Water slides, secluded swim areas: This Phoenix resort's water park is now fully open

First came the water slides.

Now, the luxurious VIP pool areas are ready for guests.

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa's new waterpark, AquaRidge Waterpark, opened three water slides and a renovated lazy river this summer. The park is now complete after the debut of its long-awaited VIP retreats, the family-friendly Sedona Springs and adults-only Sky Island.

AquaRidge Waterpark, which cost $16 million to build, was part of an $80 million renovation to commemorate the resort's 20-year anniversary. It included updating select rooms to include fire pits on the patio and in-room Peloton bikes, plus developing two new flagship restaurants from "Top Chef" star Angelo Sosa: Tía Carmen, which opened in April 2022; and Kembara, scheduled to open in November.

James Anderson, director of sales and marketing for JW Marriott Desert Ridge, said the full opening of AquaRidge Waterpark would position the resort as a standout destination for north Phoenix visitors during the high season.

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What's new at JW Phoenix Marriott Desert Ridge's AquaRidge Waterpark?

Sedona Springs is one of two new lounge areas in AquaRidge Waterpark, ideal for families seeking a break from the high intensity of the main pool areas and water slides.

Its features include:

• A whirlpool hot tub that can accommodate up to 22 people.

• Three cabanas, each equipped with a sofa, tables and TV. Water and a fruit platter are included with cabana bookings.

• Five daybeds.

• A fire pit.

• A stargazing area where astronomers can bring their telescopes and observe the sky at night.

Sedona Springs' setting with 360-degree views of the McDowell Mountains, the landscaping dominated by palm trees and its location edging along a water body, used for irrigating the resort's golf courses, contribute to the area's calming effects.

What's in the adults-only Sky Island at AquaRidge Waterpark?

When guests enter Sky Island, the new adults-only section of the waterpark, a concierge will take them to their daybed or cabana and greet them with a glass of champagne.

Features at Sky Island include:

• An infinity edge pool and hot tub.

• Four cabanas, each equipped with a sofa, table, TV and lounge chairs under an umbrella on a private deck overlooking Wildfire Lake.

• Eight daybeds.

• Two fire pits.

• A gathering spot for special occasions such as weddings.

Sky Island also offers views of the McDowell Mountains from the infinity pool. The surrounding landscape, adorned with bougainvillea flowers and cactuses, provides a sense of beauty and serenity.

Guests who want to pair their experience with food and cocktails will have an exclusive menu of coastal-inspired fare, including citrus-poached shrimp and a raw seafood platter, Anderson said.

What are the water slides at AquaRidge Waterpark?

The water slides in the Havasu Playground opened in July. They 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.

Anderson said the addition of the water slides were "a game changer" and are just as big a hit with adults as they are with children.

"We have something for everyone, whether you're looking for activity, relaxation, a getaway or connecting with family and friends," he said. "All the spaces we provide offer a well-rounded experience for guests. And it's all here in one spot."

How can you visit the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge waterpark?

You must be a guest at the hotel or have a day pass from ResortPass to use AquaRidge Waterpark.

Stays at the resort start at $414 per night for the fall and winter, while day passes start at $40 per person.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: JW Marriott Desert Ridge finished its water park. See what's new