Happy Summer!
Are you looking for your next retreat?
Watch me on KTLA live or on livestream
on the 11am news this Friday, June 28
and text to win a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona!
This summer I visited Scottsdale, Arizona to learn how to make the most of the heat and take advantage of the amazing deals. Check out itsthathot.com to explore the great deals at resorts and the summer activities.
Where did I stay in Scottsdale?
I loved my adventures in Arizona and my stunning room with a balcony with a view of Sunset Beach at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Sunset Beach has over 800 tons of fluffy, white sand and is the sixth and largest of the resort’s pools at 7,000 sq. ft., with zero-depth entry and a splash pad!
Video: A Super Hero Summer at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
What to see and do in Scottsdale?
My first afternoon we stayed cool by going to see the immersive art exhibits at Wonderspaces Arizona.
Video: Let’s Wander at WonderSpaces Arizona, “Point of View”
Point of View at Wonderspaces Arizona features thirteen extraordinary installations from artists around the world. This is an interactive art show that welcomes all ages. Through their art, these artists play with the definition of perspective, flip its rules, and present abstract and literal forms. It takes approximately eighty-minutes to experience the 16,000 square feet. Be ready for immersive virtual reality and literally jumping into some of the exhibits. Point of View is the first in a series of shows at Wonderspaces Arizona.
Where to eat in Scottsdale?
This visit, I dined at La Hacienda. Your toughest choice will be which tequila to choose tonight! With 240 to choose from, come thirsty!
At the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess chose from:
Bourbon Steak – Acclaimed Chef Michael Mina presents an upscale, contemporary American steak house like no other inviting guests to indulge in a tantalizing menu featuring the finest cuts of beef and poultry slow- poached in butter, grilled and finished over seasoned wood-fueled flames
La Hacienda – Fine Mexican dining with a fresh, contemporary twist by renowned Chef Richard Sandoval, known as the “Father of modern Mexican cuisine”
Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar – By Richard Sandoval located at the TPC Scottsdale clubhouse overlooking the 18th green features Pan Latin fare available for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Ironwood American Kitchen – Overlooking the Princess Pool, this informal cafe serves all-day fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a warm and inviting atmosphere
The Plaza Bar – With a unique indoor/outdoor setting, this lounge infuses Scottsdale nightlife with cutting- edge design, signature cocktails and a dash of glamour
I loved my dinner at Starlight BBQ and my healthy lunches at Flower Child, Kale and Clover and Farm and Craft.
Video: Join me for dinner at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
See below for more about my hike at Tom’s Thumb, kayaking on Salt River and my divine singing bowls treatment at Mind & Body.
Are you wondering how to beat the heat this summer?
Here are my tips:
1. Wake up early, watch the sunrise and get going
Video: Sunrise at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
2. Hike EARLY
Video: Jen and Lisa hiking at Tom’s Thumb
Tom’s Thumb in McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a challenging but rewarding hike, with switchbacks that earn you your cardio for the morning, and amazing views of the Sonoran Desert at the top! It’s 2 miles UP, and 2 miles back down.
Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve includes the beautiful McDowell Mountains, more than 30,500 contiguous acres and more than 200 miles of trails. The Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset and there is no charge for parking or access. It is the largest urban park or preserve in the United States.
3. Kayak EARLY
Jen and I kayaked on the Lower Salt River with Ben, a guide from AOA.
It was beautiful and relaxing. I loved being on the water.
Video: Kayaking the Lower Salt River
This is the tour description: “Float down the Lower Salt River on our guided rafting trips and discover a scenic and relaxing desert oasis just outside Phoenix. Swim and water fight or just relax on the river and soak in the scenery ‐ our most family friendly activity has options to please everyone. This tour is NOT white water rafting but rather a casual float trip that provides an unique perspective on the Sonoran Desert. A little paddling is required, but your guide will steer the boat and provide fascinating information about the surrounding Sonoran Desert. A reliable source of water, the Salt River attracts a variety of wildlife, making it common for us to enjoy close encounters with animals in their natural habitat.”
In the afternoon, sit by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment at Well & Being or visit Wonderspaces Arizona!
Video: Well & Being Spa at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Treat yourself to a Spa treatment at Well & Being Spa at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess! Make sure to enjoy the adults only rooftop pool before your spa session. The bean bag floating chairs in the pool are the best. I loved my singing bowls treatment with Danielle. The sounds impact your cells and can help you heal from many issues. I highly recommend it.
SINGING BOWL THERAPY – 60 MIN
This ancient sound healing and massage practice harnesses the body’s own vibrational and material properties on a cellular level. The subtler effects can include regulating energy flow in the astral body. The bowls can be used to activate the chakras and remove energy blocks to promote good health. The mind is centered and focused on the sound.
“The Well & Being Spa has captured the essence and elegance of its surroundings, the 44,000 square-foot Well & Being Spa is a luxurious retreat. From its distinctive design with river-rocked tile, Sedona sandstone interiors and waterfalls inspired by the Grand Canyon’s Havasupai Falls to the serenity of 27 soothing treatment rooms, Well & Being Spa offers an unparalleled experience inspiring greater vitality, plus an inhalation room, dry/wet saunas, Swiss shower, whirlpool, cold plunge, atrium cafe, boutique, therapeutic waterfall grotto and scenic rooftop pool.”