ancient petroglyphs? Or perhaps a whirl down a 235-foot slide at one of the resort’s three pools? Remember something in the middle of the night? No worries— the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain offers 24-hour guest service. Kai at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is the state’s first AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-star restaurant. Showcasing American Indian cuisine with global accents, dining at Kai isn’t just a meal and beverages—it’s an entire dining experience. Menus showcase watercolor paintings by Joshua Yazzie, while traditional Native flute music plays in the background and—if you’re lucky, which is often—an Arizona sunset paints the sky, best viewed from the patio or through Kai’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Get the most of your meal by ordering the seven-course tasting experience, which features heritage ingredients such as Ramona’s Farm tepary beans and 60-day Pima corn, as well as Arizona ingredients including Peterson honey, Crow’s Dairy goat cheese, and wines from Rune. Escape to a Casita Suite at the AAA Four Diamond El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort to experience a luxurious home-away-from-home. These one-, two-and three-bedroom accommodations feature private patios, desert and mountain views, and access to an adults-only pool. When you’re ready to venture beyond your secluded enclave, indulge in Southwest-inspired cuisine at Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, set against the dramatic beauty of the Pusch Ridge. The El Conquistador also encourages outdoor adventure. On property, play tennis, swim in the sparkling pools or play golf on three remarkable courses. Off-property, take in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert with a hike on the 2.5-mile Linda Vista Trail or numerous trails at the adjacent Catalina State Park. Or rent a bicycle—included in your nightly resort fee—and take your pick from more than 30 marked bike paths in the Oro Valley. What began as a home and artist’s studio for cowboy artist Alonzo “Lon” Megargee has evolved into The Hermosa Inn , a quaint boutique resort. Located in Paradise Valley, this Southwestern hideaway is historic, with updated hacienda-style casitas with cozy fireplaces and secluded patios. Wander the property on a self-guided art tour of Megargee’s original pieces; The Hermosa Inn’s lush grounds are a work of art themselves, featuring fuchsia bougainvillea, golden Arizona poppies and a rainbow of penstemon. Don’t miss a meal at LON’s Last Drop or LON’s Restaurant, where the food is so good, it brings locals in— overnight stay or not. The Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, Tucson The accommodations at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale are just the beginning. Choose a casita with a private patio and cozy firepit, or a two-bedroom suite with multiple private patios, plunge pool and telescope. Then, make your stay your own. Create a custom scent at the spa’s Aroma Design Bar, where a spa alchemist assists you in designing your own aromatherapy products. At the resort’s Spanish-themed steakhouse, Talavera, the signature dish is a colorful paella with carabinero prawn, clams, lobster and mussels. Reserve a cabana by the Four Seasons’ bi-level pool, complete with a private bar stocked with beverages, unlim-ited chips and salsa, and even sunglasses cleaning by request. Five restaurants, a spa, golf— there’s something for everyone at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess . This dog-and family-friendly resort is the longest-running AAA Five Diamond resort in Arizona. If you’re having a hard time finding your fit, talk to the resort’s Leisure Concierge, who assists with everything from local adventure recommendations to tee times at the TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course, host of the PGA Tour WM Phoenix Open. Swim in a different pool nearly every day of the week at the Princess—there are six on-property, including one with two 200-foot water slides, and another that’s beach-esque, with white sand beneath palm trees. If you’re more “lay back” than “dive in,” relax during an Arizona-inspired treatment at the renowned Well & Being Spa. After a vacation like this, you may never want to return to reality. 27
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2022-23: Page 27
