Phoenix hotel opens its $18 million water park just in time for triple-digit heat
The pool area at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is now a full-on water park.
The 140,000-square-foot AquaRidge Waterpark has three new water slides, an enhanced lazy river and an exclusive adults-only area.
JW Marriott Desert Ridge's $18 million pool-area refresh, part of an $80 million renovation to commemorate the resort's 20th anniversary, reimagines the area as a water-based adventure spot.
The three water slides are the first at JW Marriott Desert Ridge. One, the Gullywasher, is the first vertical-wall water slide in a resort west of the Mississippi River.
Elements of the water park are opening in phases. Here's what's open now and what's coming soon.
Save on a summer stay at Desert Ridge: Best 2023 summer staycation deals at Phoenix-area hotels and resorts
What to know about JW Marriott Desert Ridge's new water slides
Desert Ridge's new water slides opened at the AquaRidge Waterpark's Havasu Playground on July 6. The slides are:
The Gullywasher: A two-person vertical-wall tube slide, which the resort describes as "a traditional serpentine with a heart-racing plunge that launches riders up a vertical wall for a show-stopping finish."
The Drop: A high-speed slide that accelerates riders with twists, turns and a steep drop.
Little Eddy: A slide with gentler slopes and turns than The Drop, it's described as a "beginner" body slide.
Pool areas open now at JW Marriott Desert Ridge
Wildfire Grove: This area has been refreshed with two pools, cabanas, Just a Splash pool bar and a waterfall.
Sedona Cove: Described as a luxury poolside retreat, Sedona Cove's poolside cabanas were upgraded to feature new lounge chairs, couches and misting fans, among other amenities.
Guests will receive a wristband that acts as the room and pool gate key. Pool concierges will be on hand to escort guests who reserve cabanas or daybeds and provide assistance with requests. Information about cabana reservations is available at desertridge.ipoolside.com.
Marriott's new water park included: Biggest hotel openings and renos in Arizona in 2023
Coming soon to JW Marriott Desert Ridge water park
Sedona Springs: Described as a "VIP family-friendly sanctuary," this area will have a large infinity-edge hot tub, three cabanas, five shaded daybeds, lounge and fire pit seating, a waterfall and a stargazing area.
Sky Island: JW Marriott Desert Ridge's first adults-only area will have an infinity pool, hot tub, four cabanas, lounge seating and stone fire pits. A VIP attendant will welcome guests.
Sedona Springs and Sky Island are expected to open later this summer.
Reach the reporter at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @salerno_phx.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa opens $18M water park