We scouted six stunning summer staycations and how to make the most of each sun-filled stop—pooling, dining and spa-ing your way through The Valley.
Stay and play in local luxury this summer with a staycation. When the temperatures go up, the rates go down, and that’s one great reason to live in The Valley of the Sun. We are fortunate to live in a place that so many travelers seek out for vacations. We have an exceptional array of high-end, luxury resorts with world-class dining, sophisticated spas and extensive amenities to enjoy—just minutes from home.
So, if you’re short on time, appreciate a good value or a vacation that takes all the work out of it, look no further than the end of your nose for the next city you’ll visit. And let them know the folks at ICONIC LIFE sent you. Send us a photo from your staycation, tag @youriconiclife.com, and we’ll send you an ICONIC beach tote!
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FIVE-STAR LUXE | The Phoenician Scottsdale
Recognized as a winner of the Forbes Five-Star Travel Guide, The Phoenician is a sprawling resort with a complex of massive pools, restaurants, golf, an athletic club and event spaces, and it’s an oldie but a goodie. When people ask us what is an ICONIC thing to do in the desert, grabbing a sunset cocktail at The Thirsty Camel always makes the list. While the resort has been renovated several times, it never disappoints with fine service and a festive atmosphere.
Resort dining at The Phoenician is exceptional, with a convenient variety of delicious cuisine to pick from. Choose J&G Steakhouse, which features a sophisticated menu of steakhouse classics from Executive Chef Jacques Qualin, or Mowry & Cotton for flavorful and seasonally inspired dishes. Beyond the excellent dining options, visitors of The Phoenician will love the luxury rooms and suites that put an emphasis on both comfort and style.
Why Stay at The Phoenician Scottsdale?
The spa is one of a select few Five Star spas in the country and so worth the visit if supreme pampering is what you seek.
Summer Offer
Book using code SUM from now until September 7, 2022 and receive a $50 nightly resort credit.
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PALM SPRINGS VIBE | Mountain Shadows
As you approach the architecturally interesting Mountain Shadows resort, feelings of Palm Springs come to mind, almost like Frank Sinatra could greet you at the entrance. Inside, a lively lounge with crafty mixology and the omnipresent sounds of a martini shaker set the tone. Known for some of the most creative resort programming, you can enjoy everything from an art preview, yoga on the lawn, sound healing and excellent eats from award-winning Chef Chuck Wiley overseeing Hearth ’61. An upscale ingredient-driven restaurant, Hearth ‘61 is a can’t-be-missed dining experience.
Inside the room accommodations, guests will discover modern decor, bright light and bold design that complement the beauty of the surrounding desert. The pool scene is notable so come dressed to impress—in swimwear, of course. Two 75-foot pools with stunning mountain views are surrounded by plush chaise lounges and private cabanas for ultimate relaxation.
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Why Stay at Mountain Shadows?
Food and Beverage Manager Jim Gallen always surprises us with the cocktail of the moment, best enjoyed at the pool in a luxe cabana.
Summer Offer
Book a summer stay and get 10% off the best flexible rate. Upon arrival, enjoy complimentary welcome drinks and a room class upgrade (if available). Visit the Mountain Shadows website for more deals.
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MID-CENTURY MODERN | Hotel Valley Ho
As if our grandparents’ kitchen color scheme came to life in a resort, the super-well-done, high-design Hotel Valley Ho is all about fun and not taking itself too seriously. Known for one of the vibiest pools in town, bring your A-game because a lot of fun is about to be had whether you book the Vinyl Rewind package, complete with, yes, ten records, to enjoy during your stay or the Bye Babe Breakup package that comes with a smashable chocolate heart and a self-care workbook.
Originally opened in 1956, the Hotel Valley Ho is an ICONIC feature of Downtown Scottsdale. Each Mid-Century Modern guest room features stunning floor-to-ceiling glass with a private patio or balcony that makes taking in the view simple. Combine that with an extensive list of amenities and an oversized tub in each room, the Hotel Valley Ho is the perfect spot to soak up the summer in luxury.
Why Stay at Hotel Valley Ho?
The throwback design is nostalgic, and you deserve a really fun weekend, which you will find here.
Summer Offer
Book a summer stay and get 10% off the best flexible rate. Upon arrival, enjoy complimentary welcome drinks and a room class upgrade (if available). Visit the Hotel Valley Ho website for more deals.
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SONORAN DESERT ESCAPE | ADERO Scottsdale
Perched about Fountain Hills on the edge of Scottsdale is ADERO, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel with amazing views of the stunning golf course and the fountain itself. Recently renovated and rebranded, this charming resort offers amazing culinary offerings, a pool with brightly colored chairs and falcons flying above. It’s a piece of Heaven in the desert, and a place where we love the smaller footprint, which spells P-R-I-V-A-C-Y to us. The sunsets at this AAA Four Diamond resort are spectacular from the elevated patio where you can enjoy brunch, dinner or drinks, and hiking nearby offers and up-close Sonoran desert experience.
The guest rooms at ADERO are spacious, with lofty 11-foot-high ceilings and large private balconies or patios. Choose a mountain view, cliffside or sky view room to get the most out of the surrounding desert scenery. For an elevated dining experience, CIELO (which means sky) at ADERO showcases the wide-open wonder of the Sonoran desert with a refined menu that won’t disappoint.
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Why Stay at ADERO Scottsdale?
Which do we love more? The view or the spa with so many indulgent treatments? You make the call.
Summer Offer
$100 daily resort credit when you book now.
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DESERT SCENIC VISTAS | The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Located in an upscale shopping district, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is walking distance from the finest restaurants in Scottsdale—from Mastro’s Ocean Club and Dominicks to Zinc Bistro and The Mission. However, don’t miss the culinary offerings inside the resort, like Nellie Cashman’s Monday Club Café and the Scotch Library, which boasts one of the largest selections of Scotch on the planet. Say hello to Guy, the Scotch Master who will run you through tastings at every level, teaching you how to best enjoy this spirit.
While all of the rooms at The Westin Kierland are beautifully designed and spacious, the presidential suite is the premier room, offering sweeping views of the golf course from the private balcony. Each room has a uniquely designed bed with a plush, pillow-top construction for premium comfort and support. Agave, the Arizona Spa & Salon offers rejuvenating facials, massages, manicures and pedicures for an added level of relaxation and comfort.
Why Stay at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa?
At sundown, a bag-pipe player calls in the golfers from the green, ushering in evening and a swanky vibe on the outdoor patio, where everyone is celebrating the beautiful end to the day.
Summer Offer
Visit Marriott.com/PHXWS to book your staycation today with special summer time rates.
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ZEN NEAR THE PRAYING MONK | Sanctuary Camelback Mountain
A modern, zen inspiration led the design of Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, featuring an Eastern-inspired spa and Asian influences in the dining at Elements. Chef Beau MacMillan is credited for leading an amazing culinary team that brought James Beard Award-nominated Samantha Sanz to his kitchen and Christiaan Rollich to the bar, where spends most of his time in the kitchen making fresh mixers, muddles and purees for his magnificent craft cocktails. When you are there, buy his book and ask for his autograph. He’s even more famous for his cocktails than he is for his role as body double for Brad Pitt. But seriously, Elements is one of our publisher’s most loved places to dine, and a reservation at this local hot spot is well worth it.
With rooms with some of the best views of Camelback Mountain one can get, the accommodations at this resort are second to none. The guest rooms are chicly decorated with contemporary furnishings, natural finishes and tile flooring throughout. With an outdoor infinity edge pool, tennis courts, pickleball courts and an exceptional spa, there is an amenity for everyone at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain.
Why Stay at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain?
Book dinner just before sunset in Elements and watch the sun set on Paradise Valley from above with lights dotting the mountainside and Saguaro cacti shadowing the ground.
Summer Offer
Take advantage of the ‘Hot Dates, Cool Rates’ special which extends 15% off the best Sanctuary rates now through September 1st.