Phoenix offers a unique blend of luxury experiences that can make a trip unforgettable. With nearly 300 days of sunshine per year, the area surrounding Phoenix provides a stunning backdrop for activities such as sunrise flights, fine dining, and championship golf. To make the most of a Phoenix trip, it is essential to choose the right experiences, rather than trying to see everything at once. Each one earns its place on a bucket list, and most fit comfortably into a single long weekend.
Luxury Experiences in Phoenix
A sunrise balloon ride is an excellent way to start the day, with operators like Rainbow Ryders and Hot Air Expeditions offering 45 to 60 minute flights over saguaro forests and dry washes. These flights typically include round-trip transfers from your hotel, a champagne toast, and breakfast once you land. Any of the luxury activities in Phoenix are within easy reach when staying at top-tier resorts.
For a luxurious place to stay, The Phoenician, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and Royal Palms are top choices, each offering tiered pools, spas, and stunning views of the surrounding environment. The Phoenician, for example, unfolds across 250 acres beneath Camelback Mountain, with a spa built around a waterfall grotto. This setting allows guests to unwind and rejuvenate in a tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxing getaway.
Dining and Relaxation
Phoenix’s dining scene is better than its reputation suggests, with restaurants like Talavera, T. Cook’s, and FnB offering exceptional cuisine. Talavera plates Spanish steak and paella on a terrace facing the McDowell Mountains, while T. Cook’s at Royal Palms leans into old-world romance beneath Camelback. And FnB in Old Town Scottsdale, a James Beard favorite, proves the valley can hold its own with any food city. After a long flight, a visit to one of these restaurants or a relaxing afternoon in a desert spa can be particularly restorative.
A desert spa is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate, with options like the Well & Being Spa at The Phoenician and Alvadora offering eucalyptus steam rooms, Vichy showers, and botanicals drawn from the area. Booking a half-day treatment is an excellent way to unwind after a long flight. This kind of pampering can help travelers feel refreshed and ready to take on the various activities Phoenix has to offer.
Outdoor Activities
Golf is a popular activity in Phoenix, with courses like TPC Scottsdale and The Phoenician offering challenging play and stunning views. TPC Scottsdale hosts the famous 16th hole, while The Phoenician keeps its courses framed by mountain ridgelines. Winter tee times disappear quickly, so reserve well ahead if the cooler months are on your calendar. It’s essential to plan ahead to secure a spot on these prestigious courses.
For a unique perspective on the city, a helicopter tour at sunset or after dark is an excellent choice. These flights typically run as short scenic loops over Phoenix and Scottsdale, offering breathtaking views of the valley lit up at night. Flights usually run as short scenic loops over Phoenix and Scottsdale, and they remain one of the most requested VIP experiences in Phoenix, especially for anniversaries and proposals.
Other luxury experiences in Phoenix include wandering Old Town Scottsdale, catching golden hour at the Desert Botanical Garden, and taking a guided outing at first light. The desert is at its best before the heat arrives, and early morning is when the environment feels most like itself. Time a visit for one of the garden’s seasonal evening events, when light installations thread through the trails, and you walk away with some of the most photogenic premium experiences in Phoenix.
Exploring the Southwest
Some of the best driving roads in the Southwest start just outside Phoenix, and renting an exotic car like a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, Ferrari 488 Spider, or Audi R8 Spyder can turn an ordinary route into the highlight of the day. The climb toward Sedona’s red rocks along Highway 179, the desert switchbacks of the Apache Trail, and the loop around Camelback and Mummy Mountain at dusk are just a few drives worth clearing time for. A few drives worth clearing time for include the scenic routes that take you through the breathtaking environments of the Southwest.