Opposite page: The boutique hideaway Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain has 98 mountain
and spa casitas offering spectacular views of Paradise Valley. Left: The freestanding Sedona
Suites at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North include a private plunge pool,
outdoor fireplace and a telescope with a detailed chart for star-gazing. Above: Relax in the
Four Seasons' casitas, nestled in the cooling foothills of the Sonoran Desert. Below, right:
Treat yourself to a Cuppa' Red Hot Chocolate — cinnamon-spiked chocolate pot de creme
with chipotle creme brulee and ancho-chile honey — at Cowboy Ciao.
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT fans may enjoy touring the late architect's winter
home, Taliesin West, or visiting the legendary circa-1929 Arizona Biltmore Resort
& Spa (whose design Wright consulted on), which has hosted every president since
Herbert Hoover. The Biltmore's Catalina pool was Marilyn Monroe's favorite, the
Wright Bar created the original Tequila Sunrise and Jewish composer Irving Berlin
wrote "White Christmas" poolside. Book a treatment, such as a Caviar facial, in the
resort's luxuriously soothing spa.
CHILL OUT in a tranquil desert casita at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon
North. Situated in the high Sonoran Desert, it's a perfect spot for stargazing after a
romantic patio dinner at Crescent Moon (try the tequila lime—marinated Chilean sea
bass). Burn off calories the next morning with a round of golf or hiking up nearby
Pinnacle Peak.
DROP BY Westin Kierland Resort & Spa for happy hour drinks "muddled" with
fruits and herbs in the pretty, Latin-inspired lounge, Deseo. And listen at sunset as
the resort's bagpiper, affectionately known as "the Scot on the Rock," beckons golfers
in from the course, including some eschewing golf carts in favor of Segway personal
transportation devices.
SIP luscious, fruit-infused drinks at Jade Bar at the ultra-chic Sanctuary on
Camelback Mountain, where Hollywood celebrities like Jennifer Aniston come to
roost. Dine afterward at Elements, overlooking the dreamy infinity pool. Chef Beau
MacMillan, who specializes in light, Asian-accented fare, bested Bobby Flay on the
Food Channel's Iron Chef America.
WAX NOSTALGIC over an umbrella drink at Trader Vic's, brought back to life as
part of an ambitious renovation of the '50s-modern Hotel Valley Ho, where Natalie
Wood and Robert Wagner tied the knot. Look for sports figures while noshing on
macaroni and cheese or other comfort foods at Cafe ZuZu, and notice the stylistic
details of this historic, blast-from-the-past downtown hotel whose exterior resembles
a roadside motel.
STROLL the few blocks to Old Town Scottsdale. You'll pass light poles adorned
with giant cowboy boots or badges, Western-themed sculpture and the occasional
singing cowboy on horseback.
EXPLORE some of Scottsdale's 100-plus galleries on the popular, self-guided
ArtWalk Thursday nights on Marshall Way and Main Street. Or check out the
Sylvia Plotkin Judaica Museum at Temple Beth Israel, where the collection reflects
Sephardic traditions from the Middle East. Outside, a biblical themed garden
showcases plants ranging from almond, henna and oleander to burning bush and
crown of thorns.
CHECK OUT the stark decor of the new Mondrian Hotel and the buzz-worthy
eateries at the Waterfront and its companion development, SouthBridge. Scottsdale's
trendy restaurants du jour include Canal, with a fashion runway winding through
it; Sea Saw by James Beard Award—winning chef Nobuo Fukuda; Cowboy Ciao;
Kazimierz World Wine Bar; Pink Taco; and, for gourmet baked goodies, Olive &
Ivy's Marketplace. Another favorite: the Boulders, where chef Wendy Little serves
organic-only fare in two of the resort's restaurants, using herbs and vegetables from
her onsite garden.
BEFORE BOARDING the
plane home, treat yourself to
the beautiful open-air pool
and atrium at Willow Stream
Spa at Fairmont Scottsdale
Princess or the blissful indoor-
outdoor treatment rooms at
Spa Avania at Hyatt Regency
Scottsdale.
HAPPY TRAILS For travel
info and details, log on to
scottsdalecvb.com or call (800)
782-1117.
JN platinum •
JANUARY 2008 •
B 2