There are such a lot of issues to do in Scottsdale, Arizona that make it an ideal romantic weekend getaway vacation spot — stunning resorts, fantastic spas, over 800 eating places, museums, artwork galleries, buying, out of doors actions, and even a vibrant wine-growing group. Since our daughter was at an astronomy camp down in Tucson, my husband and I made a decision to show this uncommon time to ourselves right into a weekend getaway to Scottsdale.
Throughout our lengthy weekend getaway to Scottsdale in June, we actually bought a full blast of the Arizona solar, with temps as much as 108°F (and a better real-feel temperature.) There have been occasions once I felt as if my flip-flops had been melting into the pavement, and I didn’t go anyplace with out guzzling much more water than traditional. However so long as I bought air con breaks, we managed it simply tremendous.
With the ability to sit exterior within the evenings and benefit from the heat air on my pores and skin with out worrying a few sweater — now that was good. And I additionally recognize that eating places and retailers don’t blast AC to simulate a northeastern winter inside like I usually discover in Florida.
In case you are contemplating a romantic weekend getaway in Scottsdale, whether or not it’s a stand-alone go to or a part of a southwest street journey itinerary, learn on. I’ll share the place to remain in Scottsdale, issues to do on a weekend getaway to Scottsdale, and the place to eat in downtown Scottsdale.
In case you are visiting Scottsdale with your loved ones, you should definitely try these issues to do in Scottsdale with children. Or, try these different romantic getaways within the US.
Weekend Getaway to Scottsdale, Arizona
Notice: Our go to was hosted by Expertise Scottsdale. We obtained complimentary lodging, entrance tickets, and a few meals. All opinions are my very own. This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. If you happen to click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee.
The place to Keep in Scottsdale
Step one in planning a romantic getaway is determining the place to remain. Fortunately Scottsdale presents a variety of choices. In case you are searching for a resort and spa, we completely cherished every little thing about our keep on the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch. Not solely did we get the complete resort expertise (full with the welcome cocktail), however I recognize that it’s only a 15-minute drive from downtown.
After coming from Tucson, the place most of the resorts are situated 30-45 minutes from downtown or different native sights, this comfort is essential as a result of I don’t prefer to solely keep on a resort and never depart until I’m on an island in the course of nowhere.
If you happen to choose extra of an elegant, boutique resort nearer to city, we additionally spent one evening on the hip Resort Adeline. Two completely different properties, each with their very own charms. Let me break it down for you.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale is really a resort property. Along with the resort’s 493 rooms and suites, there may be additionally a 2.5 acre “water playground”, 4 tennis courts, miles of biking and jogging trails, the superb Spa Avania, Camp Hyatt Kachina child’s membership, 5 completely different eating places, and even a Native American Studying Heart. Company may get pleasure from 27-holes of championship golf on the award-winning Gainey Ranch Golf Membership. The one draw back of all that is the opportunity of an extended stroll from the elevator to your room.
My room was very spacious, with an enormous balcony massive sufficient for 2 lounge chairs and area to spare. The view missed the pool space with out being loud, however nonetheless felt personal. We had been in a King room, which additionally featured a really massive toilet with a walk-in bathe.
I discovered all of the facilities I must luxuriate in my environment together with a snug plush Hyatt Grand Mattress, a really large-screen TV, iPod docking stations (and really conveniently positioned USB charging!), and even a fridge (if solely I had used it to maintain my charcuterie board welcome amenity contemporary), an in-room protected, and a fridge.
The resort additionally offered me with a Membership Entry room, that means that I used to be free to utilize the Regency Membership, which presents a European-style breakfast, night hors d’oeuvres & cocktail service, in addition to printers, and a handy place to work if wanted.
I actually wished to take the time to discover Scottsdale (extra on these suggestions later), so I solely spent one night eating on the resort. However that have was fabulous. We headed right down to SWB, the resort’s Southwestern restaurant for the “Wine Me Dine Me” chef’s tasting dinner. However simply because it’s Southwestern, don’t assume that is informal Mexican fare, it’s not in any respect. Nevertheless, Chef Juan brings genuine southwestern flavors to all of his dishes.
For the Wine Me, Dine Me expertise, you sit on the bar in entrance of the kitchen in order that the sous chef can simply clarify every dish and its components. The expertise features a four-course menu, together with a tequila and wine pairing.
We began off with deliciously-prepared lamb chops (and that is from somebody that doesn’t historically eat lamb), adopted by a contemporary inexperienced salad with peeled heirloom tomatoes and fruit. For our entree, we had halibut. Every dish utilized southwestern flavors, together with chilis, however none had been particularly spicy. The components complemented reasonably than overwhelmed. Your entire expertise was so satisfying that I barely keep in mind the desert, besides to recall that it had a good looking presentation and appeared like a contemporary tackle dulce de leche.
The Hyatt pool is not only one pool, it’s really a sequence of 10 completely different swimming pools that collectively make up the water playground. You possibly can enter the assortment of adult-only swimming pools, that are linked to the household swimming pools by way of a sequence of 20 fountains and 45 waterfalls that create a refreshing setting. The household pool contains a 30-foot, three-story waterslide, in addition to a small sand seaside and 0 entry pool. There may be even a pool arrange for an aquatic volleyball sport.
All of the swimming pools are serviced by the H2Oasis, which presents mild fare, drinks, and tropical cocktails. The small store is ideal for company that will have forgotten their sunscreen, hat, goggles, coverup, and even swimsuit. My private favourite characteristic is the water bottle refilling station, making it inexpensive to remain hydrated in that intense solar.
Lengthy earlier than I arrived in Scottsdale, associates had instructed me about their superb experiences at Spa Avania on the Hyatt. I’ve seen a number of nice resort spas, however Spa Avania undoubtedly deserves to be on that record. That is undoubtedly the kind of spa the place you wish to guide a therapy (or two or three) and plan on spending the complete day there stress-free.
Spa Avania has 19 therapy rooms, together with three for {couples}, and 5 garden-side therapy rooms with personal entrances. The ladies’s and males’s locker rooms each characteristic rest rooms, a steam room, a dry sauna, and out of doors cold and hot plunge swimming pools. Even the showers are a deal with, with 10 bathe heads for a full-body expertise.
Earlier than or after your therapies, you may as well get pleasure from a mineral pool, obtainable to spa company solely, and an outside rest space. Drinks and meals are served exterior so you actually received’t wish to depart!
I began off with half-hour of rest within the Himalayan Salt Room. They supply an iPad and headphones with music or guided meditation to go the time. This was adopted up with a Citrus Drench Wrap, which was a mix of physique scrub and wrap, which left my pores and skin glowing and ultra-soft.
Examine charges and critiques on the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch!
Resort Adeline
One thing about this boutique Scottsdale resort spoke to me, perhaps it was the “Wanderers Welcome” signal over the archway into the pool space. Or maybe it was the Tiffany blue accents within the room and bathtub merchandise. Both means, the hip, retro vibe would appear as at house on South Seaside because it does within the desert.
This Seventies-style renovated motel goes all in on the cool issue to beat among the different apparent drawbacks, akin to room dimension and luxurious finishings. The principle attraction is really the pool. Lined with cabanas and lounge chairs, it’s fashionable whereas not feeling like a “scene” (a minimum of not whereas we had been there). They provide each a pool bar and chair service, and there are rest areas for chilling out within the night after the solar goes down.
The rooms at Resort Adeline are cozy and comfy, though the lavatory is a bit small for consolation (and I’ve a pet peeve about sinks situated exterior of the lavatory.) My favourite factor about Resort Adeline is the design. The foyer, restaurant, and rooms are all trendy and enjoyable. Whereas I didn’t get to eat on the restaurant, I did find out about a secret “company solely” speakeasy/whisky bar — taking the cool issue up one other couple of notches.
Whereas the resort doesn’t scream “romantic”, it does shout “cool” and if that doesn’t enchantment to your vital different, put it aside for a ladies’ journey as an alternative.
Examine charges and critiques on the Resort Adeline!
Issues to do on a Weekend getaway To SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
There are many enjoyable methods to have couple time in Scottsdale. As dad and mom, we love doing the sorts of issues which can be more difficult with children in tow — like wine tasting, shopping artwork galleries, having fun with a romantic dinner, and taking lengthy walks outdoor.
Desert Botanical Gardens
There are tons of locations to go climbing within the Scottsdale and better Phoenix space. From simpler hikes within the McDowell Sonoran Protect to the way more difficult Camelback Mountain. You too can take desert jeep excursions, segway excursions, and sizzling air balloon rides. Nevertheless, given the warmth, I opted for a neater stroll by way of the Desert Botanical Gardens. I’ve visited botanical gardens in Montreal, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, NC to call a number of. However none of these featured a desert panorama.
Generally I consider botanical gardens as a spot my mother would get pleasure from (and she or he would) however that I’d be bored at. Both I’m getting older (true), or I’ve grown to understand them extra, however I spent a enjoyable hour plus exploring the Desert Botanical Gardens. I believe what did it for me was that it’s such a vastly completely different panorama than what I’m used to.
I discover desert natural world fascinating. But additionally as a result of it wasn’t simply vegetation, I noticed fairly a number of creatures too (however fortunately no snakes). I noticed rabbits, lizards, floor squirrels, common squirrels, hummingbirds, doves, quail, and these lovely little creatures that appear like mini prairie canines. From the guide I consulted on creatures of the Sonoran desert, the closest I might decide was that it might be a kangaroo rat, however I can’t ensure, so I’ll stick with pondering of them as mini prairie canines.
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Possibly I used to be meant to reside within the Southwest as a result of I’ve additionally all the time had an curiosity in Native American tradition and artwork. I anticipated the Museum of the West to be a historic account of the Southwest, nevertheless it actually represented southwestern tradition by way of collections of artwork and memorabilia.
There was the Rennard Strickland Assortment of Western Movie Historical past, which, by way of film posters, actually made you concentrate on how our perceptions of Native American tradition have been formed by the film business, usually fairly inaccurately. I actually benefit from the artwork of Joe Beeler, a founding member of the Cowboy Artists of America who helped outline western artwork.
The museum additionally options displays with collections of saddles, belt buckles, spurs, and different cowboy gear. Altogether, it homes a big quantity of western artwork in a good looking area that’s enjoyable to get pleasure from.
Scottsdale Museum of Modern Artwork
In case you are an artwork aficionado, the Scottsdale Museum of Modern Artwork is a brief however fascinating cease in downtown Previous City Scottsdale. I’m a fan of enormous modern displays like I discovered on the Dia: Beacon so I loved the Museum of Modern Artwork. As with the Museum of the West, I additionally cherished the constructing as a lot because the exhibit.
Wine Tasting in Scottsdale
Regardless that the parents at Expertise Scottsdale organized for us to have a wine tasting at Carlson Creek Winery, we truthfully didn’t anticipate to benefit from the wine. From our expertise with different wines within the southwest in Texas and New Mexico, we anticipated the wines to be on the sweeter facet. Not solely had been the wines wonderful, however we each totally loved interacting with the workers and studying the backstory of the vineyard’s proprietor.
I totally imagine that a lot of a wine-tasting expertise has to do with the ambiance — the ambiance of the tasting room and the data and persona of the workers. Carlson Creek ticks all of those containers with a good looking tasting room and welcoming however very educated workers. And the wonderful wine doesn’t damage! I significantly loved the award-winning Rule of Three, the Sangiovese, and the Chenin Blanc.
Scottsdale’s Artwork Scene
Along with the Downtown Arts District, that includes tons of of outlets and galleries, Scottsdale additionally has a formidable assortment of public artwork. The Scottsdale Public Artwork Program features a assortment of 70 everlasting and 30 momentary artistic endeavors which can be scattered all through the city. In case you are actually into it, you’ll be able to even obtain an interactive map and plan a self-guided strolling tour of the artwork. Additionally, you should definitely stroll alongside the downtown canal and the Soleri pedestrian bridge.
SHopping in Scottsdale
In fact, strolling round Previous City Scottsdale can be enjoyable, though I choose the retailers and galleries alongside Fifth or Marshall, versus the touristy retailers of Previous City. Getting round Scottsdale can be a breeze, as there may be ample road parking, free trolley service, and loads of easy-to-use Lime Bikes round.
Eating in Scottsdale
In fact, certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Scottsdale is to pattern a number of of its many eating places. I’ve detailed all my suggestions for our favourite downtown Scottsdale eating places in one other submit. However listed below are the highlights:
- Diego Pop’s – Impressed by taco and tequila-fueled conversations on the seashores of the Yucatan, Diego Pops takes a contemporary and playful twist on genuine Mexican favorites. Strive the recent Cheeto road corn!
- Farm & Craft is targeted on wholesome and sustainable meals. In a metropolis the place warmth dominates, it’s so refreshing to search out mild and wholesome choices.
- The Mission is situated in Previous City Scottsdale and presents up a mixture of conventional and fashionable Latin flavors.
- Fats OX serves up fashionable takes on the genuine recipes of rural Italy.
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