guest-focused – they are truly the heartbeat of this property,” says Jack Miller, Regional Vice President and General Manager of the Princess. “It’s their drive and creativity that have shaped the Princess into an iconic destination – one where the community gathers at our events and guests celebrate their milestones with us. From creating traditions like Christmas at the Princess to delivering world-class experiences every day, our people are the reason we continue to raise the bar. We have lived these values since 1991, and that is what has made the Princess Arizona’s largest and longest running AAA Five Diamond hotel.”

For travelers seeking a luxury resort experience that stands the test of time, the Timeless Diamond recognition further validates Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’s status as a benchmark property. Guests can have confidence in the resort’s longstanding dedication to delivering elevated guest experiences – from luxury accommodations and dining to immersive resort amenities and cultivated service.

The resort photo gallery can be found here: ScottsdalePrincess.com/Press.

About Fairmont Scottsdale Princess:

Set in the Sonoran Desert, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess combines Spanish-colonial-inspired architecture, lush gardens and resort-scale amenities to deliver an immersive luxury experience. Guests enjoy signature dining venues – including Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval and Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar – six pools, championship golf at TPC Scottsdale, a full-service spa and more.

About AAA’s Diamond Program:

AAA’s Diamond Program is a respected, industry-recognized hotel and restaurant rating system. Inspectors conduct unannounced evaluations across Canada, the United States, Mexico and Costa Rica. Fewer than 1 % of the nearly 23,000 properties inspected achieve the Five Diamond level. Properties that sustain that level over multiple years may be recognized as Timeless Diamond.

Media Contact:

John Glynn

Director of Public Relations

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

7575 East Princess Drive

Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Phone: (480) 585-2706

Email: John.Glynn@Fairmont.com

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Arizona’s largest and longest running AAA Five Diamond hotel, has been recognized as the #1 in the Southwest in the 2025 Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards.

“This prestigious award exemplifies the hard work and dedication our team puts into every detail for our guests,” says Chris White, director of sales and marketing. “Competition in our market is stiff, so we must work hard to innovate and give our guests the best experience possible. We thankful to be recognized as the best resort in the Southwest and will continue to elevate our guest experience in new ways.” 

The 2025 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler's website at cntraveler.com/rca and covered in their November issue.

Other recent awards the Princess has won were a Gold Badge award by US News & World Report’s Best Hotels in the USA in 2024, Newsweek’s Best Christmas Light Display in 2024, and Golf Digest’s list of 75 Best Golf Resorts for 2025-2026.

Read More Here.

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Arizona’s iconic AAA Five-Diamond resort, today proudly announces it has been named a recipient of the distinguished Blue Zones Award, a global accolade recognizing excellence in promoting well-being, sustainability, and healthy living.

Read Full Press Release

[Scottsdale, AZ, September 27, 2024] – On September 28, 2024, Toro Scottsdale by Richard Sandoval will begin igniting the tastebuds and imagination of diners, inviting guests on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors and diverse culinary history of Central and South America. After a complete renovation, Toro’s atmosphere will be a sultry mix of textures that will accentuate the food and dining experience. Rich leathers, vibrant greens, moody lighting inside, the bright Sunset Bar on the patio outside all overlooks the 18th hole of the iconic TPC Scottsdale. Toro Scottsdale will be open for lunch and dinner, with a weekend brunch offering shortly after opening.

A Toro dining experience will ignite a sense of mystery in diners, with unexpected pairings, unique flavor profiles and an inventive menu developed by chef Gage Smit, who worked with chef Richard Sandoval to encapsulate all that is Toro Scottsdale. Toro's culinary philosophy is a harmonious blend of elevated sophistication and inviting accessibility, embodying the essence of contemporary Latin cuisine without borders. Drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, and beyond, Chef Richard Sandoval's vision celebrates the diversity of pan-Latin cuisine.

“I’m excited to share this new chapter of Toro Scottsdale with our guests,” says Jack Miller, regional vice president and general manager of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. “The dining experience at Toro will represent more than a meal – it will be an event. One that will surprise and delight guests, leaving them excited to return and see what’s next. Toro definitely has something to say, but it might take you a time or two to figure it all out.”

South American cuisine has been heavily influenced by Chinese and Japanese immigrants who came to the continent beginning in the mid 19th century. Other influences include those from African and European immigrants – with staple ingredients consisting of corn, potatoes, quinoa and legumes. Reflecting these influences, the wide ranging menu will include sushi, ceviche, steaks, tacos, fresh fish and more, including grass fed beef sourced from Argentina. Dynamism in dining will be central to the Toro experience, with many tableside activations, including the popular La Bomba dessert and new tableside churrasco experiences.

"We are excited to share Toro with the Scottsdale community," said Chef Richard Sandoval. "Our menu reflects the passion and depth of Latin culinary traditions, interpreted through a contemporary lens."

The Toro Scottsdale story is one that embraces fire, flavor and fervor; led by general manager John Adams and executive chef Gage Smit, the Toro Scottsdale team approaches what they do with intensity and devotion. Beverage director John Wilhelm has replaced the previous rum forward cocktail program with one that focuses on underrepresented South American wines, complex smoked cocktails and beverage pairings that will make a meal complete.

Smit has a background befitting of an executive chef for Toro Scottsdale. He was born and raised on a 10 acre Banana farm in Maui, HI, which instilled in him an enormous respect for the land, food and how to prepare it. The culinary diversity and emphasis on Asian flavors are abundant in Hawaiian food - bright acidity and fresh seafood – so it was a natural fit when he took the lead in the kitchen at Toro.

In addition to the new menu and updated concept, guests will enjoy a total transformation of the restaurant. The restaurant will maintain its sweeping view of the iconic 18th hole of TPC Scottsdale, providing a unique setting for a unique experience. The Sunset Bar is the heart of the patio at Toro Scottsdale, where guests can enjoy all the food and drink of Toro, while getting the Valley’s best photo as the sun goes down.

Inside, guests will enjoy a vibrant and energetic atmosphere with large windows, lush greenery and new custom plateware. Bright during the day and moody at night, the ambiance works in harmony with the menu – bright and light sushi and fresh fish; deep, flavorful beef dishes. Paying homage to the Sandoval philosophy of old hands, new ways, the plates in Toro are handmade by local artisan Christiane Barbato of Blue Door Ceramics. The plates are the physical manifestation of the culinary vision of Toro – carefully handcrafted, unique, high quality ingredients turned into something magnificent on the table. Each piece was meticulously chosen by Princess executive chef Conor Favre and Toro executive chef Gage Smit.

Toro Scottsdale features Scottsdale’s most diverse private dining and special event menu – perfect for weddings and other celebrations of up to 500 guests. Menus can be customized for any dietary restriction or preference – and in true Toro fashion, guests can have flamenco dancers, cigar rollers, fireworks, custom signage, and more to enhance their celebration.

The restaurant's commitment to authenticity and innovation ensures a unique dining experience for every guest. From savory tacos to inventive ceviches, Toro offers a fusion of tradition and modernity that caters to every palate. For more information, please visit ScottsdalePrincess.com/toro.

• All requests must be made in writing on the organization’s letterhead and can be mailed to the resort’s street address, emailed to scp.donations@fairmont.com. All requests are reviewed by the Donations Committee.
• If the resort is able to make a donation (typically an overnight stay) the gift certificate will be processed and sent to the contact prior to the event.
• Due to the volume of requests we receive, we are unable to respond on whether a donation request is being granted.
• To have a sense of what the committee is looking for, here are a few guidelines:
• Must be a 501c3 non-profit organization, preferably in the local community
• It must benefit a wide number of people
• When we donate, it often is for a silent auction for a fundraiser
• We are unable to make cash donations
• Preferably charities that benefit children or families in need