Of all the places I’ve visited across the country I adore Scottsdale, Arizona, for so many different reasons from the top championship golf courses to the world class resorts, spas and dining venues, but most of all for the TRAVEL THERAPY feeling I get when I visit this unique desert destination.
Having been called Type “A” times 10, Scottsdale, Arizona, is one of the rare places I’ve found where I can truly kick back and relax, recharge, reenergize and re-boot no matter what’s going on in my crazy, hectic life.
That’s why besides living in New York City I also have a home in North Scottsdale. I always say New York City has my soul but Scottsdale has my heart!
Scottsdale Sunrise from The Phoenician
Having just spent several weeks in Scottsdale researching the “best of” for an ABC News Now national television segment I was reminded again why this part of the country is so special. Scottsdale is always so hard for me to leave, especially when you’re trading in your bikini for snow boots and coming back to snowy New York City.
Here’s a look at some of the best of the best when it comes to visiting Scottsdale, Arizona and stay tuned to this TRAVEL THERAPY blog for more insider information on the best places to visit, stay, golf, dine and spa in Scottsdale and if you have a favorite Scottsdale find please let me know as that will just give me another excuse to go back and visit!
Here’s a quick look at some of my TRAVEL THERAPY picks for the best of Scottsdale, Arizona!
The Phoenician Resort, Scottsdale, AZ
Top Resorts in Scottsdale
There are so many world-class, top rated resorts in Scottsdale but for this last trip I focused on two TRAVEL THERAPY favorites the Phoenician and The Four Seasons Scottsdale because both 5-star resorts have some new exciting things to share and both are very different properties on either end of Scottsdale.
The fantastic 643 room Phoenician is on 250 acres at the base of Camelback Mountain in south Scottsdale just minutes from the airport. It’s also right by Old Town Scottsdale that’s famous for its art galleries, fun restaurants and a luxurious shopping center featuring top stores like Nordstrom, Barney’s, Neiman’s, etc.
At The Phoenician you can stay in the main building, try one of the casitas or go for the new Canyon Suites, a boutique resort within the resort. Highlights at this property include multiple swimming pools, a world renowned spa, 27 hole championship golf course, 11 tennis courts, top rated restaurants, a $25 million dollar art collection and the list goes on and on.
New and notable at the Phoenician:
- Il Terrazzo Restaurant- American/Italian Cuisine
- New Sunday Brunch-3-course $35 w/unlimited Prosecco
- J&G Steakhouse-Jean Georges Culinary Masterpiece
- Clubhouse Burger Bar-Awesome Happy Hour!
- Grape & Grain-Wine & Cheese shop
- $25 million dollar Art Collection
- New Spa Treatments and Discounts
For more: www.thephoenician.com
When you travel up to North Scottsdale you’ll find another TRAVEL THERAPY favorite and top rated resort in Scottsdale, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North.
Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North
I stayed in a fantastic suite here #1704 that has its own pool, telescope, outdoor fireplace, huge outdoor patio area and the most spectacular views of Pinnacle Peak and beyond.
What I’ve always loved about this luxurious 210 room property is how its nestled, low profile, into the hillside and its quiet elegance has a soothing way of helping you disconnect from all stress so you can truly enjoy your stay. Some of the highlights at the Four Seasons Scottsdale include world-class golf with a special partnership at Troon North Golf Club, a 12,000 square foot spa with unique, indigenous spa treatments and Gourmet Dining at Talavera.
New and notable at Four Seasons Scottsdale:
- $ 1 Million Dollar Pool Makeover
- Stay Longer Packages- 3rd night free
- New Spa Menu
- Picnic Under the Stars
- Decadent Dessert Cocktails at Talavera
For more: www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale
Top Golf in Scottsdale
Monument Course at Troon North
One of my favorite things to do in Scottsdale is to golf and thanks to our difficult economy some of the top championship golf courses in Scottsdale are offering discounts during high season ( the winter months) for the very first time!
What a lot of people don’t take advantage of is the resort courses because they don’t know you can often get on the course even if you’re not staying at the property. Especially this winter, thank you again economy.
At Troon North Golf Club near the Four Seasons Scottsdale, it use to run you close to $300 a round to play the famed Monument Course but now you can get a round on this top-rate championship course for closer to $200 dollars and believe me playing this phenomenal Scottsdale top golf course is worth every penny!
Troon North Monument Course
Originally designed by Tom Weiskopf, the Monument and Pinnacle courses are consistently ranked as top golf courses in the entire nation. Playing at Troon North is challenging, inspiring and invigorating and you’ll want to bring your A game and your camera!
27 Hole Phoenician Golf Course
The Phoenician’s 27-hole championship golf course is another winner and TRAVEL THERAPY favorite where you’ll find so many picturesque holes you’ll also want your camera handy. At the Phoenician you play the Canyon, Desert and Oasis courses and this golf property is also managed by Troon Golf so you know you’re getting the best of the best.
For more: www.troongolf.com
Top Spas in Scottsdale
Centre for Well-Being, Phoenician
Scottsdale, Arizona, is a known spa Mecca probably because you can just breathe a little easier here and stress seems to melt off your body from the moment you arrive.
Visiting the resort spas in Scottsdale can usually get pretty spendy but that has all changed this winter. Trying to entice economy weary travelers the top spas in the Scottsdale area have started offering some fantastic winter and spring spa deals that are just too good to pass up.
At the Centre for Well-Being at the Phoenician they’ve just introduced some new winter and spring spa specials starting at just $69! These premier services include:
- On the Go Facial- 25 minutes $69
- Indulgence Wrap & Massage $99
- 50 min Personal Training Session $100
I had two phenomenal treatments while visiting the Centre for Well-Being. I tried the Caviar Dreams Anti-Aging Treatment where you get the best of everything from a scrub, massage, wrap and even foot and scalp treatment and the Facial Stone Massage where my skin was glowing afterward. Both treatments were pure bliss.
Over at the Four Seasons Scottsdale they’re also offering weekly spa specials so you be sure to check the website or call ahead to see what is being offered when you’re thinking of visiting.
One treatment I tried and loved was the Healing Hiker Massage that was the perfect choice since I was starting every morning hiking Pinnacle Peak. The peak’s just at the base of the resort. I also had a Hydrating and Soothing facial that was idea after spending a rough winter in New York City. This facial features new products from Hungary using the mineral rich Omorovicza product line that I’m now a loyal fan of!
Top New Scottsdale Restaurants:
- J&G Steakhouse
- Modern Steak
- Talavera
- Il Terrazzo
- Clubhouse Burger Bar
- Crescent Moon
- Brio Tuscan Grille
And finally, after splurging on staying at top resorts in Scottsdale and playing Scottsdale’s best golf course and being pampered at Scottsdale top spas here’s a lists of the top 10 free things to do in Scottsdale!
Top 10 Free Things to do in Scottsdale:
- Hiking Pinnacle Peak
- Hiking Camelback Mountain
- Mountain Biking
- Ride Scottsdale Trolley-Downtown
- Window Shopping Fashion Square
- Farmers Market in Old Town
- Museum Contemporary Art-Thurs Free
- Scottsdale Art Walk-Thurs 7-9pm
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve
- McCormick Railroad Park
For more on the top free things to do in Scottsdale, including the best of Scottsdale resorts, top golf courses in Scottsdale and best restaurants in Scottsdale stay tuned because much more is coming up on this TRAVEL THERAPY blog.
You can also go to: www.scottsdalecvb.com
For more unique destination ideas be sure check out a copy of my new book TRAVEL THERAPY: Where Do You Need to Go? featuring more than a hundred destinations from around the world based on what you’re going through in life.
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