PARADISE AND ENCHANTMENT

UNDER THE SCOTTSDALE SUN……

THE PHOENICIAN CANYON SUITES
STORY AND (most) PHOTOS BY: ROBIN ROTH

The award winning Phoenician Resort is truly one of my all time favorite resorts anywhere in the world. From the moment I arrived, I felt overwhelmingly relaxed, serene and peaceful with a sense of well being. The resort seems to boast a spiritual, blissful, heavenly ambiance. I was wowed by its chic breathtaking décor of modern elegance, astounding gardens and gorgeous grounds of over 250 acres. The hotel’s lush and beautiful tropical desert landscape is cradled in the spectacular backdrop of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona.

I give the Phoenician major kudos for its impeccable service and their friendly eager to please, top notch staff. I never once had to ask for assistance, it was simply ‘a given’, to take care of my every need. This is without a doubt, an amazing, A+, resort destination.

Upon entering the Phoenician, I found myself in a relaxed, elegant, graceful and plush lobby. With an ambiance of warm earth tones, calming sounds from the three tiered waterfall, comfortable seating arrangements and Imported Carrera Italian Marble, the Phoenician Resort is not only stunning, but rich and inviting. The entire resort and all its rooms are marvelous. Accommodations range from 643 spacious, luxurious guestrooms and suites to residential-style casitas with private entrances. Guestrooms and suites are available at three locations. However, as grand as they all are, please allow me to take you into a world of extreme luxury all its own, The Canyon Suites.
The Canyon Suites

You know ‘you have arrived’ when you check into The Canyon Suites. This is a “resort-within-a-resort,” located on the grounds of the gorgeous Phoenician Resort at the base of Camelback Mountain. It is Arizona’s only AAA, Five Diamond, boutique hotel. There are 60 opulent rooms; of which 40 are suites.

The Canyon Suites offer all the services and amenities of The Phoenician’s main building. However, here, I received the added privacy and numerous signature features that created a more intimate, personalized experience.
The moment I drove up to the Canyon Suites entrance, the Canyon Ambassadors immediately greeted me by name. These well trained professionals, without a doubt, assisted me with my every need and request throughout my entire stay.

My suite was gorgeous with a warm, alluring, comfortable, modern feel. I quickly discovered that I had every amenity at my disposal. The living room was luxurious and plush, yet cozy and charming. The bedroom was lovely and beautifully decorated. The views seen from the rooms at the Canyon Suites are either of the championship golf course or the private pool. Both of the views are breathtaking and peaceful to gaze upon while lying on the comfortable patio lounges, sipping a glass of house wine.
 

I thoroughly enjoyed sleeping on the hotels fabulous beds with its luxurious bedding of fresh white cozy duvets, Sealy Posturepedic firm pillow top mattresses, and comfy down pillows. I slept like a princess.

The bathroom is grand and appointed with exquisite Italian marble. Don’t even think of packing a robe, as you will be provided with ultra posh robes and slippers. The Phoenician’s signature, full-size toiletries are simply wonderful and OK, Yes, I did take a few extra off the housekeeping cart when no one was looking to take home.
Each of the rooms are supplied with customized bathroom amenities, 2 or more phones (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, computer  access, 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 and Butler service in the Presidential suites only. 

Canyon Suites guests receive coffee service each morning in the lobby with fresh fruit,  two-hour turn-around pressing services guaranteed, complimentary valet parking, complimentary health club access, daily newspaper delivery, and twice-daily maid service .

I had the most divine afternoon stilting by the Canyon Suites exclusive, dazzling, private edgeless pool. I, also, enjoyed the wonderful spacious cabanas for rent. The cabanas feature shower and restroom facilities, a ceiling fan, telephone, computer hook-up with wireless access, a daily newspaper, robes upon request, lip balm, bottled water, lounge chairs, sitting chairs and loveseat (inside cabana), and a welcome fruit plate. I must say FABULOUS!  Do indulge, life is so short and this memory will last forever. This is where I felt like a star. In addition, I was served the most delicious snacks and treats from my cabana server Jarred!
 

Each morning, I was served complimentary coffee on Sterling silver. Each afternoon, I enjoyed complimentary wine tastings, cheese and fruit facilitated by a resort sommelier. Here is where I felt like a princess. I could get used to this!

I was Chauffeur-driven in a Mercedes throughout the resort and to the nearby Scottsdale, AZ shopping district. This transportation is complimentary, which is totally fab!

I, also, enjoyed a Therapeutic Turndown where bathwater was drawn with a variety of soothing salts.  Where can one get this classy service other than the Canyon Suites?!?
The Centre for Well-Being, a Forbes Four Star spa and Salon Mila

The world-class centre offers more than 70 signature services including massages; bodywork and skincare treatments to help promote balance and renewal.
What I found most unique was the signature Meditation Atrium, which offers a daily meditation class on a complimentary basis. I was lucky enough to catch this most relaxing spiritual experience.

This spa is recognized as one of the leading resort spas in the country. It is inspired from the ancient legend of the mythical phoenix, which rose from the ashes of its past to be reborn. I was totally pampered deluxe style at the Centre. I enjoyed the most fantastic luxury called, the Milk and Honey Sugar Glow Treatment, combined with a massage from my masseuse, Dawn Madden with her blissful healing hands.  I, also, experienced an extravagant spa treatment called, the Rejuvenation Hydrating Infusion. All of the revitalizing mind and body treatments in the spa are performed by professional, curative, and caring hands. I left the spa feeling rejuvenated and energized.

THE PHOENICIAN RESORT AT A GLANCE:
The Phoenician Golf Club
Offers a 27-hole magnificent championship course (three 9-hole courses)
The Oasis Course #9 – features Arizona’s only “sand island” green both designed by Homer Flint and Ted Robinson, Sr. GOLF. The Phoenician is home to an award-winning USGA Championship golf club. Clinics are offered daily and golf professionals are available for private instruction.

Oasis Pool Complex
Guests can enjoy swimming, tanning, and blissful relaxation in any of the nine sparkling, secluded, superlative pools on the premises. The centerpiece pool is the Mother of Pearl Pool, made out of Mother of Pearl tile. This is such a beautiful surrounding to experience pleasure and fun in the sun.

There are also superior cabanas for rent, which I highly recommend. I loved the delicious poolside food from the Oasis Bar and Grill and really loved the yummy “over 21” drinks!!!!

Additional features include: the 165-foot water slide, Sunset and Desert spas, Necklace Lake Lagoon, waterfalls, and fountains. I might add that I came home with the most awesome tan bathing under the Phoenix sun.

The 11-court Tennis Garden:
This 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.

For business purposes: The Phoenician has 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 impressive 22,000 square-foot Phoenician Grand Ballroom.

Top Restaurants at the resort:
(Keep in mind you don’t have to stay at the resort to dine there)

 Il Terrazzo – American/Italian; featuring artisan breads prepared daily in-house.   Here you will experience great al fresco dining

.Relish Burger Bistro –The Relish is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. The bistro features the Gourmet Kobe Burger as well as burgers offered in a healthy “Knife and Fork” style. There is a newly expanded dinner menu featuring classic comfort foods such as Kobe Meatloaf and Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Sweet Potato Waffles.
A few suggestions not to be missed:
For appetizers: Go with the delectable BBQ Chicken Nachos, or the awesome crab cake sliders, MMMMMM good!

For your main course: I suggest the flat iron steak which is out of this world. The ribs are wonderful too! All the burgers are memorable, but I suggest the Big Bertha. You can also, build your own fabulous, unique burger.

You must have dessert! They are truly ecstasy on a plate…Definitely order the S’Mores: Make-it-yourself, tableside Marshmallows, Hershey Chocolate Bars & Graham Crackers. Remember the way the scouts did it, same way here, YUMMY!
The Warm Brownie, Chocolate Cookie Skillet, shakes, floats, & sodas are totally Decadent.

I want to thank the handsome manager, Brian Cresson, for all his help. Ask him to make one of his crazy good, drink concoctions. Furthermore, Tracy Anthony, my server added so much fun to this already pleasurable food experience.

Another outstanding restaurant for the most tough to please foodie                             is J&G Steakhouse –
From James Beard Award-Winning Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, this restaurant serves classic meats and fresh fish from around the world. The décor is beautiful and warm, yet chic and very inviting. The Terrace provides unparalleled views of the surrounding Valley. This restaurant is magnificent and will no doubt please the most sophisticated diner to the simple desiring foodies. Bravo to my expert server Christian Lacayo who guided me throughout my J&G Steakhouse dining journey.

Some suggestions not to be missed are:
For appetizers: I recommend the Steamed shrimp salad. I am still dreaming of this dish! I also suggest the Peekytoe crab cake. The Crispy Calamari is unique, tasty, and delicate. I loved all of these starters.

 For your main course: I suggest the Sautéed Dover Sole; simply heavenly. Another great selection is the prime Porterhouse to share. Pair this with the mashed Yukon gold potatoes and the grilled asparagus. Don’t forget to enjoy one of the many carefully selected wines by the glass or bottle.
 
Dessert: For dessert paradise, go with the warm chocolate cake or their original carrot cake.

One of my favorite experiences anywhere Afternoon Tea.

One of the best traditional afternoon high tea services in America, without a doubt, is at the Phoenician Resort– Offered 7 days a week with a premier selection of fine teas. This is a joyful event for all. It is such a perfectly royal and elegant way to spend an afternoon.

High Tea is relaxing and served at a leisurely pace. You will pass the hours in luxuriously upholstered chairs and sofas in front of petit tables set with special linens, fine Wedgwood china and Reed & Barton silver.

The three traditional tea service courses are:
Delicate and delicious finger sandwiches: So scrumptious
Yummy Scones with imported Devonshire cream and fruit preserves
Lastly, a variety of tempting mouth-watering pastries

The charming and captivating Wanda and Natalie served this perfect proper tea party with style. Don’t miss out on this time treasured experience. Tea time perfection in every way!
After tea, do take some time out for a special retreat to stroll through the hotels famous   Cactus Garden featuring 250 varieties of cacti. Later, check out the Phoenician Art Collection valued at $25 million.

Don’t miss out, check out the Café & Ice Cream Parlor, The Oasis, Canyon Grills, Thirsty Camel Lounge, Private dining at The Praying Monk, as well as dinner at tee box eight.

FYI: The Phoenician has the perfect location. 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 radiant and extraordinary Denise Seomin, Director of Public Relations, who assisted me in every possible way with class, elegance, and remarkable professionalism to make this article possible.
There was a vast diversity of experiences, activities, and pleasures that kept me happy and busy. Hotel guests of all ages will no doubt find endless enjoyment at the Phoenician. A final note… there are special rates and packages available during the off-peak summer season. This is a great way to take advantage of all the Phoenician has to offer.

Checking out of this fine hotel, I felt enthusiastic, joyful, rested, and ready to get back to the real world. I cannot rave enough about this spectacular resort. I experienced true hotel perfection from start to finish. Whether you are on business, pleasure, family vacation, or honeymoon, you will find the travel experience of your dreams at the Phoenician Resort. I most definitely did, and I never wanted to leave! 
Warning: Be prepared to be pampered to the highest degree and get ready for the time of your life at the Phoenician Resort!

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