Phoenix Rising

When rest, relaxation and renewal is in order, there’s no better place than Arizona.

stay

Listing the amenities of The Phoenician would take a long time (we would start with its nine swimming pools, three golf courses, and amazing spa) so trust us when we say it is a great place to stay. At the foot of Camelback mountain, this resort boasts an abundance of great dining, spacious rooms or suites, and stunning desert views. Try a morning hike (see below) or a yoga walk of the property, with breaks for downward dogs. And if you aren’t into golf, tennis, hiking, or spa-ing, then their top notch poolside service will ensure you are cocktail-hydrated and comfortable in theshade, or sun, all day. The Phoenician, 6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona, 480-941-8200, www.thephoenician.com

see

Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden has one of the largestcollectionsof desert plants, featuring over 50,000 species. The options are endless in this beautiful space: enjoy a tour of the gardens, book a healthy cooking class (we loved ours with Rachel Albert, see more below), learn some gardening tips from an expert, visit the butterflypavilion, watch a concert, practice sundown yoga in the wildflower atrium, or attend one of their luminaries events, where you can stroll around the candlelight gardens with a drink. From November 10 to May 18, there is a Chihuly exhibition, where youll be able to check out his spectacular glass sculptures amongst ancient cacti. These gardens are a must-see while in Arizona.Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 North Galvin Parkway Phoenix, Arizona, 480-941-1225, www.dbg.org

eat

The Gladly is a new restaurant that specializes in a mix of comfort food, southern favourites and modern cuisine. We loved the grilled Brussels sprouts served over corn grits, and their coffee charred short ribs come highly recommended. They also boast a fantastic cocktail list featuring new takes on the classics, and an enormous whiskey menu that you can drink served over a purified ice ball that they will prepare for you at the table. Mains start at $20. The Gladly, 2201 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, Arizona, 602-759-8132, www.thegladly.com

hike

The perfect early morning or evening workout, Camelback mountain features a 1.5 mile hike up the side of the mountain. Access the Cholla trail via Cholla lane and pack lots of water. Dont try this midday, the heat is unbearable. The locals call this a difficult hike, but if you’re a grouse grinder, youll breeze through in 70 minutes return.www.phoenix.gov

day trip

Head out towards Mesa and Gilbert are suburbs of Phoenix is located a 20 drive from Phoenix. Try a paddle board lesson with No Snow Stand Up Paddle at Saguaro Lake (yes, there are lakes in Arizona), have lunch at the trendy Joyride Taco, buy some chocolate flavoured olive oil or handmade, natural beauty products from the Queen Creek Olive Mill, and finish with an award-winning cupcake at The Coffee Shop at Agritopia (pictured), an urban farm oasis where people live in beautiful homes between vegetable fields, orchards, and a 24 hour honour-system farmers market (sigh).

Alexandra Suhner Isenberg