Four Seasons Scottsdale

When an area is fun, engaging, relaxing and pleasurable, it is hard to keep yourself from wanting a return visit. For me, the Phoenix/Scottsdale area is one of those places!

An easy non-stop flight away, the area has consistently good weather. I had the pleasure of visiting at the beginning of May, when there were so many cacti, trees and other plants in bloom. The bright colors of the desert created new memories as the wonderful smell of mesquite wood at night brought back wonderful memories of past visits with my husband, friends, colleagues, & clients.

This trip was a girls work trip comprised of some of my closest friends and soon to be new friends! We stayed at the recently renovated Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North and the property looks amazing! Bright colors of the blooming desert come into the rooms and the gas fireplaces bring the feeling of the outdoor fires inside (and add a bit of romance and coziness)! The most basic rooms are very nice and spacious, with patio doors that open to a private landscaped terrace or balcony with magnificent desert views. If a splurge is called for, their suites are amazing - some of which have extensive patios offering a luxurious (and private) outdoor shower and plunge pool. I still have very fond memories of being outside with a friend (girls weekend) looking up at the stars and joking about how we might wish that our husbands were with us - or not!

I had the opportunity to eat at each of the resort's restaurants and the food was wonderful - from the traditional southwestern food to the tasty gourmet treats to the simple and well prepared oatmeal from room service. It was great being able to arrange for snacks for our day trips and to get that extra cup of coffee just off the lobby in the morning. But perhaps the highlight of my trip was sitting in the outside bar area, looking out at the lights in the distance and thinking about how great it felt to be here!

In addition to some quality pool time (who doesn't want to sit in the warm sun after so many cold Chicago months!?!), I enjoyed a relaxing steam and a wonderful massage which was fine-tuned to add a bit of lymphatic drainage. As I had arrived with a spring cold, I was thrilled that the masseuse was able to clear my ears and get me breathing more effectively. The flavored waters throughout the resort were just the right thing to keep me hydrated in the dry and soothing desert warmth.

We took a day trip to Sedona to sight-see and while experiencing the breathtaking views of the glorious red rocks, we sipped wine and snacked on interesting cheeses and vineyard-grown almonds, which were an unexpected treat. As we headed back toward Scottsdale, we went to the old mining town Jerome, which was a fun cap to the day.

Overall, the girls trip was a success! In fact, it was such a fun, easy and rejuvenating trip, I decided to head back to Arizona with my husband as a belated anniversary get away!
- Leslie Bulluck, T100G Travel Consultant