48 Hours
Scottsdale, Arizona
By Michelle Davis
Located in the beautiful Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale is a multi-faceted jewel that offers nothing but the best in both leisure and adventure. Whether your ideal weekend getaway entails outdoor recreation, exciting nightlife, or deep relaxation, Scottsdale has it all. Set apart from typical upscale cities due to its unexpected charm and the contrast of natural beauty and extravagance, Scottsdale provides a variety of accommodations, activities, and amenities to fulfill any desire while preserving its distinctive southwestern feel, creating an experience found nowhere else.
UP TO PAR
One of Scottdale’s prominent charms is its legendary golf courses. The Sonoran Desert provides the painted backdrop to over 200 golf courses making this oasis the perfect destination for a golf getaway. Tee up at some of the most breathtaking courses that attract several of the world’s most renowned golfers. Troon
North Golf Club
The 18-hole “Monument” course at the Troon North Golf Club facility in Scottsdale, Arizona, features 7,070 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72 . Designed by Tom Weiskopf, the Monument golf course opened in 2007. Troon Golf, LLC manages this facility, with Lon Grundy as the general manager.
Grayhawk Golf Club
Since opening in 1994, Grayhawk Golf Club has become one of Arizona’s most celebrated daily-fee golf clubs, mostly because of Grayhawk’s two exceptional 18-hole golf courses – Talon and Raptor. Both have earned numerous awards and accolades over the years, and have hosted high-profile competitive events such as the PGA Tour’s Frys.com
Open (2007-2009).
The Phoenician
Set amid the spectacular Sonoran Desert of Scottsdale, Arizona, The Phoenician offers three diverse nine-hole courses, creating multiple 18-hole combinations for golfers of all skill levels: Desert, Oasis and Canyon (pictured above).
ARTISTIC CHARM
With over 125 art galleries, museums, and art festivals, Scottsdale’s art culture is one of its greatest attractions. Pay a visit to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) downtown or stroll through one of many outdoor art festivals to experience the essence of southwestern culture. The diverse compilation of styles and media makes the Scottsdale Art District a place that is sure to captivate the interest of locals and visitors alike. smoca.org
SOUL SEARCHING ADVENTURE
For those looking to add a little excitement to their weekend getaway, Scottsdale is a great place for exploration, outdoor activities, and festivities such as Arizona’s Bike Week & “Cyclefest” (usually around mid-April). For the more adventurous traveler, Scottsdale even brings adventure into the dining experience with the Arizona Desert Sunset Tour and Cowboy Dinner, where you can travel back in time to the
Old West, and even grab some cowboy grub at a famous western steakhouse.
On the leisurely side, nothing brings together excitement with relaxation quite like a hot air balloon expedition. Enjoying the simple pleasures of nature with breathtaking panoramic vistas from a bird’s eye view is an experience unlike anything else. scottsdalecvb.com
THE OASIS AWAITS YOU
Upscale resorts exude luxury and relaxation to assure the most comfortable and convenient stay imaginable. Each of these noteworthy properties has their own unique way to pamper, rejuvenate, and indulge. A distinct blend of traditional southwestern style and modern sophistication creates an incomparable ambiance unique to this captivating city.
The Phoenician
With more options than any other resort, the Phoenician offers its guests a completely unique experience during each visit. Its array of amenities include ten restaurants and lounges, nine swimming pools, the luxurious Centre for Well Being, numerous recreational activities, and its own 27- hole USGA championship facility, showcasing sophistication and exclusivity with its ability to accommodate the likes of any traveler.
InterContinental Montelucia Resort and Spa
icmontelucia.com
Winner of countless awards, the elegant InterContinental Montelucia Resort has been recognized as one of the top resorts in the country. In addition to its partnership with four of the best local golf clubs, this resort offers everything from corporate meeting packages and event venues to romantic villas and lavish spa treatments. Its highly acclaimed restaurant, Padro, and unprecedented Joya Spa make this resort a traveler’s favorite.
The W Scottsdale
starwoodhotels.com/whotels
Undoubtedly the trendiest resort in all of Scottsdale, the W epitomizes comfort and convenience. If its 24/7 beach inspired WET® pool, ultra relaxing BLISS® Spa, and fully equipped SWEAT® Fitness Center don’t create a comfortable stay, the WHATEVER/WHENEVER® service is sure make this place the ultimate hotspot for any fashionable jet-setter.
