WHERE TO STAY
With one of the highest concentration of resorts in the US, the hardest part about planning your trip to the Phoenix area will be deciding on just one. The iconic Arizona Biltmore (800-950- 0086; arizonabiltmore.com) is known as the “jewel of the desert,” and with good reason: The Frank Lloyd Wright–style property is a true oasis, with two lush golf courses and eight swimming pools providing respite from the heat. The 738 guest rooms and suites have hosted Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali and George W. Bush. In the heart of downtown, the Hotel San Carlos (602-253-4121; hotelsancarlos.com) has a rooftop pool—and a haunted history (guests have reported seeing the ghost of a woman who leapt to her death from the roof of the hotel in 1928). But the area’s ultimate escape might be The Phoenician (480-941-8200; phoenician.com). Aside from nine restaurants, nine pools, a golf course and spa on its 250 acres, it boasts a $25 million art collection and its very own cactus garden.
WHAT TO DO
Arizona’s stunning desert landscapes are virtually unrivaled in the US, so adventurous types will revel in this true outdoor heaven. Golfers will delight at The Phoenician’s Ted Robinson–designed 27-hole golf course, which is consistently ranked among the nation’s best. To really explore the spectacular surroundings, head deep into the Sonoran Desert with a four-wheel-drive trek through Arrowhead Desert Tours (602-942-3361; azdeserttours.com). For a truly unique experience, go on Arrowhead’s Gold Panning Tour—you just might strike it rich! The Cowboy Cookout comes complete with dinner, majestic canyon views and a dose of history. After a rugged day out, reserve a private cabana at the famed Spa at Camelback Inn (800-922-2635; camelbackspa.com) and indulge in a decadent Desert Nectar Honey Wrap. At the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, the Alvadora Spa (602-840-3610; royalpalmshotel.com) stands out thanks to its unique Watsu pool for in-water massages.
WHERE TO EAT
Satisfy your carnivorous cravings at Mastro’s Steakhouse, Scottsdale (480-585-9500; mastrosrestaurants. com), the ultimate steak sanctuary. Take in live jazz drifting from the piano bar as you pair your porterhouse with a side of lobster mashed potatoes. At the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, T. Cook’s (602-808- 0766; royalpalmshotel.com) serves Mediterranean cuisine, with rotisserie specialties prepared at the restaurant’s 1930s fireplace. Sit next to a fountain in the lovely garden and sample some of the best paella outside of Spain. Sunset is prime time at Lon’s at the Hermosa (602-955-7878; lons.com)— the glowing light casts a dazzling purplish hue along the hills, rendering the already picturesque setting truly breathtaking. A former hacienda converted into a fine-dining mecca, Lon’s is named for legendary Southwestern artist Alonzo Megargee. This is authentic Arizona at its finest.
