Share the article
If you think Arizona is all red sand and lonely cacti, you are sorely mistaken!
It’s actually one of the best states to unwind, including a luxury city called the “Beverly Hills of the Southwest.”
Located on the outskirts of Phoenix, welcome to a place where luxury meets Wild West vibes… and the occasional old man in oversized shorts appears on the links.
It could also easily be called the “Florida of Arizona,” with its thriving retirement community, but don’t worry; this is not just an escape to live out your golden years,
What shouldn’t put you off is the fact that there are more spas here per capita than any other American city, so prepare to pamper yourself in style.
Conde Nast recently highlighted this desert oasis as one of the best warm-weather escapes in January, where you can expect many blissful days by the pool as you gaze out over the amazing landscapes of Scottsdale.
Beautiful, historic and always a good time
As San Diegans, we don’t have much to complain about other than the rent and gas prices, but honestly, no one in San Diego is ever happy to see an Arizona license plate.
That’s a telltale sign of the tourist season, where parking lots fill up faster than a Taylor Swift concert and roads become a maze of lost motorists.
Well, some of us Californians would like to give back. I love Scottsdale – it’s one of my favorite weekend getaways to enjoy affordable luxury, hop around town and indulge in old-fashioned delights.
Some claim that Scottsdale is a lipstick-on-a-pig town full of thousand-dollar millionaires, and whether that’s true or not is another story.
There’s no denying that Scottsdale exudes luxury, but who knows what’s on everyone’s paycheck? It’s just not important.
Whether you enjoy hiking, treating yourself to a much-needed spa day, or simply want to relax poolside at a luxury resort, Scottsdale ticks all the boxes.
In one day you can discover the unmissable Camelback Mountain offers the epic backdrop of Scottsdale, enjoy the top-notch cuisine from some of the country’s trendiest restaurants, shop ’til you drop at countless galleries and craft stores, and spend hours by the pool enjoying beautiful sunny days while plenty Americans are shoveling their driveway.
The joys of Old town will be one of the highlights of your trip, ranging from Wild West storefronts, swinging door ‘saloons’ and many vendors displaying Native American jewelry.
My 2 go-to’s when I visit are always Olive & Ivy for a phenomenal dinner that never fails, and Giligins Barwhich is, shall we say, a textbook oxymoron (you’ll understand when you get in!).
Scottsdale’s chic places to stay
When you imagine relaxing at a fancy resort, you probably think of Cancun or something similar, but you won’t be sleeping in the big hotels and resorts of Scottsdale.
It offers pure opulence and everyone from golfers to business people and families can enjoy all the luxurious benefits of a trip to Scottsdale.
Perhaps the most famous Talking Stick Resortbut TripAdvisor highlights the following 5 resorts with the best value for money:
- Scottsdale Camelback Resort
- Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas
- Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows (my favorite!)
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
- ADERO Scottsdale Resort
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert, meticulously designed golf courses and luxurious restaurants, all just steps from downtown.
For what it’s worth, Conde Nast points out Hotel Valley Ho as their hotel recommendation.
While Phoenix may be the most notable name here, Scottsdale is where most of the action takes place; That’s why there are so many great options for making your base.
One thing’s for sure: the beach won’t be on your mind with a poolside margarita or a world-class spa treatment.
Spas abound in Scottsdale
If you need a stress release, Scottsdale has you covered. From basic massages to all the trendy, cutting-edge stuff you see on TikTok, Scottsdale certainly offers it.
Scottsdale is deeply rooted in Native American heritage. As such, some indigenous practices also translate into the city’s famous spa services, such as the use of nopal cactus, as it is rich in antioxidants and minerals.
According to local experts Experience Scottsdalethese are the top 5 choices to treat yourself:
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
