MVCI To Build First Resort In Arizona

ORLANDO— HOTEL BUSINESS® has learned Marriott Vacation Club International (MVCI) is developing its first Arizona resort. The proposed 252-villa Marriott’s Canyon Villas at Desert Ridge is slated to break ground and begin construction in second-quarter 2002, with an opening date of July 2003. The 22-acre resort is part of the 5,700-acre master planned community of Desert Ridge and sited next to an 18-hole Nick Faldo-designed golf course and an 18-hole Arnold Palmer-designed Wildfire Golf Club course that will be enlarged to 36 holes in January 2002. The community, which features biking and walking trails, tennis facilities, a business park, retail, a movie theatre, dining and shopping, also will host the 950-room Desert Ridge Marriott Resort & Spa, scheduled to open next year. Stephen Weisz, MVCI president, termed the Arizona development “an excellent addition to our collection of resorts.” said “This resort experience offers varied leisure options from golf to spa services. Guests can also enjoy the diversity of the surrounding locations, from the urban destination of Phoenix to the impressive sights of the mountains and desert.” Villa sales will begin in October. Prices will range from $13,400 to $22,300 per ownership week. MVCI currently has 52 vacation ownership resorts in 29 destinations.—Stefani C. O’Connor