HOTEL OVERVIEW

This Grand Dame of Scottsdale is a true oasis sprawled amidst 250 acres at the southeast base of Camelback Mountain. From the spectacular grounds as you enter the property and luxe accommodations to the first class service found at the valet, check-in, restaurants and pool, you will feel like a very special guest here.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or a fun filled vacation with the family, the Phoenician puts their guests first. There are 587 guest rooms and for those seeking an exclusive vacation, a stay in one of the 60 Canyon Suites is highly recommended. The suites opened last year and offer privacy for a more personalized experience. Canyon Ambassadors greet each visitor upon arrival and host wine tastings. Be sure to request a cabana at the private infinity pool. There is even a chauffeur-driven Mercedes on hand to take you around town.

The "standard" guest rooms and Italian marble bathroom are large and well-appointed Be sure to request a room that overlooks the main pool. The hotel offers twice daily maid service. The balcony was the perfect escape for a nightcap under the Sonoran sky with lounge, table and two chairs. Casitas are located just a short walk from the Main Building and are popular with families.

Dining here is equally as spectacular as the resort itself where guests may choose among eight options. Mary Elaine's, the resorts five-diamond restaurant, closed earlier this year but the highly anticipated addition of J&G Steakhouse will debut in October. Windows on the Green, which overlooks the championship golf course, offers southwestern-style cuisine prepared by Chef de Cuisine Roberto Sanchez, including guacamole prepared tableside. The Terrace specializes in American dishes, including steak and seafood entrees. Save room for a sundae at The Café and Ice Cream Parlor where you can even get a casual lunch.

Scottsdale is, of course, known for its fabulous golf resorts and The Phoenician is a true standout with 27 holes of championship golf, grouped into three distinctive nines - the Oasis nine, the Desert nine and the Canyon nine. Have a light lunch at The 19th Hole, which is the perfect venue after a round of golf. There are also 12 lighted tennis courts where guests can choose from one of four surfaces - Rebound Ace surface from Australia, a Wimbledon championship grass court, a Prestige PlexiCushion surface and a Plexipave hard surface.

We split the day at the Mother of Pearl oval pool and the family pool with 165-foot waterslide, lagoons, fountains and waterfalls. There are nine pools here, including a private one at the Canyon Suites. After a day in the sun, we ventured over to The Thirsty Camel Lounge for a prickly pear margarita.

A visit to this spectacular resort would not be complete without a trip to the Centre for Well Being. The 22,000 square foot spa offers a variety of comprehensive treatments, including herbal body wraps and energy therapies. There are 24 private treatment rooms here and they even offer a weight training and cardiovascular studio. The hot stone massage was heavenly and the perfect way to end a lazy day.

Don't miss the two acre cactus garden at the base of Camelback Mountain. There are more than 350 varieties of catci with origins from around the world, including Brazil, Argentina, West Indies, Africa, Canary Islands, Mexico and the Galapagos Islands.

The property recently introduced a self-guided tour of its $25 million art collection. The museum-quality program, which is complimentary for resort guests, offers a unique look at old world and contemporary works from European and Native American artists. The audio device allows guests to stroll through the collection at their leisure and with the simple push of a button.

If you don't feel like ever leaving, now there is a reason not to. The Residence Club Villas are fractional ownership properties located near the main entrance and offer all of the comforts and privacy of home, including two to three bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, fireplaces and even an outdoor plunge pool.