As winter inches ever closer, folks in many parts of the country are ready to take a break from shoveling driveways and escape the harsh reality that cold weather brings with it. This makes Arizona one of the nation’s preferred getaway destinations, as the year-round warm weather is enticing to those who need some R&R.
From staying at the best resorts in Scottsdale to soaking in the state’s rich culture, keep reading as we walk you through how to make the most of a relaxing Arizona vacation.
Book a Luxury Vacation Rental
Any relaxing vacation begins and ends with the accommodations you choose. It will be impossible to get any rest if you are crammed into a small hotel room, sleeping four to a bed, and having to schedule shower usage.
As a result, more and more travelers are turning to luxury vacation rentals over traditional hotels for their Arizona vacations. The best vacation rentals will feature spacious dimensions and a wide selection of bedrooms/bathrooms. Estates are typically spread over a main house and one or more guest casitas. This makes them the perfect option for large groups, multi-generational travel, or any other scenario where people on different sleeping schedules need their slice of privacy to get some relaxation.
In addition to the ample square footage, the best Arizona vacation rentals feature unmatched luxury amenities so that guests can enjoy leisure time and entertainment without leaving their property. The resort-style backyards, in particular, take center stage, as the vast swimming pools, water slides, and swim-up bars help guests enjoy some tranquil relaxation in the desert sun.
Schedule a Spa Day
Few areas in the United States can boast as many luxury spas as the Paradise Valley region. If you are looking for traditional spa services such as massages, facials, or acupuncture, names such as Agave, Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary (known for its cactus lift and tone facial), and The Spa at Camelback Inn are go-to locations for travelers looking to partake in some relaxing self-care. For fully immersive wellness retreats, guests recommend Civana Wellness Resort/Spa and Enchantment Resort.
If you do not feel like scheduling a time to get out and about for spa treatment, fear not. Many providers can bring their service directly to you. One leading treatment in this regard is Mobile IV Therapy in Phoenix. This innovative approach to wellness uses IV drips to introduce key fluids and minerals directly to the bloodstream. It is a favorite treatment among travelers for its utility in reducing the effects of travel fatigue, boosting energy, and fortifying the immune system to be at your very best during an Arizona vacation.
Get Out in Nature
Countless studies are showing the benefits of getting outdoors to lower stress and improve mental well-being. If you get your fill of soaking up the sun in your vacation rental’s backyard, the Scottsdale area offers a variety of ways to get outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of the desert landscape.
A hike through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a horseback ride at MacDonald’s Ranch, and hot air balloon ride over the Valley are a few favorite outdoor activities among travelers. A word to the wise: try to get out at sunrise or sunset. Not only will the temperatures be more moderate, but the sun peaking over the mountains will provide some of the most idyllic photo opportunities imaginable.
Indulge in the Cuisine
Nothing says relaxation quite like letting someone else do the cooking and cleaning for you. Fortunately, there is no shortage of mouth-watering restaurants in Scottsdale ready to cater to every gastrointestinal craving imaginable. Restaurants in the area are known for their creative approaches in providing a contemporary Southwestern flair to their classically-inspired dishes.
Although it is hard to go wrong with any eatery in the area (particularly those found in historic Old Town) some popular names among travelers include AZ/88 (modern American), Dominick’s Steakhouse (steak and seafood), and Marcellino Ristorante (Italian).
Soak in the Area’s Rich History
Scottsdale is often referred to as “the most West’s most Western town.” It boasts a unique melting pot of Old West, Hispanic, and Indigenous cultures that is still reflected in the art, architecture, and lifestyle to this very day. In Old Town Scottsdale alone, dozens of museums and art galleries put this culture on full display. There is even a wine trail that stops at many of these popular spots, giving visitors a walking glimpse of both the past and modern history of the Scottsdale region.
Plan Ahead and Realize the Ultimate Arizona Relaxation
Arizona is one of the country’s most vibrant winter destinations, with its warm weather and rich culture a major draw for millions of people each year. So don’t wait: plan on seeing the best of Arizona when visiting Scottsdale and start planning your relaxing vacation today!
