Getting to Phoenix from YVR is so easy many Vancouverites have a second place there when in need of a little vitamin D pick-me-up. And while real estate is surprisingly affordable, we prefer to live the good life and book into one of the city’s best resorts where we don’t ever have to lift a finger other than to dial room service. Check out a few of our top go-to picks when it comes time to partaking in a does of desert R&R…
The Phoenician
Stay mountainside at the base of Camelback Mountain on the 250-acre Phoenician property in either their 583-room modern resort hotel or at the onsite Canyon Suites, a more exclusive boutique hotel. You need not depart the property to enjoy fantastic cuisine, a USGA championship golf course, tennis, a stellar spa, shops, an amazing art collection, and pools galore.
ADVERTISEMENT |
Rise early and join the guided hike at Camelback Mountain and then head to The Centre for Well Being for a detoxifying warm spice scrub and massage, all before lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool, or playing a round of golf – being sure to leave time to walk the resort grounds and check out their $25 million art collection.
Dinner could be at Il Terrazzo for Italian, or J & G Steakhouse, Jean-Gorges Vongerichten’s fine dining spot atop The Phoenician Hotel. But we preferred Relish Burger Bistro where we tackled the tequila collection (it’s one of the largest in Arizona) and feasted on Kobe beef burgers. Don’t miss happy hour.
Arizona Biltmore
Opened in 1929, the legendary Arizona Biltmore is known as the “Jewel of the Desert.” With its Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design it was, and is, the choice of accommodation for the rich and famous. Here the vibe could be called historic-glam: it’s pure luxury with 39 acres filled with two 18-hole golf courses and a full-service spa, shopping, a salon, and fitness centre.
ADVERTISEMENT |
Here we arrived in time for the Biltmore’s property tour where we learned how the resort is where the Tequila Sunrise was created and that they’ve hosted every president since Hoover, along with many other interesting tidbits. Next up was the afternoon tea and bites in the lobby, and a trip to the spa for some reflexology.
In the evening, we hit the onsite Wright Bar and of course tried the Biltmore’s original Tequila Sunrise as well as a tropical version before heading to the Wright’s Dining Room for dinner. The service is impeccable and the chefs work with boutique farms and source herbs from their own garden. A classic Waldorf salad and beef wellington is the way to go, as this is old school dining at its finest.
Whichever resort you choose you’ll find everything you never knew you wanted or needed… and you’ll likely never want to leave.
ADVERTISEMENT |
If you’ve been to Phoenix, what’s your go-to spot to rest, wine and dine? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
