Valley landmark Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort sold to NY group

PHOENIX – One of metro Phoenix’s best known luxury resorts has been sold for an undisclosed amount.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa in Paradise Valley has been scooped up by Gurney’s Resorts, the new owners announced Tuesday.

New York-based Gurney’s operates three high-end resorts on the East Coast. Scottsdale real estate investment company BB Hotels is also involved in the purchase.

Cincinnati Reds owner Robert H. Castellini had owned the property on McDonald Drive near 56th Street since 1992.

“We believe that Gurney’s Resorts fully appreciates this great honor and understands the importance of Sanctuary’s history and charm to Paradise Valley and to all our loyal patrons,” he said in a press release.

Plans are in place to renovate the resort next summer but it will remain open during the work, Gurney’s said.

“Gurney’s Resorts is honored to partner with such a beloved property, and we are thrilled to bring our signature hospitality to the Sanctuary while maintaining the resort’s local character,” Gurney’s Resort owner George Filopoulos said in a statement.

Sanctuary sits on 53 acres near Camelback Mountain and features 109 casitas, eight private villas, hiking trails, a 12,000-square-foot spa and Elements restaurant, run by celebrity chef Beau MacMillan.

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