Since 1988, Scottsdale’s The Phoenician Resort has been a vast oasis in the desert, a 250-acre luxury property offering guests some of the Southwest’s best in dining, spa, golf and more.
Stay:
A member of Starwood Hotels Luxury Collection, a carefully curated group of outstanding hotels and resorts around the world, the Phoenician stands out for its grand proportions and ongoing devotion to detail. Its sheer size is stunning: The property features 643 accommodations total; 577 are standard guestrooms, 62 are suites and four are presidential suites. Guests can choose between three areas: The main building, the casitas and the Canyon Suites (a secluded boutique hotel within a hotel situated right at the foot of Camelback Mountain). Those who stay in the Canyon Suites are treated to special turndown services, most notably the Therapeutic Turndown, a privilege which includes a bath drawn with special soothing salts.
Guest rooms measure 600 square feet, while suites are larger: One-, two- or three-bedrooms, the average suite measures 1,200 feet. All rooms are decorated in a warm style that borrows from the Southwest’s earthy tones and tradition of artistry. Some suites feature hand-carved travertine fireplaces, a nod to the indigenous craftsmen of the area.
For those celebrating a special occasion (or those who simply want the best service and highest level of elegance), the 3,000-foot Presidential Suites offer an unrivaled experience. Overlooking desert vistas and furnished with absolutely everything one might want for an unforgettable stay (Steinway baby grand, anyone?), guests can opt into additional amenities like limo service, a personal butler and pre-reserved poolside cabanas.
Play:
What will you do with yourself at the Phoenician? Well, as nice as the rooms and suites are, it would be a shame to miss the outdoor offerings. Golf is at the fore, with a 27-hole (three 9-hole courses) championship golf course, while 11 tennis courts and nine—yes NINE—swimming pools offer plenty of opportunities for heating up and cooling off. Though the 165-foot waterslide is a main draw for kids, the Mother-of-Pearl tiled “relaxation pool” is the main event for adults seeking pure serenity.
Lay:
Aprés sport, the spa at the Phoenician is a must try. Called the Centre for Well-Being, the 22,000-square-foot complex offers everything you could want to make your stay just a touch – or a whole lot – more relaxing. Breathe deeply, and enjoy herbal body treatments and energy therapies in one of the 24 treatment rooms, or take advantage of the full service fitness area. Home to an aerobic studio, weight room and more, it provides state-of-the-art equipment for every workout style.
Tray:
Obviously, a day on the green, at the spa or even out shopping at Scottsdale’s best boutiques is going to lead to one thing: An appetite for dinner. The Phoenician features nine dining options, ranging from the elegant – J&G Steakhouse, a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant, and The Praying Monk, which features an Italian menu with working wine cellar – to the more casual – Relish Burger Bistro, which has the charming distinction of housing the largest tequila collection in the state of Arizona.
Display:
Last but in no way least, the entire resort is set against some of the most breathtaking scenery on the entire planet. The panoramic views of the Sonoran desert, cactus-filled canyons and endless blue skies are the Phoenician’s natural setting, a stunning environment in which to enjoy a gorgeous hotel and resort.