If you think Arizona is only red sand and lonely cacti, you’re sorely mistaken!
Actually, it’s one of the best states to unwind, including one luxe city dubbed the ‘Beverly Hills of the Southwest’.
Set on the outskirts of Phoenix, welcome to a place where luxury meets Wild West vibes…and the occasional old man in oversized shorts hits the links.
It could easily be called the ‘Florida of Arizona’ too, with its booming retiree community, but don’t worry; this isn’t solely an escape to live out your golden years,
What shouldn’t deter you is the fact there are more spas here per capita than any other U.S. city, so get ready to pamper yourself in style.
Conde Nast recently highlighted this desert oasis as one of the top warm-weather escapes for January, where you can expect many blissful poolside days ahead looking out upon the astounding landscapes of Scottsdale.
Beautiful, Historic, And Always A Good Time
As a San Diegan, we don’t have a lot to complain about except rent and gas prices, but truth be told, nobody in San Diego is ever happy to see an Arizona license plate.
That’s a telltale sign of tourist season, where parking spaces fill up quicker than a Taylor Swift concert, and roadways become a maze of lost drivers.
Well, some of us Californians like to return the favor. I love Scottsdale – it’s one of my favorite weekend getaways to splurge on affordably luxury, bar-hop through town, and enjoy old-timey delights.
Some argue Scottsdale is a lipstick-on-a-pig town full of thousand-dollar millionaires, and whether that’s true or not is a different story.
There’s no denying Scottsdale oozes luxury, but who knows what everyone’s paycheck reads? It’s simply not important.
Whether you’re into hiking, treating yourself to a much-needed spa day, or simply looking to relax poolside at a high-end resort, Scottsdale ticks off all the boxes and then some.
All in one day, you can explore the unmissable Camelback Mountain providing Scottsdale’s epic backdrop, indulge in top-notch cuisine of some of the country’s trendiest restaurants, shop ’til you drop at numerous galleries and artisan shops, and spend hours at the pool enjoying splendid sunny days while many Americans are shoveling their driveway.
The delights of Old Town will be one of the highlights of your trip, ranging from Wild West storefronts, swingin’ door ‘saloons’, and many vendors showcasing Native American jewelry.
My 2 go-to’s when I visit are always Olive & Ivy for a phenomenal dinner that never fails, and Giligin’s Bar, which let’s just say is a textbook oxymoron (you’ll understand when you walk in!).
Scottsdale’s Posh Stays
When you picture unwinding at a posh resort, you likely picture Cancun or somewhere similar, but don’t sleep on Scottsdale’s grand hotels and resort scene.
Offering pure opulence, anyone from golfers to businesspeople to families can enjoy all the lavish perks of a trip to Scottsdale.
Arguably the most well-known is Talking Stick Resort, but TripAdvisor highlights the following 5 resorts with the best value:
- Scottsdale Camelback Resort
- Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas
- Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows (my favorite!)
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
- ADERO Scottsdale Resort
Enjoy stunning Sonoran desert views, meticulously designed golf courses, and upscale restaurants, all a stone’s throw from the city center.
For what it’s worth, Conde Nast highlighted Hotel Valley Ho as their hotel recommendation.
While Phoenix may be the most notable name around here, Scottsdale is where most of the action is; hence, there are so many great options to make your base.
One thing is for sure: you won’t be thinking about the beach with a poolside margarita or world-class spa treatment.
Spas Galore In Scottsdale
If you need a stress release, Scottsdale has you covered. From standard massages to all the trendy, cutting-edge stuff you see on TikTok, Scottsdale is sure to offer it.
Scottsdale is deeply rooted in Native American heritage. As such, some indigenous practices translate into the city’s renowned spa services as well, such as the use of nopal cactus, as it’s rich in antioxidants and minerals.
According to local experts, Experience Scottsdale, these are the top 5 picks to pamper yourself:
- Havasupai Falls Rejuvenation
- Cactus Lift & Tone Facial
- Boulders Citrus Skin Smoother
- Masami Facial
- Adobe Clay Detox Wrap
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