Majestic Splendor

    In The Arizona Desert…

      The Phoenician Resort 

Photos and story by: Robin Roth

Except for photos 1,7, 8, 27, and 30: Courtesy of The Phoenician Resort

I walked into the Phoenician Resort tired and weary, after a long day of traveling. However, I was immediately energized as I saw the most elegant, glorious, plush lobby. With its warm earth tones, comfortable seating arrangements and Imported Carrera Italian Marble, the Phoenician Resort is rich and inviting.

As I sat for a moment before checking in, I felt quite relaxed and serene just watching and listening to the three tiered waterfall situated in the middle of the lobby.

This premier resort sets the bar for luxury, opulence, service, comfort, and beauty. The Phoenician (AAA Five Diamond resort), is without a doubt, visually stunning. It spans 250 acres of lush, breathtaking gardens and dramatic desert terrain nestled in the spectacular backdrop of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona. The moment I entered its doors, I felt a sense of spiritual well being, calm, peacefulness, and tranquility. Throughout the Phoenician, with its thriving green landscaping, stunning architecture, and dazzling 25 million dollar art collection, I could sense the spirit and vitality of the Southwest coming to life. The hotel exudes modern elegance within a relaxed sophisticated ambiance.

 I enjoyed a vast remarkable diversity of experiences at the multi-award winning resort. From its first-class recreational offerings such as the Phoenician’s golf, tennis, pool, and spa facilities to its restaurant and room selections, I was kept very busy, indeed.

 Accommodations range from 643 spacious, luxurious guestrooms and suites to residential-style casitas with private entrances. (Casita suites feature hand-carved travertine fireplaces and are pet friendly). All of the rooms offer magnificent views. Guestrooms and suites are available at three locations:

The main building is centrally located near pools, restaurants and meeting rooms.

The casitas are a short walk from the main building and provide door step parking and private entrances.
The Canyon Suites are set against Camelback Mountain, which is actually a boutique resort within a resort and features its own secluded pool and cabanas.

Whatever you choose, you cannot go wrong. I found my room to be so lovely, quiet, and comfortable. All my away from home needs were met. I loved the crisp, white cozy duvets with Sealy Posturepedic Firm Pillow Top mattresses and comfy down pillows. I enjoyed a delicious slumber; I slept like a baby. The bathroom was huge and appointed with exquisite Italian marble. I totally appreciated the ultra plush robes and The Phoenician’s signature, full-size toiletries. OK, YES, I took some home… guilty! I suppose that is why my suitcase was so overweight…

All the rooms provide: Customized bathroom amenities, 100% cotton towels,

2 phones in each room (2 lines each), Sony CD players/clock radios,

High definition 42-inch flat-screen color TV with remote and stereo sound,

In-room, on-screen video movie rental, Express checkout accessed from TV screen, Lanai decks, 24-hour room service, Laundry and valet service,

Wall safe (large enough for laptop computers), Mini bar, Iron and ironing board,

Private fax machines and DVD players (Suites only), Bose stereo systems and iPod docking stations (The Canyon Suites only), and Butler service (Presidential suites only).

The Phoenician offers nine truly spectacular dining options…

You can choose from casual to elegant dining or perhaps a romantic dining experience under the stars.

1. Il Terrazzo:  is a must dining experience which features authentic American-Italian cuisine. The flavors and spices are native to the Southern European region. The wonderful menu features homemade artisan breads and fresh pastas created on the property. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and also features a lovely Sunday brunch. This stellar restaurant has a warm, charming, comfortable atmosphere to enjoy a wonderful Italian meal. Il Terrazzo is the perfect place to dine whether you are looking for a family, business, or romantic evening. There is a fantastic wine selection of over 1,800 wines to choose from. They earned the, “Best of Award” for their wines; and I say well deserved to the master Sommelier, Greg Tresner.  Please allow me to give a few suggestions…

Minestrone Vegetable, Beans, Tomato, Pasta Pearls…  Delightful

Caprese Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, Baby Basil, Heirloom Tomatoes… Perfect, light and unique

Pizza Four Cheese…Fontina, Mozzarella, Provolone, Pecorino…Out of this world

Filet Mignon 8oz… YUM

Pastas Veal Ravioli…  Parmigiano Reggiano, Sage, Barbera Wine… Delectable burst of flavor

Chefs featured Black Angus Short Ribs… Elbow Macaroni, White Cheddar, Broccoli, Black Truffle… Scrumptious, rich and hearty

Dessert:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bar… Chocolate Sauce, Banana Ice Cream…Sinful

Warm Apple Pie…Caramel Sauce, Cinnamon Ice Cream… MMMMM, better than mom made…

I would like to thank my handsome server Brian Hood, for all his fab food selections!

2. Relish Burger Bistro:

Serves signature burgers, appetizers, and desserts…I love, love, love this amazing restaurant. I would fly to Arizona alone just to enjoy this casual yet warm restaurant again. Completely, unforgettable…

Did I mention that I love this amazing Bistro??? The food is beyond fantastic. I can’t wait to return one day to enjoy everything I ordered again. You must begin with the starters.

I suggest with all my heart the BBQ Chicken Nachos with Melted Cheddar Cheese, Black Beans, Tomatoes, Sour Cream and Jalapeños… I will dream of this food event.

Some memorable burger selections are: True Bleu, Southwestern, Hawaiian, Western Cowboy, 5 Diamond, or the Big Bertha. Then you can build your own fabulous, unique burger by adding any of the following selections…American, Swiss, Boursin, Habanero, Jack, Brie Mozzarella, Bacon, Grilled Bell Peppers, Portobello Mushroom, Fried Egg, Avocado, Caramelized Onions, Onion Rings and Clubhouse Chili.

Or, you can knife and fork style it as I did. You can take any burger served bun-less with signature Garnishes and a side of Sweet Potato Fries.

SALADS are out of this world too and all mouthwatering delicious! Folks, this is the most awesome bistro ever…

Desserts

I demand that you have dessert! They are truly heaven on a plate… I beg you to order the S’Mores: Make-it-yourself, tableside Marshmallows, Hershey Chocolate Bars & Graham Crackers. Just like in the Scouts you roast the marshmallows right there, YUMMY!

The Warm Brownie, Chocolate Cookie Skillet, shakes, floats, & sodas are wonderful as well.

I want to thank my lovely server Tracy Anthony who added so much fun to this already blissful experience.

3. Afternoon Tea in the Lobby Tea Court: Do experience the Lobby Tea Court Lobby for a real authentic traditional English High Tea service. -- Ahhh, there is nothing like the brilliant English tradition of Afternoon High Tea.  What a joyful, festive, and eventful way to entertain neighbors, friends, ladies who lunch, business acquaintances, as well as baby and wedding showers. So civilized and pampering. For your tea choice, you may pick from a variety of lovely, well chosen teas selections. Your full tea service begins with the most delectable, authentic finger sandwiches.

Tea service continues at a calming leisurely pace with my favorite part of the tea party… the luscious, mouthwatering scones, both plain buttermilk and cranberry, accompanied with Devonshire cream and homemade preserves.

Then, onward to the tea court's decadent, sinfully delicious pastries and a yummy selection of petit fours that you will not soon forget. Afternoon tea is served daily on the most beautiful Wedgwood China. I must also tell you how much I enjoyed the perfect Tea Time music played by the talented Allen Comyns direct from England.

The lovely and charismatic Wanda and Natalie served this perfect proper tea party with chic sophistication, friendly style and warm flair.

I highly recommend the Phoenician Tea Courts wonderfully authentic tea service. It hit the excellence mark on every single possible level. Don’t miss out on this time treasured experience.

4. J&G Steakhouse serves cuisine created by world-renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Infusing the stunning Valley views into its appealing, soft modern ambiance, the restaurant features a customizable menu of premium meats and fish.

5. Café & Ice Cream Parlor: serves enticing treats and light meals in a family casual Atmosphere. This delightful spot offers freshly baked pastries, deli salads, sandwiches, cappuccino and ice creams. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also available “to-go” for a picnic or for the road.

6. The Oasis

7. Canyon Grills both present a variety of poolside favorites.

8. Thirsty Camel Lounge, Offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Valley, the lounge serves luxury spirits, light fare and humidor with specialty cigars. For extra fun there is live piano or saxophone music.

9. Private dining, The Praying Monk offers an intimate, Renaissance-inspired setting for small parties. Dinner at tee box eight is a private, gourmet dinner for two served under the stars at the highest point on the resort’s golf course.

The Golf Club offers: 27 holes of championship play on three, nine-hole par 70 combinations designed by Homer Flint and Ted Robinson, Sr. GOLF.

The Phoenician is home to an award-winning USGA Championship golf club.

Multiple 18-hole combinations are available across three 9-hole courses: the Oasis, Canyon, and Desert. A driving range, putting green, golf shop, and men's and women's locker rooms are provided for patrons. Clinics are offered daily and golf professionals are available for private instruction.

The 11-court Tennis Garden: is the only resort facility in the Southwest to offer four playing surfaces. The Tennis Garden features 11 competitive courts. Facilities feature a center court with spectator seating, a tennis shop, and men's and women's locker rooms. Clinics are offered daily and tennis professionals are available for private instruction. MMM sorry I missed that…

And for you swimmers, you can enjoy a swim, sun, and relax in any of the nine sparkling secluded swimming pools on the premises and cabanas. Additional features include the 165-foot water slide, Sunset and Desert spas, Necklace Lake Lagoon, waterfalls and fountains.

For Extra Sports and adventures:

The resort has recreation Croquet lawn, Basketball half-court, Water volleyball and basketball, Ping-pong, Lawn bowling, Billiards, Bicycling, Walking/jogging/hiking trails as well as Camelback Mountain trails.

There are Secluded Garden Retreats, on the grounds that are like secret, hidden oases where I was able to just think, ponder, reflect, and simply have the opportunity to enjoy a rare quiet moment.

If you want to enjoy romantic times without the kids, there is the Explorers Program, which includes the supervised Funician Kid’s Club for ages 5-12.

The Explorers Activity Center houses a theater, Nintendo Wii game system, and much more.  Each day has its own theme, with games, crafts, activities and recreation to match.

Teens – can partake in, “Leisure on the Lawn” which is activities such as volleyball and badminton to Nintendo Wii games at the Family Activity Center, teen will find a wide range of indoor and outdoor experiences.

For business purposes: The Phoenician offers more than 64,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting and cutting edge convention facilities for all groups and sizes. The centerpiece of the resort’s meeting facilities is the opulent, 22,000 square-foot Phoenician Grand Ballroom.

RETAIL OUTLETS:

You will never have to leave the resort for any reason as there are several places to shop on the premises.

Piñatas – Here you will find your essentials, as well as local Southwestern jewelry and gifts,

The Branding Iron – This shop offers signature logo apparel, including shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and jackets. It also features men’s and women’s attire.

Seasons – A boutique featuring fashions for women; from swimwear and sleep wear, to casual, business, and evening attire.

Brady’s Floral Gallery –The flower boutique shop offers blooms imported from around the world, as well as a variety of unique gifts and collectibles.

Grape & Grain –A vast collection of wines, spirits, and beers, that goes perfectly for cheese pairing.

CACTUS GARDEN

The Cactus Garden spans two acres that stretches along the base of Camelback Mountain. Inhabiting the garden are 250 varieties of cacti and succulents from around the world.

THE CENTRE FOR WELL-BEING AND SALON MILA:

I would have to say that this is A DESERT SANCTUARY FOR SPA-GOERS SEEKING BALANCE AND RENEWAL.  

This spa is recognized as one of the leading resort spas in the country. The world-class Centre for Well-Being is inspired from the ancient legend of the mythical phoenix, which rose from the ashes of its past to be reborn. Here, I received and enjoyed revitalizing mind and body treatments by a well trained staff possessing glorious, healing, and caring hands.

The Centre for Well-Being: It is a 22,000 square-foot spa complex offering complete programs and services ranging from herbal body treatments, to energy therapies and fitness classes. The facilities include a weight room, aerobic studio, men's and women's locker rooms with sauna, steam and whirlpools, 24 treatment rooms, a private office for consultations, the full-service Salon Mila, a boutique shop, a Meditation Atrium, and the Waters Bar.

The spa offers an extensive array of massage treatments and the most progressive bodywork programs available including innovative new therapies, such as the Acussage™ and Table Thai™ Massage.

The Centre’s two levels have 24 private treatment rooms, a consultation room, weight training and cardiovascular studios, a Waters Bar, and a Meditation Atrium. This peaceful sanctuary, with its soft filtered sunlight, leather chaise lounges, lush greenery and cascading fountains, offers the perfect environment for the guided meditation classes and one-on-one sessions. Do not miss out the opportunity to indulge in any one of the pampering services.

I enjoyed the totally extravagant and opulent Caviar Facial…

Talk about spoiling one self! Caviar is the Ultra-Nutrition for the skin as it is highly rich in restorative nutrients. Caviar gives life back to the cells because it contains many trace minerals, amino-acids, and native collagen. It restores firmness and elasticity, resurfaces fine lines and rehydrates the skin.

The Caviar Treatment is called Myoxy-Caviar Tri-Phase with Hot Stone Therapy.  It involves 3 layers of Caviar from Russia.

1st Layer:  100% freeze-dried Caviar massaged deep into the skin.

2nd Layer:  A Creamy Rich Caviar mask blended with micronized Vitamins E, C, and A.

3rd Layer:  Caviar Bi-Thermal hard lift off mask for deep penetration of products... TA DA…the final result is youthful radiant skin. Thank you to Luanne, my facial expert, for this gift… I look amazing if I do say so myself. I am still upset with you about not letting me eat some of the caviar!

I also enjoyed The Well-Being Stone Ritual Massage…

It honors the Native American custom of harnessing the power of warm basalt river stones and cool marble stones to melt stress away and induce a deep state of relaxation. It was a first for me and fantastic, I might add!

One of the spa’s latest offerings is a series of Intraceutical Oxygen Infusions, which simultaneously introduce moisture, vitamins and anti-oxidants into the skin via topical hyperbaric oxygen. Popular with celebrities such as Madonna and Eva Longoria-Parker, the treatments produce luminous, hydrated skin with immediate age-defying results.

Don’t forget to work out in the Centre’s fully equipped, state-of-the-art weight room and aerobic studio which Include 6 treadmills, 2 stair-stepping machines, 4 elliptical machines, two upright bikes, 2 recumbent bikes, 10 spinning bikes and the Stott Pilates Reformer. Among the fitness classes are Power Yoga, an athletic, energetic exercise method that flows from one pose to another, and the Fitness Boot Camp.

FYI: The Phoenician’s location is perfect. It is near the fabulous Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, just nine miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International, Tempe Market Place, the District, and ASU. It is also in close proximity to Scottsdale's finest boutique shopping and dining, and a short drive to downtown Phoenix, and its historic district.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the brilliant and amazing Denise Seomin director of Public Relations, who did everything humanly possible with style, grace and excellence to make this article possible.

When I left the hotel, I felt energized, happy, rested, and ready to get back to reality. I cannot rave about this resort enough. Everything I experienced was hotel perfection with friendly helpful service. I promise that you will find it easy to create the travel experience of your dreams at the Phoenician Resort.  I know that I did! I definitely rate the Phoenician an A+ and a must visit in your lifetime.

For additional information and reservations call The Phoenician:

At (480) 941-8200; toll free (800) 888-8234

Or visit http://www.thephoenician.com/.

6000 East Camelback Road

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Toll-free: (800) 888-8234 (USA & Canada)

Fax: (480) 947-4311