The Redo of a Desert Icon – Mountain Shadows Resort
By Contributor Megan Wahl, M Marketing+PR
The swanky Mountain Shadows Resort opened its doors in 1959 with a prime location in the heart of Paradise Valley offering sweeping views of Camelback and Mummy mountains. The upscale locale catered to the likes of international travelers, visiting families and Hollywood stars. It was used as the backdrop for many movies and television shows including The Brothers Brannagan and an episode of The Monkees (you may have to Google these).
In 1960, the resort took it one step further and added 80 acres complete with a golf course, clubhouse, new hotel and private homes. No detail went overlooked, down to imported palms and sand. Developer Del Webb was the sole proprietor until Marriott purchased the property in 1981. As the architecture began to age and the crowds began to frequent the newer neighboring resorts, the original Mountain Shadows Resort locked its doors for good in 2004.
The true redo of Mountain Shadows began in 2014, when Westroc Hospitality and Woodbine Development Corp. began to rebuild it from the ground up. Construction began in 2015 and the resort was reintroduced in 2017. After attending the Grand Opening last night, we overwhelmingly agree Mountain Shadows once again reigns supreme in the desert! Traces of the past can be found scattered tastefully throughout the resort, from the name of the restaurant, Hearth ‘61, to iconic breeze block by the pool, while exposed concrete ceilings and modern interior elements give it fresh, new life.
Throughout the evening guests experienced warm hospitality, modern elegance and the beautiful scenery at sunset that had made Mountain Shadows a beloved destination for decades and will continue to do so in the years to come. The next time you are in Paradise Valley, take time to stop by Mountain Shadows for a meal, an overnight getaway, a quick round of golf, or a tour of the art gallery complete with old photographs of well-known guests like Lucile Ball and Bob Hope. With Camelback Mountain as a breathtaking backdrop you, too, can create some of your own “star quality” memories.
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