Skip to main content

Arizona’s largest resort, VAI, to open in Glendale this year – see what’s inside

The new resort will feature 1,100 rooms, suites, and villas.

VAI Resort
VAI Resort / VAI Resort

Glendale’s VAI Resort, the much-anticipated premiere entertainment destination, is set to open its doors by the end of this year, making waves as Arizona’s largest and most extravagant hotel. With a price tag nearing $1 billion, this state-of-the-art resort promises to redefine luxury and entertainment in the region.

The ultimate luxury, entertainment, and culinary destination

VAI Amphitheater
VAI Resort

VAI Resort is set to deliver luxury, entertainment, and culinary experiences as it begins its phased opening later this year. Guests will enjoy a wide array of world-class amenities that redefine what it means to stay at a full-service resort.

Recommended Videos

The property boasts four towering hotel buildings offering 1,100 elegant rooms, suites, and villas, ensuring options for every group. If you want some more space, then you can check out the Vai Villas, which feature premium design rooms ranging from 1,100 to 5,300 square feet.

Dining enthusiasts can look forward to 11 signature restaurants, highlighted by the first-ever Arizona location of Bar Mar by renowned chef José Andrés. The resort will also boast 27 unique bar and cocktail experiences.

VAI Resort will also be home to groundbreaking attractions, including Konos Island – the first man-made party island in the United States – a spa, nightclub, indoor theater, rides, and attractions, as well as curated retail shops and immersive art installations.

Visitors can expect Arizona-first experiences such as the 130-foot-high Konos Sky Bar, the world’s first Mattel Adventure Park™, and a cutting-edge, multi-level indoor theater with a 2,000-person capacity. The jewel in the crown will be the VAI Amphitheater, a state-of-the-art outdoor music and entertainment venue that seats 11,000 and promises to become a major destination for live performances.

Reservations are not yet open, but you can join the resort’s email list for important updates.

Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
Do you need a passport for the Dominican Republic? Here’s what to know
Planning a trip to the Dominican Republic? Let’s talk passport rules
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

A couple of years ago, I was at the airport, excited for a long-awaited tropical escape, until I overheard someone talking about passport rules. That’s when it hit me: I hadn’t checked mine. Was it still valid? Would I even be allowed to board? Cue the frantic Googling and last-minute panic.

If you're planning a trip to the Dominican Republic, you might be wondering about passport rules, too. Do you need a passport for the Dominican Republic? How long does your passport need to be valid? Do your children need a passport, too? Here’s everything you should know before you go.

Read more
A look inside Arizona Biltmore, a famous socialite’s escape
Stay within the luxury of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural style
Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Before my stay at Arizona Biltmore, I had no idea just how popular this historical and architectural spot was, not just within the Phoenix area, but throughout the whole country. Opened in 1929, the historic luxury resort has so much to offer beyond stellar dining options and great hotel amenities. Distinguished by its Frank Lloyd Wright-style block architecture, this hotel has remained a spot for the elite to explore, from its history in the 1920s to the present.

Celebrities and historical icons such as Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, and Marilyn Monroe once walked through the exact structure of Arizona Biltmore, which remains today. If you love Christmas music, you might also be fascinated to find out that Irving Berlin drafted the Christmas classic song "White Christmas" while sitting poolside at the Biltmore.

Read more
Inside Melbourne’s most sustainable luxury hotel: A first look at 1 Hotel
1 Hotel Melbourne is set to open in June 2025
1 Hotel Melbourne

Melbourne is about to welcome a new kind of luxury. Set to open in June 2025, 1 Hotel Melbourne is redefining what it means to travel well, with style, soul, and sustainability at its core. Located on the city’s waterfront, the much-anticipated debut marks the Australian arrival of 1 Hotels, the eco-conscious hospitality brand founded by visionary hotelier Barry Sternlicht.

From the moment guests step inside, nature takes center stage. Sunlight pours into spaces framed by living green walls, reclaimed wood, and stone finishes. But this hotel isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s a full-circle commitment to the planet. With advanced air and water systems, zero single-use plastics, and an ambitious goal to divert over 90% of waste in partnership with Foodprint Group, 1 Hotel Melbourne is setting a bold new standard for sustainable travel without compromising on comfort or elegance.

Read more