Day 1 + 2

Where to Stay: Hotel Valley Ho

Phoenix, Arizona is full of beautiful places to stay but in the heart of the city is the fun, swanky Hotel Valley Ho.  This hotel originally opened in 1956 and reminds me of the movie Casino.  This hip mid-century modern style hotel has all the cool vibes.  The pool is lovely and surrounded by tall luscious palms, and the outdoor eating area is bathed in sunshine.  Try to make it to the restaurant – Zuzu for a night while you are there! Fresh cocktails and an incredible menu!

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Day 1 – Arrive and Explore Downtown Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix is full of vibrant life with great cafes (Public Market Cafe), and beautiful wall murals.  Perfect for a lazy afternoon stroll after your flight in.  For dinner make sure you stop in CRUjiente Tacos for street style tacos that really hit the spot!  For more restaurant ideas check out my Food Lovers Guide to Phoenix post!

Day 2 – Mesa Fresh Foodie Trail + Sunset at Desert Botanical Garden

Just outside of Phoenix is the Fresh Foodie Trail full of all the good eats you can imagine.  Start by stopping in at Agritopia a community urban farm.  You can get fresh vegetables picked that morning!  First, stop by Garage-East for a wine tasting and discover their delicious breakfast wine! Make your way over to the coffee shop and try their award winning cupcakes.  Make sure you take some to go!  For lunch make Queen Creek Olive Mill for the perfect lunch.  Sit among the olive trees and soak in the warm sunshine while you also trying olive oil and balsamic combinations.  My favorite is Jalapeno olive oil with a pineapple white balsamic, don’t knock it until you try it – it’s addicting.  On your way home make sure you stop by the Desert Botanical Gardens for a knockout colorful sunset.  Seeing all the different species of cactus glow against the bright orange sky is breathtaking.

What’s in my bag: Phoenix Edition:

Day 3 + 4

Where to Stay: Mountain Shadows Resort

Mountain Shadows is the definition of chic dessert luxury.  Originally built in the 1960’s, this modern hotel has been completely renovated and sits beneath the iconic Camelback Mountain.  Only 10 minutes from Scottsdale it gives you a chance to see the greater area of Phoenix.  Make sure you see their champagne sabering every evening on the patio before heading in for a decadent dinner at Hearth 61.

Day 3 – A Day of Rest

Fewer places are as renown as Scottsdale for their luxurious spas, so while visiting Phoenix you have to take one day to indulge.  We spent an afternoon at Avania Spa, where I chose an hour massage – heaven.  And for the first time, I sat in a  salt room for 30 minutes.  Salt rooms are known to have a lot of health benefits and it was so relaxing to just relax.

After being pampered at Avania Spa we headed straight do dinner in the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale for the Wine Me Dine Me Experience.   Here we were able to sit right at the bar right in front of the kitchen, where Chef Juan interacted with us and described each course and wine pairing we were trying.  His lamb is out of this world.  It was the perfect day!

Day 4 – Get Outdoors

Wake up bright and early and start your day with a hot air balloon ride!  Nothing comes close to floating over the desert landscape and seeing all the colors come to life as the sun comes up!  After you’ve landed and had your champagne breakfast, head over to Mesa to enjoy a hike to see the desert life more close up.  We did the Mesa wind cave trail and it was the perfect workout!  Finish up your outdoor adventures with a trip to Fort Mcdowell Adventures and ride segways or go horseback riding!

For more things to do check out my Top Ten Things to do in Phoenix Arizona Post!