America is beautiful. From sea to shining sea, this great country of ours offers all types of terrains, landscapes, mountains, forests, deserts…
Speaking of deserts, I recently had the pleasure of visiting Scottsdale, Arizona TWICE and it did not disappoint.
First was a work trip, where I visited the stunning and expansive Grand Hyatt Scottsdale. This hotel guest rooms are newly renovated and incredible. The design screams “desert lifestyle” in such a chic and warming way. There are stunning views of the McDowell Mountains from the resort and the design and vibes really embrace their location in the Sonoran Desert.
I only spent two nights here and didn’t get too much time to explore the city, but that was fine with me. The landscaping across the property coupled with all of the large, fresh pools was enough for me! I loved seeing all of the cacti and greenery that is so unique to this part of the country and so foreign to me in Chicago!
A few weeks later, I was back in Scottsdale. This time for a girls trip, and staying at the Andaz Scottsdale. We booked a suite, which was also decorated extremely cool. The vibes here are a bit edgier, and really interlaced local artisans and methods of artistic design throughout the rooms and property. As an example, a weaving technique was featured in the wall artwork throughout our room.
Another highlight? Again with the cacti. I could not get enough of this prickly little friends and seeing the various different kinds throughout the grounds. I find them so fun and exceptionally beautiful.
As far as our time together on this trip, our main objective was to relax (and drink) by the pool. We were without husbands or kids, and truly immersed ourselves in having fun together. We talked about going on a hike, or exercising in the morning. But aside from taking one yoga class on the main lawn, we reminded ourselves that it is too hot in Arizona for physical activity.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was being introduced to Gin Rummy. My friends taught me how to play. This card game is a favorite of their Italian grandmothers. The goal is to get to 500 points first, so many rounds must be played. Apparently notebooks are in order as a means of keeping track of scores over time. Coupled with also being introduced to Chapelle Roan this trip, we decided to form our own Pink Pony (Gin Rummy) Club and meet monthly like good Italian ladies do. Pink playing cards are on their way for our first official game – we even made a mascot. 🙂
We also ate and drank very well in the evenings, and found some true gems of the Scottsdale culinary scene:
Undertow, and the other bars within the building, are the epitome of the word “experience”. Managed by Barter & Shake, of which famous mixologist Jason Asher is a founding partner, you truly feel like you are aboard a pirate ship. Or, more specifically, in one of the lower decks. The round windows have moving images of the sea on the exterior – don’t look too long or you’ll get seasick! Various ship noises – thunderstorms, bells, birds – ring throughout the stay. The lighting, the furniture, the ambiance – even the menus are pirate maps and the cocktails all Caribbean themed.
FnB had some of the most delicious small plates inspired by the Middle East. We pigged out so much on the delicious food that we were too full for more.
And Weft & Warp, the Andaz’s on-property restaurant, boasted homemade pasta which blew our minds! Needless to say, I came back from Arizona about 5 lbs heavier. Well worth it, though!
Arizona makes for such a great destination for many reasons. I feel very fortunate to have explored some of the great things about Scottsdale, and look forward to more desert-based adventures in the future!
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