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…
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve around the world: 11 epic destinations to consider
These destinations are sure to offer an unforgettable New Year's.
Rio de Janeiro

If you want to ring in the new year in style, there are plenty of amazing places around the world that know how to throw a party. Whether you’re seeking epic fireworks, bustling nightlife, or a more laid-back vibe, the world has something special to offer. From iconic cities buzzing with excitement to more remote options where you can celebrate in peace, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to go for New Year’s Eve.
1. Sydney, Australia

Sydney’s New Year’s celebrations, held in the height of summer, are some of the first to welcome the new year globally. The city’s famous fireworks display, set off from the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, is considered one of the best in the world, attracting over a million spectators. Boats fill the harbor for the best views of the show. The festivities begin with ceremonies, light projections, and a parade of glowing boats, building up to the grand finale that ushers in the new year.
2. New York City, New York

Read more
Packing for a flight? Here’s what’s not allowed in your carry-on bag
Read this before packing your carry-on bag
Open suitcase with clothes packed

When it comes to packing your carry-on bag for a flight, the rules can feel overwhelming. You don’t want to get held up at security, or worse, have something confiscated. Let’s break down what is not allowed on a plane carry-on so you can pack with confidence.
Items not allowed on a plane carry-on

Liquids, gels, and aerosols over 3.4 ounces (100 ml)
Following the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule, each liquid, gel, or aerosol in your carry-on must be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces and fit into a single quart-sized bag.

Read more
The Maldives raises tourism taxes: Here’s what’s changing
A trip to the Maldives is about to get a lot more expensive.
The Maldives

It’s about to get more expensive to visit the Maldives. Starting January 1, 2025, the Maldives Green Tax will increase significantly, with most hotels and resorts charging $12 per person, per night – double the current rate. Smaller establishments with fewer than 50 rooms will see a reduced rate of $6 per person, per night.

Additionally, beginning July 1, 2025, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will rise from 16% to 17%, impacting a wide range of services, including spas, shops, and water activities across the islands.
Air travel to The Maldives is also set to increase

Read more