Scottsdale, Arizona is a fabulous destination for just about any occasion and you need not look any further than The Phoenician for booking your stay. Planning a bachelorette or bachelor party? The local nightlife is perfect. Booking a guy's golf trip? You'll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful course destination. Need a getaway with the family? There are endless activities, including a kids’ waterpark. Since receiving a major renovation in 2018, The Phoenician was given the 2020 Forbes Five Star Award for their spectacular grounds, offerings, and amenities, and based on our experience, it’s well deserved.
Upon entering The Phoenician, you're immediately greeted by their attentive staff and surrounded by stunning architecture, playing off the rocky mountainside upon which the grounds are situated while not distracting from the environment's natural beauty. With accommodations for every desire, guests can choose from a room, casita or suite, which all offer varying views of the property. Whether you opt for the Deluxe Mountain View King Guest room, which offers a balcony view of the rocky mountainside, or the Phoenician Suite, which offers a top floor view overlooking the pool, you'll be whisked away into a state of serenity by nature's surroundings wherever you choose to lay your head at night.
The dining at The Phoenician is absolutely spectacular. We enjoyed beginning our days at the open-air Mowry & Cotton for breakfast, where I chose the green nectar juice and Chris had the Arizona sun juice, followed by a frozen acai bowl for me, the quinoa breakfast bowl for Chris, and a yogurt parfait for Lilah. The restaurant overlooks one of the many outdoor pools and lush greenery among the grounds. The smell of freshly baked bread permeates the air as it floats from their wood-burning oven located just steps away from your table. After hitting the green, Chris stopped at 19th Hole Grill and Patio for lunch, where he dined on their Tee It Up Tavern burger--truly delicious! Meanwhile, Lilah and I headed to Kalio Kabobery, where we shared the Sonoran avocado hummus, followed by the Kalio's Greek salad for me and a flatbread quesadilla for Lilah. Since this outdoor eatery is located poolside, we snagged the perfect spot by the pool afterward to soak up some post-lunch rays.
Later that evening, Chris and I enjoyed a romantic date night at J&G Steakhouse, located on the rooftop of The Phoenician. Offering al fresco dining year-round, we enjoyed sitting fireside on the balcony while taking in the awe-inspiring view of the mountains and watching the sunset--turning the sky into a gradient of yellow, pink, purple, and blue. We recommend the shrimp cocktail, followed by the Classic J&G tasting menu, featuring black truffle cheese fritters, tuna tartare, parmesan risotto, a grilled filet mignon with a half roasted Maine lobster, and finished off with a warm chocolate cake--decadent, to say the least!
Every vacation involves a little indulgence, so what better way to balance that out than with a trip to the gym? The 4,600 square foot Phoenician Athletic Club not only offers a spectacular view of Camelback Mountain but provides state-of-the-art equipment featuring Matrix machines, a basketball court, and "fitness on demand" technology for those yoga and spin lovers. Looking to move your body outdoors? Grab a racket and hit the tennis courts with one of their seasoned tennis pros! Once you're done sweating it out, treat yourself to an afternoon at the spa. The Phoenician Spa offers a tranquil escape from the Arizona heat, where you can indulge in a variety of services from facials and body wraps, to couple's massages and hair and scalp treatments (Bonus: Need your hair blown out after that luxurious scalp massage? They have a Drybar on site!). Lilah and I booked ourselves a mother/daughter manicure and pedicure appointment before retreating to the rooftop pool for some girl's time. We could have easily spent every afternoon here getting pampered! Pro tip: If vacationing with your girlfriends, be sure to book the Tranquility Suite, where each guest selects their choice of an 80-minute treatment, followed by Phoenician Gruet, afternoon tea sandwiches, and chocolate-covered strawberries.
The Phoenician offers a wide range of activities suitable for all guests, including those with children. Take advantage of the Kid Zone, an outdoor waterpark with a 197-foot twisting waterslide and the 2,100 square foot activity center, complete with arcade and video games, foosball tables, a lounge area with TVs, and several other gaming options. There's even a Funicians Kids Club, where children ages 5-12 can enjoy outdoor sports, arts and crafts, a Cactus Garden tour, and many other activities led by trained counselors. If traveling with girlfriends head into town for shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square, followed by cocktails at the Thirsty Camel Lounge, or spend the afternoon inside a private cabana at the Mother-of-Pearl pool. Enjoying a guy's trip? Be sure to book a tee time at The Phoenician Golf Club, a beautifully redesigned course overlooking the Sonoran Desert.
The Phoenician, a AAA Five Diamond Award-winning resort, is a picturesque oasis in the heart of the Scottsdale desert primed for relaxation, rejuvenation, and exploration. Expect luxury in the littlest of details, first-class service, and an experience brimming with local culture and natural beauty!
