Your journey toward renewal begins with Scottsdale's lush Sonoran Desert setting. Here, light takes on an ethereal quality, bathing the sky, desert and mountains in rich, vibrant hues. Adventurous souls find their center along miles of pristine hiking trails, atop boulder-strewn mountains and in the gondolas of colorful hot-air balloons. Guided Jeep tours provide a glimpse into the desert's delicate ecosystem. And for those in search of their inner cowboy, horseback excursions follow rugged trails blazed by the area's first settlers.
Sonoran Relaxation
The Sonoran Desert's natural bounty inspires many a relaxing experience at Scottsdale's celebrated spas. Luscious treatments incorporating indigenous ingredients like golden desert honey, fragrant sage and lavender, and rich adobe clay will soothe, smooth and pamper you to perfection. Rejuvenating treatments based on traditional Native American healing techniques combine generations of ancient wisdom with modern-day indulgences. And when you're ready for something a little more energizing, many Scottsdale spas offer a full menu of fitness, yoga and Pilates classes to help keep your body in peak condition.
Championship Greens
Golfers will find Nirvana on Scottsdale's nearly 200 pristine golf courses, which include such notable favorites as Grayhawk Golf Club, Troon North, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, and TPC Scottsdale, home of the PGA TOUR's most well attended event, the FBR Open. From the verdant, tree-lined fairways of traditional links designs to the drama and challenge of desert target-style layouts, players of all skill levels will find their perfect game in Scottsdale.
Artistic Inspirations
Scottsdale's love affair with the arts is celebrated on the city's streets as well as its stages. Every Thursday evening, browsers and buyers alike can stroll the streets of the Downtown Scottsdale Arts District during ArtWalk and enjoy exhibit openings, artist demonstrations and live entertainment. Also in downtown, this season's spotlight shines on the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, which recently debuted a plush new look following a $16.6 million renovation.
Retail Therapy
Scottsdale is paradise found for fashionistas and anyone else who finds their muse in retail therapy. With more than 2,500 boutiques, shops and malls brimming with temptation, even the heartiest shoppers will need to pace themselves. And adding to the excitement, the mother of all department stores, Barneys New York, recently opened its heavenly gates, signaling the grand conclusion of Scottsdale Fashion Square's $130 million renovation which added 25 new shops to the retail hub's list of stores.
Signature Flavors
When the sun sets, Scottsdale's vibrant dining and nightlife scene entices you with restaurants helmed by nationally acclaimed chefs and aprčs dining options that range from sophisticated lounges and wine bars to high-energy dance clubs. In downtown Scottsdale alone you can stroll, sip and savor your way through more than 75 restaurants and nightclubs nestled in five walkable neighborhoods. With cuisines ranging from classic Italian and modern fusion to cowboy chic, even the most well-traveled taste buds will find new flavors to relish.
An Eventful Calendar
Scottsdale's year-round calendar of special events is chock full of annual favorites, such as the FBR Open, Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, CRAVE Arizona, Scottsdale Fashion Week and Native Trails. With these and scores of additional art festivals and exhibits, professional sporting events, and a robust performing arts schedule, it's easy to find a sweet diversion to match any taste.
Celebrated Resorts
For those seeking unadulterated rest and relaxation, Scottsdale's celebrated resorts and spas surround you with breathtaking desert views and all the creature comforts you crave. From full-service resorts to cozy boutique accommodations, you'll find more than 70 outstanding properties from which to choose. And no matter which property you select, you'll receive the first-class service and warm Southwestern hospitality for which Scottsdale is so well known.
