The Phoenician
Wandering around the 250-acre grounds of The Phoenician, you may forget you're in the middle of the bustling desert city of Scottsdale. This world famous resort is at the base of Camelback Mountain, the region's Matterhorn, and home to four trails, ranging in difficulty from "Easy" to "Strenuous and difficult." The Cholla trail has established a reputation for stranding unprepared hikers, and Phoenix Parks and Recreation warns, "This trail is recommended only for experienced hikers. There are steep, rocky sections with drop-offs on both sides." The resort's Centre for Well-Being offers a variety of yoga, cycling and cardio tennis to stretch you out or warm you up for that hike up Camelback and perhaps up other area mountains, such as Piestewa Peak or South Mountain. Nature lovers cannot leave without a stroll through the two-acre cactus garden on the north end of the grounds. The Phoenician has won countless national and international awards and frequently appears on lists of top resorts. Patricia Schultz even included it in her book, "1,000 Places To See in the U.S. and Canada Before You Die." Rates range from $250 to 350 per night.
6000 E. Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: (480) 941-8200
Fax: (480) 947-4311
www.thephoenician.com
Westward Look Resort
Westward Look sets itself apart from Tucson's ample supply of luxury resorts with amenities catering to active, nature-loving guests. Most notable are its nature programs, which give you the opportunity to take a nature hike, learn the ways of native cultures, bird watch, mountain bike, or just sit surrounded by the four mountain ranges encircling Tucson. Don't worry about lugging your bike--rentals are available so you can hit the two on-site trails, or nearby scenic hikes. For those who want to live on the edge, rock climbing, gliding, caving, mine tours and hot air balloons offer excitement surrounded by beauty.
245 E. Ina Road
Tucson, AZ 85704
phone: (520) 297-1151
toll free: (800) 722-2500
fax: (520) 297-9023
www.WestardLook.com
Red Agave Resort
It may be the new kid on the block, but the Red Agave Resort is already carving a name for itself among resorts in the red rocks town of Sedona. Red Agave offers two packages for sporty couples, each costing $229 for two nights. The Mountain Bike-Sport package includes rental of two front suspension mountain bikes and a custom-designed route specific to your ability and interests, and the Hiking package includes a guided hike of the Red Rock formations surrounding the Red Agave where you will enjoy a narration of native folk lore, geology and the metaphysics of Sedona. Both packages are available to single individuals, also, at adjusted rates. If you forgo the packages, a studio for two will cost $100, and a chalet for four-six will cost $200.
120 Canyon Circle Drive
Sedona, AZ 86351
Phone: (928) 284-9327
Toll-free: (877) 284-9237
www.RedAgaveResort.com
