Waterton acquires the Poco Diablo Resort, a 137-key hotel in Sedona, Ariz. Situated on 18 acres adjacent to Oak Creek, the property will be repositioned and re-branded as Outbound Sedona. The property will be the fifth hotel under Waterton’s Outbound Hotels brand, a collection of lifestyle hotels in beautiful outdoor destinations. Outbound Hotels currently has 690 keys under management across five properties, inclusive of Poco Diablo.
Waterton will renovate the hotel into an outdoor-inspired, upscale lifestyle lodging option that combines Red Rock views with a spa experience and renovated guestrooms. Outbound Sedona will be operated by Denver-based CoralTree Hospitality.
“We believe Sedona is a robust, top-tier market with a lack of compelling lifestyle hotels,” Matt Mering, executive vice president, hospitality at Waterton, said in a statement. “The asset itself is unique in its location and existing offerings and we’re excited to breathe new life into the rooms and amenities which already attract locals, as well as travelers from around the globe. We believe this acquisition will further distinguish Outbound Hotels’ reputation as a premier brand in the experiential travel sector.”
Poco Diablo has views of surrounding red rock formations and convenient access to nearby Red Rock State Park and numerous hiking trails. Waterton will build on the renovations initiated by previous ownership which included a reimagining of the lobby and on-site restaurant. The resort also has 8,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space well-suited for corporate retreats and weddings. The firm will embark on a full-scale remodel of the guestrooms and common areas to transform and revitalize the offerings to meet market demands while enhancing the property’s competitive edge.
Founded by Waterton in 2023, the Outbound Hotels brand will now comprise a portfolio of five outdoor-inspired, lifestyle properties, including locations in Sedona, Ariz.; Jackson Hole, Wy.; Stowe, Vt.; Mammoth Lakes, Calif.; and Yosemite, Calif. Building on this momentum, Outbound is actively pursuing opportunities in other premier, nature-oriented destinations with plans to add 10 to 20 more locations over the next five years.