If you want wonderful spa vacations that also offers lots of other things to see and do, then you need to take a look at Phoenix and adjacent Scottsdale. From luxurious spa experiences through to spectacular scenery in the Sonoran desert, Phoenix has something to offer everyone.
One spa that is definitely worth visiting is the Cibola Vista Resort and Spa, which lies between Lake Pleasant and Phoenix and is operated by Bluegreen Vacations & Resorts. Some of the spa attractions include Swedish massage, reflexology and hot stone treatment. You can also get an organic green tea detox, a hot oil head massage, and even a peppermint foot wrap. Other spas in the area include the Aji Chandler Spa, offering a Native American spa experience, and the Alvadora Spa at the Royal Palms Resort, which brings a Mediterranean ethos to the American West.
Of course, while it is tempting to spend all your time in the spa, you will want to check out all the attractions that the Phoenix area has to offer. To start with, if you are a water sports fan, then a visit to nearby Lake Pleasant is a mandatory trip. This is located in a regional park, and offers serene kayaking on the 16 square mile lake, which is actually an artificial reservoir that was completed in 1927. You will also find a substantial marina, as well as other water sports such as scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing and even jet skiing. The lake is also stocked with many varieties of fish including several species of bass, tilapia, sunfish, crappie and catfish.
If you visit the Phoenix area, you can’t leave without seeing the majesty of the desert landscapes. One of the major natural monuments that you shouldn’t miss is Piestewa Peak – formerly known as Squaw Peak – which gives a spectacular view over Phoenix from its 2600 foot summit. It is also worth visiting the McDowell Mountains, which offer an extensive network of hiking trails, as well as rock climbing, horseback riding and birdwatching. These mountains are a popular destination with artists and photographers, providing stunning vistas of the vibrant red mountains at sunset, as well as haunting desert scenes.
No one can mention Phoenix and Scottsdale without thinking about the enormous number of high-quality golf courses. There are about 200 courses in the area, home to such events such as the Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. You can find gentle play if you are just starting out as a golfer, or some of the most challenging championship courses in America – such as the two at The Boulders, set sympathetically in the harsh desert landscape.
However, if you prefer to view the desert scenery at a distance rather than diving into strenuous activities, then you may want to take time out to experience the fantastic shopping. There are many malls in Phoenix and Scottsdale, but if you only visit one, go to the Scottsdale Fashion Square. This has over 250 high-end retailers, including well-known names such as Burberry, Bulgari, Lacoste and Louis Vuitton, as well as nearly 40 that are exclusive to the Phoenix area.
