The Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix has always been an iconic hotel amongst the Arizona landscape. Designed under the watchful eye of Frank Lloyd Wright by Albert Chase McArthur, opening in 1929 and frequented by Presidents and celebrities alike, this historic property is known as the "Jewel of the Desert."

The grounds staff ensures that the surroundings are always well manicured. The property features a large family pool with a swim-up bar.

Recently, it was decided that the time had come for the resort to be renovated. For this special undertaking, the importance of preserving the Frank Lloyd Wright heritage, and the overall character of the property, was paramount.

Gathering the Participants
The design team, which consisted of Burton Landscape Architecture, PHX Architecture, lighting designer CDL and interior architecture firm Virserius Studio, set out to create new and improved public spaces throughout the property. These new improvements would not only offer new amenities to guests, but they would build on the already stellar architectural foundation that was established on the property.

So, after celebrating its 85th anniversary in the spring of 2021, the famous resort launched a five-month, $70 million-dollar redevelopment effort, which would ultimately incorporate the Biltmore's historic architecture (including indigenous materials, low ceilings and a copper roof representing Arizona's copper-mining industry) with modern luxury to remaster its contemporary look.

Burton Landscape Architecture Studio was the lead for the site design and landscape, including the various pools, fountains and waterslide, an outdoor bar venue, and a new outdoor spa 'backyard.'

PHX Architecture and Virserius Studio headed the design of the Spire Bar itself; along with all of the architectural and interior improvements for the new look of the 39-acre property.

Aqua Design International was in charge of the aquatic plans. Shasta Pools was the swimming pool and water feature installers for the resort's outdoor space.

 

The fountain manufacturer was involved in three areas: the Spire Bar, the Event Lawn just outside the bar where weddings, gatherings, and meetings occur, and the Saguaro Pool - an adult-only oasis with an interactive dry deck feature.

The Upgrades
One of the biggest endeavors was the Spire Bar, so named for the multi-colored, LED light spire that was installed during the course of the renovation. It is the Biltmore's newest outdoor dining and lounge venue.

Its most prominent feature was the new Frank Lloyd Wright inspired overhead structure, designed by PHX Architecture, which provides comfort and shade for hotel guests, while also serving as a new focal point for the hotel. Surrounding the overhead structure are a series of cascading water features, which provide a constant water noise, and a cooling feel to the space. At night, the Spire Bar is transformed, with a series of RGB lights in the overhead structure, and water feature, that awash the space in a variety of colors.

Overall, lighting became a paramount design detail at the property. CDL, in addition to Burton Studio, were tasked with providing warm, ambient light on all walking paths, while highlighting specimen trees and architectural elements, of which there were many. In order to avoid large light poles throughout the event spaces, date palms were used as a means to mount tree rings, which held several RGB light fixtures. This gave the hotel the ability to customize the lighting, based on their clientele preference.

One of the most attractive features of the Biltmore's landscape is its abundant pools and water features, which now includes the Saguaro Pool, an adults-only oasis completed in 2020. The Saguaro Pool is home to several new private cabanas, in addition to a new outdoor bar. The attention to details throughout the pool is abundant, many of which pay homage to Frank Lloyd Wright.

An example of such details are the lane lines within the Saguaro pool itself. Inspired by a Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass piece in the lobby, the lane lines contains hundreds of custom Bisazza glass tiles, arranged to mimic the colors and forms of the stained glass. At night, the lighting from the adjacent palm trees washes over the pool deck, and the RGB fixtures in the pool provide color and interest for guests and events.

Throughout the property, the landscape was transformed from formal clipped hedges and grass into a desert oasis, complete with specimen Saguaro cacti, Palo Verde trees, Bougainvillea and Ocotillo. The mix of eclectic plantings and sculptural cacti provide a perfect backdrop for the architectural facades found all over the grounds.

As part of the improvements, Burton Studio was tasked with designing a "spa backyard," an outdoor treatment component, associated with the new Spa and Fitness center. The aptly named Sol Garden serves as a beautiful respite for hotel guests. In between treatments and workouts, they can relax in a new hot spa, or take a dip in the adjacent cold plunge.

The outdoor space also provides many personalized therapies itself outside of the spa building. Several outdoor showers, ensconced in Ocotillo, are used for the Biltmore's 'mud ritual,' in which guests slather themselves in mud, and bake in the Arizona Sun, before rinsing off.
All while enjoying the privacy provided by the Ocotillo.

At night, the central firepit provides a warm glow, and the tree ring-mounted palm tree lights supply the necessary illumination for events and late-night spa treatments.

A Success Through and Through
The Arizona Biltmore is a true gem of the Southwest, offering guests a unique and luxurious desert experience. The resort's stunning landscape, which blends elements of Mediterranean and desert styles, provides a peaceful and inviting atmosphere for guests. From its lush gardens and water features to its iconic architecture, the Arizona Biltmore is a truly one-of-a-kind destination that is sure to be remembered for years to come.

Team List
Owner: Arizona Biltmore
Landscape Architect: Burton Studio Landscape Architecture
Lighting Design: CDL Lighting
Architect: PHX Architecture
Aquatic Landscape Architecture: Aqua Design International
Principal and Pool Contractor: Shasta Industries
Interior Architecture and Design: Virserius Studio
Civil Engineering: Kimley-Horn Civil Engineering