Scottsdale Arizona: Where Old West Meets New West
There's something special about the fresh smell of the desert in the early morning and, at the end of the day, the legendary Arizona sunsets. You won't find a better place for exploring the desert landscape than the AAA Five Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess overlooking the McDowell Mountains.
The Perfect Place to Play
With Arizona's year-round sunshine, Scottsdale is perfect for play in the great outdoors. The golf concierge can arrange a round of golf at world-famous TPC Scottsdale or a private lesson with the PGA Tour Academy. Or just ask, and they’ll create a personalized golf itinerary, arrange clubs and schedule your tee times for one of the two Scottsdale TPC golf courses.
Play a round of golf at one of two scenic courses at TPC Scottsdale
If you prefer tennis, The Fairmont’s Tennis Center features a 6,300-seat Stadium Court and makes everyone feel like a champion. Or, book court time on one of the high-end composition courts (Plexi-Pave) or a private lesson with a top instructor. For the ultimate workout, sign up for a specialty “cardio tennis” session.
Lazy days by the pool are ideal for Arizona sunshine. With five resort pools, you can design your own escape. Choices include the Sonoran Splash pool, with its 200-foot twisting water slides, the chic South Pool and a secluded Casita Pool, or the adults-only rooftop pool at Well & Being Spa. For a more intimate experience, ask your concierge about a private cabana at the South Pool or Sonoran Splash Pool.
An Ideal Spot to Relax
During your stay in Scottsdale, opt for total relaxation and book a day at the spa. Well & Being Spa is all about relaxation, centered on a therapeutic outdoor waterfall inspired by Havasupai Falls, an oasis in the Grand Canyon.
During your spa visit, enjoy the hush of the relaxation lounge and complimentary spa features like the Eucalyptus inhalation room, wet steam room, sauna and whirlpool. After a relaxing massage or body treatment, you might prefer to chill out for the rest of the day at the spa’s private rooftop pool with scenic views of the Valley.
At the end of the day, scout out one of the resort's fire pits for a cozy experience, or retire to your balcony or patio and gaze at the brilliant stars in the sky. As you recount your adventures, listen for the coyotes calling across the desert.
Explore Scottsdale
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a destination resort, so it's tempting to spend every minute there, but spare a day to see Scottsdale’s inspiring landscape, which melds the Old West with the New West.
The concierge can help you book a half-day ATV excursion through the desert, expert guide and all. While it’s called Tonto National Forest, you’ll navigate desert trails, dry creek beds and sandy washes, with snacks and cool drinks along the 25-30 miles you’ll explore. Prefer a horse or Jeep? The concierge can set you up with any number of different desert adventures.
For a cool destination, stop by the Musical Instrument Museum, an interactive extravaganza less than 10 minutes from the resort. During your visit, you can create a musical celebration, using wireless hot spots to stream the sounds of the specific multicultural instruments you’re looking at as you pass. With more than 15,000 instruments and an Experience Gallery to try them, this is one museum that shuns the usual quiet ambiance.
Another cool option: Frank Lloyd Wright’s beloved Taliesin West in the Scottsdale desert, just 15 minutes from The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Wright's winter home also served as studio and architectural school. Book a traditional Taliesin West tour, or, with advance planning and help from your friendly concierge, arrange a private tour with an architect-guide.
Scottsdale's Culinary Treasures
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers the best of New West cuisine at La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval. Next to the spa, La Hacienda showcases Old Mexico’s vibrant flavors in an upscale modern manner. The resort's resident Tequila Goddess can recommend sipping tequilas or specialty margaritas, such as El Piña Diablo with Serrano-infused tequila. For dessert and a bit of flash, order flaming coffee with tequila, coffee, cinnamon…and fire.
For great eats under the Arizona sky, head to the patio at Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak, just off the hotel's main lobby. It might be challenging to decide between savouring their signature certified all-natural beef entrees or spending happy hour on the couches around the glowing fire pits.
After dinner is over and you've downed the last drink, take a leisurely stroll along resort paths that meander past hidden patios, lush lagoons and desert landscapes. Valerie Lee, PR director for The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, encourages guests to keep an eye out for "Cecil, our resident desert tortoise, to see him in his own habitat." As you bask in the desert’s crisp night air, reflect back on the best of the New West and the laid-back charm of the Old West. Intrigued? E-mail The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess at scp.concierge@fairmont.com for more information.
Photo Credits
Taliesin West, Scottsdale by InSapphoWeTrust
https://www.flickr.com/photos/skinnylawyer/8226715372