Temperatures were soaring to 110 but my family and I stayed cool at The Phoenician as part of my Summer Staycation Series. Have ya’ll been here since the big remodel? It is absolutely stunning, and possibly my favorite staycation yet. First of all, the lobby redesign is a fun mix of contemporary finishes but they’ve managed to keep the classic historical Phoenician vibe throughout the entire property. The first thing I noticed was how hospitable the staff is. They interacted with JZ and made sure we had everything we needed for a fun stay including pool wristbands (required here!) and a special bag of treats including DryBar products, a childrens’s book for JZ about the hotel, and a great backpack to tote my 6 bottles of sunscreen to the pool. (I am a red head after all!)
Speaking of the pool- the Phoenician pools are probably the best mix of family and adult only pools in the valley. Not only are the pools huge so you don’t feel crowded- they are divided up ranging from a playful splash pad to a relaxing roof top spa pool for adults only. We opted for middle of the road at one of the main pools where there were groups of friends enjoying margaritas and tons of families with all sorts of water toys to share. JZ had a blast playing on the expansive steps and jumping off the cool deck while we enjoyed sips of spiked lemonade and buckets of icy beer.
After the pool we headed inside to an indoor carnival for kids for a break from the heat. The cool ballroom featured blow up slides, climbing walls, a photo booth, carnival games, and traditional treats like cotton candy and popcorn. JZ had a blast AND skipped his nap…double win. The carnival doesn’t happen everyday at the resort, this was all part of their amazing 4th of July week logn festivities but they have an entire team dedicated to ensuring kids have a blast so there’s always something new for the little humans in your life on property!
That evening, we sent JZ to grandma’s house and the hubby and I enjoyed dinner at the on property restaurant, Mowry and Cotton. I’ve had a bunch of friends dine here so I had heard amazing things but this was my first experience at the shareable concept restaurant. Dishes are meant to be eaten family style and our waiter suggest ordering 3-5 items…naturally, we ordered 8 because #bikiniseason. My favorite items were the signature butter rolls with duck fat fig and citrus butters, gigantic steamed mussels, and the apple crisp dessert. Check out the golden apple dessert below- the “apple” is actually a ball of homemade molasses ice cream sprayed with edible gold! I mean…does it get any better than that? Overall, Mowry and Cotton is a gem and great for double dates or large groups based on the menu!
The next morning I got up early and hit up the newly renovated spa. I am not kidding when I say this is by far one of the best spas I’ve ever been to. The Phoenician Spa rises in celebration of the individual spirit, nurturing and contemporary in its approach to iconic service, relaxation and overall well-being. At its essence is a collection of exclusive offerings, transformative in nature – effecting peace, purity and strength well beyond the spa experience. Did I mention it is three stories of pure bliss and has the most gorgeous roof top pool and cabanas facing Camelback Mountain? I chose the Sonoran Signature Scrub, Massage, and Wrap which was nearly 2 hours of pure bliss. By bliss I mean, salt crystals are combined with desert sage and wild lavender for a smoothing body polish followed by Handcrafted rose stones being placed on
the vital centers to enhance a full-body massage. That’s not all….while enveloped by healing aloe moisture that both nourishes and relaxes, an acupressure facial massage and rejuvenating foot massage soothe and restore from head to toe. Are you sold? The spa is A MUST when you visit this place!
Plus, they have a DryBar on property offering blowouts and styling whether you’re staying at the resort or not and lord knows in this heat and humidity, a good blow out is a game changer!
As sad as I was to leave, I am content knowing this magical place is less than 15 minutes from my house and offers great summer rates should I feel the need to relax in complete luxury again. Check out the deals and additional spa and dining info HERE