A Girls Getaway To Scottsdale!

Have you ever found yourself swept up in one of those online ultimate travel quizzes?  The kind that probes; “What kind of traveler are you?”  Whether you are a luxury traveler, a family first traveler, looking for an adventure, a spa trip, a solo trip, a girls getaway, or an incredible combination of all of the above, you must consider Scottsdale Arizona for your next vacation.

Known for its spa resorts, unique dining, golf courses, outdoor adventure, and it’s art and culture scene, Scottsdale is a desert city just waiting to be explored.  A short 4 1/2 hour flight from Toronto Ontario and located approximately 15 minutes from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Scottsdale was the perfect place for an ultimate girls weekend getaway.  Read on to see all this culture-filled city has to offer.

Where To Stay:  From boutique style hotels to large lux resorts Scottsdale offers something for kind of traveler.  On a recent trip, I had the pleasure of staying in and exploring two separate resorts.

Our first stop was a pampered stay at The Hyatt Regency Hotel Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch.

 Photo of Stephanie sitting by Solmaz – The Curious Creature

This family-friendly hotel has breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains and is anything but ordinary. The rooms are cool and contemporary.  The resort grounds are dotted with flowering cacti, towering palm trees and boasts 10 swimming pools, a dedicated zero entry beach area, and  3-story waterslide.   There are multiple dining venues and in the evening, an opportunity to ride in a Gondola while being serenaded by the operatic Gondolier.  So unique!

Not to be missed:

*The “Wine Me, Dine Me“ experience offered at SWB (the South West Bistro).

This culinary journey led by Chef Juan includes a four-course menu complete with tequila and wine pairings.

*The Spa Avania– you need at least half a day because while on a girls trip one must spa! Located on the grounds of the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale is the Spa Avania.  This oasis in the desert offers a luxurious experience from beginning to end.  I elected to try the 60-minute Alpha-Collagen treatment.  “Utilizing an alpha-hydroxy acid blend to exfoliate, this anti-aging facial is recommended for all skin types.”  Spa Avania.  I left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, pampered and dare I say it healthier looking?  My skin was glowing!  Insider Tip:  Be sure to allow ample time to take advantage of the many pools and saunas included in your day.  I’m already dreaming of a return trip.

Our second hotel of the trip was the stunning and unique Royal Palms Resort & Spa

This 119 suite hotel was originally a privately owned mansion built by New York City financier Delow Cooke.  This historic hotel is surrounded by lush gardens, romantic hideaways, old stone fireplaces and has a distinctly Mediterranean feel.   Spread throughout the meandering property are standard suites which offer 480 square feet of space, Southwestern style Casitas, as well as  Presidential Villas, each room with their own flair and character.  There are also rooms on site that are wheelchair friendly.  The hotel offers one large central pool with incredible poolside service, there’s also a restaurant and the Alvadora Spa on site.

Not to be missed:

Time spent at the pool.

Picture by Solmaz – The Curious Creature

*There may be no more welcoming place to escape the desert sun then the cabana-lined pool.  Quiet music plays as you lounge in one of the many comfortable lounge chairs.  The pool water is warm and welcoming, and the staff serving frozen drinks and endless glasses of water are charming and attentive.

*Those Instagramable moments – Set aside some time to just get lost in the beautiful grounds and snap some photos.  This is perhaps one of the most instagramable resorts I’ve ever seen.

 Photo of Stephanie walking by Solmaz – The Curious Creature

After you’ve had a great swim and taken enough pictures to keep your insta stocked for weeks, it’s time to head to the Spa!

Set within Royal Palms Resort and Spa is the enchanting Alvadora Spa.

I chose to experience the Orange Blossom Body Buff.  A 50-minute treatment using their signature scent of Neroli, it’s nothing short of amazing.  This full body exfoliation is applied with care and is said to soften and renew the skin. The treatment is completed with a lotion application scented with orange blossom.  The result, my skin has never been softer.  I left the spa relaxed, refreshed and ready to explore more of what Scottsdale has to offer.

Come back later this week to find out where to eat, adventure and play while on an ultimate girls vacation in Scottsdale!

Disclosure:  Accommodations were made in order to help provide this review.  As always all opinions on this blog remain my own.  For more information on all that Scottsdale has to offer, click here.

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