Sam Fox, who has opened more than 100 restaurants, is launching his first hotel with help from Nelsen Partners Architects, Berghoff Design Group and Judi Testani of Testani Design Troupe.

Expected to open in autumn 2023, The Global Ambassador promises to combine impressive hospitality, culinary and wellness experiences.

A legacy project

Created through a global lens but with a local connection, The Global Ambassador will sit within a mixed-use scheme by Red Development. Located on the north-west corner of 44th Street and Camelback Road in Phoenix, this prominent site lies at the point where Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley converge.

Fox will manage, operate and co-develop the hotel under his newly formed Author & Edit Hospitality company.

“The Global Ambassador is a deeply personal, legacy project for me that furthers my pursuit of combining unmatched hospitality with culinary excellence,” he said. “This is so much more than a hotel – it’s a luxury lifestyle brand that we hope will inspire and draw travellers from all over the world to explore Phoenix in a new way. The Global Ambassador is the natural evolution of my passion for creating memorable hospitality experiences.”

Fox will be instrumental in realising every aspect of the hotel. He is developing the property alongside business partner and friend Brian Frakes of Common Bond Development Group, who will assist with design, architectural oversight and financial modelling. Nelsen Partners Architects will lead the architectural design, Berghoff Design Group will be responsible for the site’s landscape architecture and the interiors will be designed by Judi Testani of Testani Design Troupe.

A vibrant social hub

The 141-room hotel promises to exude energy and embody a lively atmosphere. From the social areas to tucked-away courtyards, each area is intended to feel rich in sophistication and charm.

Drawing on Fox’s restaurant experience, the hotel will house five original dining venues, with cuisine that’s influenced by the Mediterranean region. Notably, these establishments are to include the largest rooftop restaurant in the state, overlooking Camelback mountain.

Meanwhile, a plaza courtyard with inviting seating will lie at the heart of the hotel. The hotel’s wellness centre will comprise an ultra-luxe spa and expansive fitness level, with the level above this then housing an exclusive members’ club, which is to be the first of its kind in Arizona.

“With The Global Ambassador, we are evolving luxury hospitality at every level and from every perspective in order to deliver something truly remarkable for the well-travelled set who is looking to be inspired and intrigued in an authentic and unexpected way,” said Fox. “This is a convergence of significance found in hospitality, wellness and culture.”

For Fox, this news follows on from the debut of The Twelve Thirty Club in Nashville. The restaurateur has opened over 100 restaurants to date, with more launches planned for 2021.

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