Your next vacation getaway awaits…

If you’re chasing your next vacation escape, consider a desert respite in Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix is the 6^th largest city in the US and second only to Orlando for number of resorts – 20 in total. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner or your family, there’s more here to enjoy than you might realize.

I recently traveled to Phoenix to speak at a trade convention and took some time to explore the some of the restaurants, resorts and activities with my lover. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing my Phoenix finds with you here on GoGirlfriend, as well as on Facebook and Twitter. But I thought you might enjoy a sneak peek…

Eat

Ko’sin – Just upstairs at the Wild Horse Pass is Arizona’s only 5 star restaurant, Kai, but Ko'Sin meaning 'kitchen' in the Pima language, delighted us with savory dishes garnished with a stunning view of Sierra Estrella Mountain Range.

Windsor – Created by Upward Projects, Windsor is a fun example of the comeback of the neighborhood restaurant. Quirky décor, delish meals and a warm welcoming atmosphere. What more could you want?

Searsucker – When Brian Malarkey creates a restaurant, you know it’s going to be hard to resist. In case you don’t know Brian, he’s a, finalist on “Top Chef Miami,” and host for TLC, OWN, The Travel Channel and Bravo as well as the “The Taste,” a competition cooking show. 

Wine Me, Dine Me at the Hyatt Regency – This interactive dinner overlooking the grill while chatting with Chef Juan at the SWB was a faboosh highlight of our trip. Each course (and its wine or tequila pairing) was prepared by a different member of the culinary team who chatted and answered questions throughout the meal.  More please!

Sleep

Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa – Located on the Gila River Indian Community and managed by Starwood, there’s a smorgasbord of activities, restaurants and places to just hang out and enjoy with your traveling partner. Our room, at the far end of the resort, afforded us sublime solitude and a view of the morning sunrise that rivaled anything we’ve seen in the Caribbean.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch – Our private casita overlooking the water sat on the route of the nightly gondola rides, which meant hourly serenades – bliss. This resort clearly caters to golfers, spa addicts or those who just want to hang out by the pool. After a multi-million dollar pool renovation, cabanas, sand beach and a three-story water slide are just a few of the amusements you’ll enjoy.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – While we didn’t get a chance to visit our friends at the Fairmont during this trip, we remember our stay there with not-so-guilty pleasure.

Play

Aji Spa – We stepped off the plane and into blissful relaxation at this tropical oasis of the Sonoran Desert. While a trip to the spa is always appropriate, it’s even more so after the fun and games of airport security.

Spa Avania  – When you book your spa appointment and they tell you to arrive ½ hour early, ignore them. Arrive ½ day early instead – you’re going to want to maximize your time here, even at the cost of sleep. It’s worth it.

Hot air balloon ride – We’ve zip-lined, rode in helicopters, pontoon planes and private jets but soaring into the clouds at dawn in a hot air balloon is the sweetest ride we’ve ever taken. This one’s a must-do.

Road tripping through the desert – Our Guy Friday took off for a full day of exploring, just his GPS, his rental convertible mustang and his imagination. If you’re eager to get out of the city and into the desert, don’t miss his reviews of his Red Rock Road Trip and Standin' on the Corner in Winslow Arizona travels.

Have you explored Phoenix? I’d love hear what you discovered! Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook – and let’s continue the conversation!

To comply with the long list of regulating bodies, possibly even Geneva Conventions and in the interest of transparency, our trip to Phoenix was sponsored (in part) by the Phoenix Visitor and Convention Bureau. Commentary and perspectives are those of GoGirlfriend.