Fun Sum-Vacations: In the Arizona desert, world-class resorts are open at prices that would have closed the front door to you and your family just a few months ago. All of the attractions that draw people during high season to Phoenix and Tucson – world-class tournament golfers, jetsetters and mild-climate followers with brazenly deep pockets – are available at extraordinarily vernal values. Once, luxury resorts at this level closed in central and southern Arizona for the summer months. Fortunately the cool spas, pools, slides lagoons – and the equally cool kitchens – are now open when the Southwest warms up. Get away this summer to Arizona without getting too far from home – or too far off budget.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT SCOTTSDALE AT TROON NORTH
In the bouldered foothills of Pinnacle Peak, the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North often experiences summer temperatures as much as 10 degrees cooler than those in the lower Valley. On 40 acres of sublime high desert, the perennial AAA Five Diamond Award-winning property includes 210 rooms, suites and villas. This summer families can select the Very Important Kids package, including a $100 credit with every two paid
consecutive nights. Through Aug. 31, this includes a special snack mix turndown amenity, a complimentary inroom family movie and one poolside smoothie for up to two children per room.
Adults will enjoy Talavera, a contemporary American steakhouse, or Proof, an American canteen, featuring comfort food from the 50 states, both under Executive Chef Mel Mecinas. When parents dine, children aged 5-12 are invited to a “Pajama Jam” movie night featuring a movie and dinner. Every Saturday afternoon, Proof hosts an old-fashioned ice cream social. Here, too, adults can participate in a complimentary beer tasting, and the family can enjoy themed dinners Saturday nights. Families can stay at the pool for complimentary weekly “Dive-In” movies every Saturday night through summer, accompanied by a themed buffet available at an additional cost.
“With our summer price point, value and luxury combine to make the Four Seasons choice simple,” says Regional Vice President and General Manager Vince Parrotta. “Our service comes with a smile, and best of all, we will personalize it to meet the needs of you and your family and friends.” (fourseasons.com/scottsdale)
THE WESTIN LA PALOMA RESORT & SPA
Be among the first this summer to experience the new level of luxury delivered by Tucson’s Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa after an extensive $30
million property-wide rejuvenation. Enjoy the redesigned rooms and suites, re-imagined pool areas, recently refreshed Jack Nicklaus Signature golf
course and Executive Chef Russell Michel’s new seasonal American Continental culinary options.
Through Sept. 7 guests can enjoy deeply discounted rates and the amenities that have made The Westin La Paloma Resort, grandly sited in view of the Santa Catalina Mountains, one of the Southwest’s great destination resorts. Nearby are shopping, dining, attractions and outdoor adventure opportunities. Each guest party receives a complimentary Passport to Savings booklet, with vouchers for more than $200 in savings for resort amenities. Offers include discounts on Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa services, La Paloma Country Club golf and tennis lessons, bottles of wine from AZUL, Kids Club adventures and more.
At poolside – the resort has five – guests will be treated to complimentary chilled goodies and fun activities for the family such as face painting, limbo contests and Slidewinder races down the 177-foot waterslide. “Guests taking advantage of our summer program will be among the first to experience the exciting updates to the resort’s rooms and amenities,” says General Manager Jonathan Litvack. “While there are so many new details on property to enjoy, the amazing views and ideal location remain unchanged and as spectacular as ever.” (WestinLaPaloma.com/Summer)
HOTEL PALOMAR PHOENIX
Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Phoenix at CityScape is an urban retreat that is only steps away from downtown’s shopping, dining and entertainment. The 242-guest rooms/suites property offers superb in-house entertainment and dining as well. Hotel Palomar guests can enjoy the third-floor outdoor pool
and lounge with views of the city skyline, a hosted evening wine hour daily 5-6 pm, and complimentary use of the adjacent Gold’s Gym Elite.
In addition, the hotel is pet friendly. Staycation options this summer include the $102 and a Round of Brew, featuring deluxe accommodations and four beers at the hotel’s Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, through Sept. 8; Laugh Like a Local, with discounted rooms and two tickets to Stand Up Live, through Dec. 31; and Downtown Discovery Family Package, with deluxe accommodations, two Welcome Kids Packs and a choice of two children’s tickets to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix or the Arizona Science Center, also through Dec. 31.
“Hotel Palomar is a unique alternative to the typical Scottsdale resort scene,” says General Manager Jim Hollister. “With so much happening in downtown Phoenix, everything is within walking distance of the hotel, and if you just want to relax, you don’t have to leave the hotel.” (hotelpalomar-phoenix.com)
JWMARRIOTT CAMELBACK INN RESORT & SPA
In All the World, Only One: For 67 years, the 125-acre Camelback Inn has been the only one for many of the world’s famous. Dwight D. Eisenhower frequently visited, and other guests include Robert Young, Clark Gable, Bette Davis, Cary Grant, J.C. Penney and Jimmy Stewart.
The resort features 453 oversized adobe-style casita guest rooms and suites with refrigerators, microwaves, wet bars, mini-bars, private entrances, garden patios and balconies. Deluxe suites at Camelback Inn even include private swimming pools. The property also offers 36 holes of championship golf, six tennis courts, three pools, seven restaurants and lounges and the superlative 32,000-square-foot Southwestern-inspired Spa at Camelback Inn.
This summer book the Signature Summer Package, which includes a $100 daily resort credit to spend on spa, golf and dining or the Summer Swedish Package, with an overnight stay in a guest casita, a one-hour Swedish massage and the nightly $100 resort credit. Both are available through Sept. 30.
“Cooling spa treatments, amazing popovers in BLT Steak or tableside guacamole in Rita’s Kitchen, hand-crafted cocktails and live entertainment nightly make a staycation at the Camelback Inn like no other,” says Jim Rose, the Inn’s general manager.
ROYAL PALMS RESORT & SPA
In 1929, Cunard Steamship executive and financier Delos Cooke, nephew of J.P. Morgan, built the 3,500-square-foot Spanish Revival villa, now the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, for his wife — “El Vernadero,” their winter haven in Phoenix/Scottsdale. A Destination Hotels & Resorts property, the 65-acre resort celebrated its multimillion-dollar restoration in summer 1997, incorporating at its center the Cooke’s original home. With 119 custom-appointed casitas, suites and guestrooms, the Alvadora Spa, and Cervantes Bistro and T. Cook’s under Executive Chef Todd Sicolo, the Royal Palms offers an outstanding summer experience for individuals, couples and families.
Enjoy a number of getaways this summer. “Simply Romantic” includes two nights of accommodations; dinner-for-two credit in Cervantes Bistro; access to an evening summer poolside gathering event for two; and a complimentary upgrade at booking. And, the Surprise & Delight includes two nights of accommodations; $100 in resort credits per stay including a $50 spa credit and a $50 Cabana Cafe credit (restrictions for both).
In addition, summer guests can experience a “Manor of Taste” with a spa poolside treatments such as a Cool Stone Foot Massage, Cool Stone Reflexology, Cucumber Eye Treatment and Scalp Massage and a Natural Hot Yoga session on Saturday mornings. “This summer brings many exciting enhancements to Royal Palms, so it’s a wonderful time to visit the property,” says General Manager Steve Benson. “Our new Chef McCabe will be offering Chef Demos and Tastings as he explores tempting culinary specials for the autumn menu. The exciting culinary options, coupled with the Alvadora Spa offerings, magnify the sense of romance and enchantment of Royal Palms.”
Other resorts…
The Boulders, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
A Place to Chill: The Boulders, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, Carefree, has been an extraordinary desert hideaway for almost 30 years. About 10 miles north of downtown Scottsdale – and as much as 10 degrees cooler – the resort comprises 160 guest casitas and 61 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, seven restaurants and a lounge, two championship Jay Morrish-designed golf courses, eight tennis courts including three classic clay surfaces, five premier cushion courts and a full-service Waldorf Astoria Spa. “We look forward to welcoming the local community to our special desert hideaway,” says Stephen Ast, The Boulders managing director. “Summer is the perfect time to play world-class golf and relax at our Waldorf Astoria Spa, thanks to our value-added packages.” (TheBoulders.com).
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa
Just a few minutes from the Loop 101, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa is a perfect family getaway. In addition, the Hyatt features gondola boat rides and the holistically inspired Spa Avania. On campus are five restaurants including Noh, serving sushi and sashimi. And, at Center Stage Bar,
there’s live nightly entertainment. The family will enjoy the Hyatt’s 2.5-acre water park with 10 pools, the new three-story, high-speed waterslide and the sandy beach. (scottsdale.hyatt.com)
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
Want a getaway in the Old Pueblo hills? Northwest of Tucson, in a Tortolita Mountains canyon, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain features adventure programming, five restaurants, a 17,000-squarefoot destination spa, 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf and three swimming pools – one with a 235-foot water slide. In addition, children aged 5-12 can enjoy The Dove Mountain Rangers program. Dove Mountain features 253 guest rooms and 31 suites including The Ritz-Carlton Suite Casitas in Wild Burro Canyon – a village within the resort. (ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain).
The Scottsdale Plaza Resort
For 37 years, The Scottsdale Plaza Resort has been one of the Southwest’s premiere hospitality destinations. In summer it’s a hometown resort – a getaway for couples, families and friends. Minutes from downtown Scottsdale, the 40-acre campus features 404 guest rooms – including 180 suites as large as 3,100 square feet in the Executive Lodge. The award-winning Remington’s Restaurant & Lounge serves contemporary cuisine indoors or on an outdoor patio with views of landmark Camelback Mountain. Garden Court has contemporary casual dining in a courtyard setting, and J.D.’s Lounge is a sports pub with an extensive imported beer list, light dining and snacks. Both Remington’s Lounge and J.D.’s have live entertainment. (scottsdaleplaza.com)
Fairmont Scottsdale
The Fairmont Scottsdale is super cool this summer. Celebrating 25 years of luxury, the AAA Five Diamond getaway offers staycationers 649 guest rooms, including 69 Fairmont Gold rooms and suites, five pools, the Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa, tennis, golf, award-winning cuisine and activities. Poolside, 200-foot water slides are lined by shady cabanas.
In addition, enjoy Dive-In movies and the Techno Glo Party weekend nights at the resort’s 6,000-square-foot water oasis, Sonoran Splash. During the day, the new Zip Line delivers a 300-foot thrill ride across the Princess lagoon. Adults can sample any of the 240 tequilas at Richard Sandoval’s La Hacienda, escape for a day to the spa or enjoy a meal at Michael Mina’s Four Diamond Bourbon Steak. (scottsdaleprincess.com)
David M. Brown (azwriter.com) is a Valley-based freelancer.
