HIGHLAND, Calif. — Oct. 1, 2026 — San Manuel Investment Authority (SMIA), an unincorporated governmental instrumentality of Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (Nation), through its affiliated entities, announced today its acquisition of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“We are delighted to welcome the staff and guests of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess into the portfolio of luxury non-gaming properties owned by our Tribe,” said Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Investment Board and Chairwoman of Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation.
"The beautiful setting in the Sonoran Desert, world-class hospitality and amenities align with our Tribe's long-term investment strategy and the offerings our guests cherish most. We look forward to partnering with Fairmont and the exceptional management team at the Princess as well as becoming an active contributing member of the business and Tribal community in Scottsdale.”
A winner of numerous accolades and awards in the travel, hospitality and golf categories, the Princess received the AAA Timeless Diamond designation in 2025 for maintaining Five Diamond status since 1991. The resort has also been recognized as one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards “Top Resorts in the Southwest” for the past three consecutive years.
Set on 65 acres in the Sonoran Desert, the resort features 750 guest rooms and suites, including the exclusive Privado Villas; the 44,000-square-foot full-service Well & Being Spa and Arizona’s only Sisley Spa; six pools; five food and beverage outlets, including signature restaurants from renowned chefs Richard Sandoval and Michael Mina; and eight retail stores. The resort is adjacent to TPC Scottdale, home of the PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open.
Additionally, the Princess hosts numerous special events that are popular with locals and visitors alike, including the summer’s Freedom Fest and the beloved Christmas at the Princess holiday festival.
“The Princess has been a Scottsdale landmark for four decades, and we’re excited to begin this next chapter with Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation,” said Jack Miller, regional vice president and general manager of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. “Their long-term commitment to thoughtful stewardship and hospitality aligns closely with our own, and we look forward to continuing to build on the resort’s legacy while keeping the experiences our guests and local community know and love at the heart of everything that we do.”
Visit http://www.scottsdaleprincess.com for more information.
About Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation:
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is a federally recognized Native American tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland, California. Formerly known as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the Tribe reclaimed its ancestral name, Yuhaaviatam (pronounced “yu-HAH-vee-ah-tahm”), meaning “People of the Pines,” to honor its deep-rooted heritage and enduring legacy.
Exercising its inherent sovereign right to self-governance, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is committed to providing essential services to its citizens through infrastructure development, civil services and programs that promote social, economic and cultural well-being.
As the Indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys, mountains, and high deserts, the Yuhaaviatam have called this region home since time immemorial and remain committed to being a productive partner in the San Bernardino region. For more information, visit http://www.sanmanuel-nsn.gov.
About Fairmont Scottsdale Princess:
Set against the backdrop of Arizona’s McDowell Mountains, the AAA Five Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess reflects its Southwestern setting with Spanish colonial-style architecture, expansive plazas and lush, flower-filled gardens.
The resort features 750 oversized guest rooms, six heated swimming pools, the luxurious 44,000-square-foot Well & Being Spa, championship golf at the adjacent TPC Scottsdale and Camp Trailblazers.
Dining options include Ironwood American Kitchen serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Bourbon Steak, the AAA Four Diamond steakhouse by acclaimed chef Michael Mina; modern Mexican cuisine at La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval and Toro Scottsdale by Richard Sandoval, serving Pan Latin fare with stunning views overlooking the 18th green at the TPC of Scottsdale Stadium Course.
The Plaza Bar in Princess Plaza serves craft cocktails nightly with scenic outdoor fire table patios.
Join the resort’s online communities on Facebook, Instagram & X. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is located at 7575 East Princess Drive.
