Rendering courtesy of Walton Global
The Paradise Valley Town Council has unanimously approved a major makeover for the SmokeTree Resort. Scottsdale-based Walton Global Holdings LLC received the green light on January 11 to transform the currently dormant site into an 82-room luxury resort, following a $14 million acquisition deal in June 2022.
Located at the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Lincoln Drive, the project signifies a new chapter for the iconic location. The site is near the upcoming Ritz Carlton Paradise Valley and The Palmeraie luxury retail center. The revamped resort will feature top-notch amenities, including a spa, a pool, and underground parking, enhancing the area’s luxury hospitality offerings.
As reported by the “Phoenix Business Journal,” the new development plan also includes a restaurant, cocktail bar, and café. However, initial proposals for a separate speakeasy and standalone restaurant were dropped during the project’s revision stage. These changes were made in favor of expanding parking facilities, a key consideration in the council’s decision-making process.
The approval marks a significant shift from earlier concepts, reflecting the council’s commitment to balancing development with community needs. The move is set to rejuvenate the site, replacing the old façade with a modern, upscale resort. The resort, originally built in 1954, seven years before the town’s incorporation, has been closed since mid-2020.
As demolition and construction pick up pace, the new SmokeTree Resort is poised to become a prominent luxury destination in Paradise Valley, complementing the area’s reputation as a hub for high-end leisure and hospitality.
