Sponsored: Thank you to The Phoenician: A Luxury Collection Resort for sponsoring my weekend stay!
For my 30th birthday celebration I partnered up with the Phoenician: a Luxury Collection Resort to experience their newly-refreshed property, opulent spa and various eateries. Since I had just returned from exploring Maui, a full staycation was exactly what I needed at this AAA Five Diamond property.
Day 1
Alex and I drove up from Tucson to Scottsdale for our weekend escape. The luxury resort is located only five minutes away from the popular Scottsdale Fashion Square, although you won’t want to leave once you arrive!
The lobby includes large floor to ceiling windows and modern decor. The Thirsty Camel, located in the center, overlooks the three-tiered pools and The Phoenician Spa. The bar was recently recognized as a Forbes Travel Guides 2019 ‘Best Hotel Bars in the World’!
Mowry & Cotton
Our first meal of the weekend began at Mowry & Cotton. The Modern American cuisine features the timeless cooking techniques of fire, coal and smoke.
Most menu items are family-style portions and easy to share. For cocktails, get the Smoke on a Water for a uniquely-smoked cocktail. You can read my full blog post on our culinary experience here.
The Phoenician Tavern
After a hearty meal, we went to The Phoenician Tavern for cocktails and on-site entertainment. Prior to the multi-million dollar renovation, The Phoenican Tavern used to be home to the golf club’s restaurant, Primo. As we approached the building, we could already hear the action of the Dueling Pianos performance!
As we walked inside, the performers were in the middle of playing Billy Joel’s Piano Man. Immediately we joined in with the singing! The performance not only included music from the talented pianists, but also their comedic commentary. They will play anything, from Phantom of the Opera to Sir Mix-a-Lot.
Day 2
One of the things I enjoy the most about a staycation is the ability to remain at complete ease. There’s no need to leave the property. I took advantage of the on-site amenities and restaurants the entire time. For our second day, we booked appointments at: the spa, an all-day cabana by the pool and dinner at J&G Steakhouse.
The Phoenician Spa
The Phoenician treated me to birthday pampering at their rejuvenation sanctuary, The Phoenician Spa. The three-story spa opened over a year ago during the resort’s refresh. On the 37,000-square-foot property you’re able to immerse yourself into complete relaxation and rise anew. You can read about my treatments, The Body Slimming Detox and The Pure Indulgence Facial, here.
TIP: Book your appointment early in the morning so that you have all day to enjoy the spa’s amenities, including: the rooftop pool, the fitness center and classes, steam room, sauna and vitality pools.
Poolside Cabana
The three-tiered pools impressed me! The top level is by the grand entrance, the middle level is an adult-only pool and the lower level features hand-tiled Mother-of-Pearl. Families will love the adventurous treehouse, waterslide and splash pad. The Phoenician does a phenomenal job making sure the resort is an experience the entire family can enjoy.
One of my recommendations is to rent a cabana– you will have access to it all day! If you’re coming with a larger group or family, this would be ideal as well. Cabanas can be rented on the lower and middle levels. of the tiers.
What’s Included in the cabana:
- Sofa
- Flat-screen satellite TV
- Refrigerator
- Complimentary water
- Chilled towels
- Daily newspaper selection
- Overhead fan
- Personal storage safe
- Choice of signature Phoenician amenity
- Assorted fruit (get this, it’s so pretty and refreshing!)
- Chips and guacamole
- Champagne
- Four lounge chairs with umbrellas
- Dining table
- Outlet to charge phone or plug in devices
Kalio Kabobery
Alex and I enjoyed sunbathing in the loungers, then enjoying our lunch under the shade of our cabana. Kalio Kabobery offers fresh, Mediterranean fare like shrimp kabobs, grilled fish tacos and salads.
Consider ordering a blended cocktail from the bar. I loved the Lava Flow for a refreshing drink while sunbathing. Read more about the food experience here.
J&G Steakhouse
If you follow me on Instagram you know how much Alex and I love to eat! Shortly after enjoying our light lunch, we went to our room to get ready for our dinner at Jean-Georges Vongerichten concept, J&G Steakhouse.
The award-winning steakhouse is best known for, as you may have guessed, steak. However, don’t miss out on their seafood. The oysters and tuna tartare are worth ordering as starters. This was my favorite meal at The Phoenician! It is great for a date night, or for those looking to celebrate a special occasion. You can read about my entire culinary experience here.
Overall
The Phoenician: a Luxury Collection Resort is beyond beautiful and I cannot wait to return! I’m thinking about coming back for a trip with the girls. This was the perfect way to ring into a new decade.
