The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Blog

Discover Unique Scottsdale Attractions & Wild West Fun

Enjoy one-of-a-kind adventures in a beautiful desert city that's infused with the intrepid spirit of the American frontier. Ramble through cactus gardens and roam the historic streets of Old Town. Taste olive oil on the farm where it's produced. Channel your inner racecar driver and take the kids on a giraffe safari. Seek out new experiences at these only-in-Scottsdale attractions.

Cosanti - Paolo Soleri Windbells

Shop for whimsical wind chimes and sculptures made by architect Paolo Soleri at this creative outdoor studio and art gallery. Browse wind bells handcrafted out of bronze and ceramics, along with patio planters and pots plus unique accessories and jewelry. 6433 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Desert Botanical Garden

Shop for whimsical wind chimes and sculptures made by architect Paolo Soleri at this creative outdoor studio and art gallery. Browse wind bells handcrafted out of bronze and ceramics, along with patio planters and pots plus unique accessories and jewelry. 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008View Desert Botanical Garden on Google Map

Old Town Scottsdale

Feel the Wild West spirit of the past as you walk the historic streets of Old Town. One of the best things to do in Scottsdale, this vibrant neighborhood is known for its Western architecture, excellent art galleries, fine dining, and lively nightlife. Scottsdale, AZView Old Town Scottsdale on Google Map

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Get outdoors and enjoy the Sonoran Desert for its beauty. Hike, mountain bike and horseback road on 215 miles of scenic shared-use trails at the largest urban preserve. We recommend this area as one of the best places to watch a sunrise or sunset in Scottsdale. 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

Get up close and personal with exotic large mammals such as black bears, mountain lions and Mexican gray wolves at the largest wildlife sanctuary for animals native to the southwest at the Southwest Wildlife Conservative Center. 27026 N 156th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262View Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center on Google Map

LDV Winery

Enjoy a piece of the vineyard in the city as you sip wine and enjoy a charcuterie or cheese platter, among tree-shaded patios in Old Town Scottsdale. 7134 E. Stetson Dr., #B110 Scottsdale, AZ 85251View LDV Winery on Google Map

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Visit the past as you join the queen and her royal court for a two-hour hands-on dinner and tournament. Cheer on your knight as he competes against five other knights in a jousting tournament and sword fights. 9051 East Via De Ventura Scottsdale, AZ 85258View Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament on Google Map

Old Adobe Mission

Explore the past at this historic monument, built by hand by the Mexicans who first settled Scottsdale in the late 1910s. One of only three remaining adobe structures in downtown Scottsdale, this beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and handcrafted stained-glass windows provides a unique setting for historical reflection and spiritual solitude. 3817 N. Brown Ave. Scottsdale, AZ 85251View Old Adobe Mission on Google Map

A Five-Diamond Summer: Why Our Resort Launched a Luxury Day Camp for Kids

When you think of a Five-Diamond resort, images of modern accommodations, fine dining, and impeccable service come to mind. But at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, we believe luxury extends beyond the expected to create unforgettable experiences for all members of the family. This summer, we're excited to unveil our latest offering: a luxury day camp for kids ages 6-12. This weeklong adventure is designed to provide young guests with a blend of fun, learning, and the high standards of service and experiences that our resort is renowned for.

A New Take on Summer Camps in Scottsdale

Traditional summer camps have long been a staple of childhood, offering opportunities for kids to explore, learn and grow. However, at the Princess, we envisioned something more—a camp that not only entertains but also aligns with the luxury and quality that defines the Fairmont brand. Our day camp offers dozens of exciting activities, chef-crafted lunches, and exclusive access to our stunning resort pools, ensuring that each day is filled with joy and new experiences.

"Inspired by the joy of seeing my own children thrive at summer camp, I knew we could offer something truly special here at the Princess. I envisioned a unique experience that would capture the essence of adventure and camaraderie right here at our Five-Diamond resort. As a cornerstone of our community, known for our iconic seasonal events like Christmas at the Princess, innovation is at the heart of who we are. Sensing an unmet need in the market, we've crafted a Summer Day Camp that not only redefines family fun but sets a new standard of excellence, firmly positioning us ahead of the competition. This initiative reflects our commitment to pushing boundaries and exceeding expectations. This is something no other hotel is doing... and I'm thrilled to unveil this one-of-a-kind experience—a true testament to the ingenuity and dedication of our Princess team." – Chris White, Director of Sales & Marketing

Why a Luxury Day Camp?

Creating Memorable Experiences for All Ages

Our resort is a sanctuary for relaxation and enjoyment, and we wanted to ensure that our youngest guests are never left out. By offering a luxury day camp, we provide an avenue for children to create their own memories and adventures within the resort. This not only enhances their summer vacation experience but also allows parents to enjoy their time knowing their children are in a safe, enriching environment.

Learning from Real Role Models

Summer Day Camp is staffed by professionals who are not only experts in their fields but also serve as role models for the children. From outdoor activities to creative arts, each session is led by individuals who inspire and mentor, helping children to develop confidence and new skills in a supportive setting.

An Emphasis on Quality and Safety

Parents can rest easy knowing that their children are cared for in a secure environment that adheres to the highest standards of safety and quality. Our chef-crafted lunches ensure that kids enjoy nutritious, gourmet meals, and our facilities are maintained to the same rigorous standards as the rest of the resort. All camp counselors are also equipped with essential certifications, including CPR training, fingerprint clearance cards and more.

Building Lasting Friendships

One of the most rewarding aspects of camp is the opportunity for children to make new friends. Our day camp in Scottsdale is designed to foster a sense of community and teamwork, allowing kids to build lasting friendships as they engage in group activities and share new experiences.

Developing Essential Life Skills

Through a variety of activities, children at our camp will develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. Whether they're navigating a mini golf course, collaborating on a creative project, or playing Marco Polo at the pool, these experiences help build a foundation for future success.

An Unforgettable Outdoor Experience

At the heart of our day camp is a commitment to outdoor adventure. Children will spend their days exploring our beautifully landscaped grounds, enjoying activities that range from nature hikes to poolside games. The chance to connect with nature and engage in physical activities is invaluable, promoting both physical and mental well-being. Even in the heat of an Arizona summer, children’s camp groups are rotated between indoor and outdoor play to give them the best of summer—all while staying cool and comfortable.

The Best of Both Worlds

Parents visiting our resort can now enjoy the best of both worlds: a luxurious, relaxing stay and the peace of mind that their children are having an equally enriching experience. While parents indulge in spa treatments, gourmet dining, or simply lounging by our pools, their children are just a few steps away, embarking on their own journey of discovery and fun. Alternatively, parents can drop off their children and confidently leave the resort to pursue their day’s plans, knowing their kids are in excellent hands.

Our all-new luxury Scottsdale day camp embodies the spirit of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess—offering exceptional experiences and quality time spent as a community. We invite you to discover more about this exciting new program on our website and see how we’re redefining family time with a touch of luxury.

For more details and to enroll your child in our summer day camp, click here.

Enroll Your Child in Day Camp

Make the Best of 2025: Maximize Your Vacation Time

As we enter 2025, it’s time to make the most of your hard-earned vacation days. By planning strategically around federal holidays and using long weekends, you can create mini-getaways or full-length trips without burning through your PTO. And if you’re looking for the ultimate getaway destination, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers year-round opportunities to unwind and recharge. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you maximize your vacation time in 2025.

Winter Escapes: MLK Jr. Day and Beyond

Holiday: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 20, 2025)
Vacation Tip: Take Friday, January 17, off to enjoy a four-day weekend.

January in Scottsdale offers mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities.

What to Do

Well & Being Spa: Start your year with a rejuvenating spa experience. Opt for a signature treatment, like the Havasupai Falls Rejuvenation, to refresh your body and mind.
Golf: Tee off at the award-winning TPC Scottsdale, located just steps away from the resort.
Seasonal Dining: Enjoy winter-inspired dishes at La Hacienda or Toro Scottsdale.
Desert Adventures: Explore the Sonoran Desert with guided hikes or hot air balloon rides for breathtaking views.

Bonus Tip: If you’re looking to extend your trip, use a few more vacation days and enjoy the resort’s activities leading up to the WM Phoenix Open in early February.

Spring Adventures: Presidents' Day and Seasonal Bliss

Holiday: Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 17, 2025)
Vacation Tip: Take Friday, February 14, off for a romantic four-day getaway over Valentine’s Day weekend.

Spring is one of the most beautiful times in Scottsdale, with blooming desert landscapes and perfect temperatures.

What to Do

Couples’ Spa Treatments: Treat your partner to a luxurious couple’s massage at the Sisley Paris Spa.
Outdoor Dining: Savor al fresco meals on the patio at Bourbon Steak, featuring exquisite steak and seafood dishes.
Spring Training: Baseball fans can catch MLB’s Cactus League Spring Training games nearby.
Family Fun: If you're traveling with kids, the resort’s Trailblazers Kids Club offers activities to keep them entertained while you relax.

Bonus Tip: Presidents’ Day weekend is a great time to explore Scottsdale’s art galleries and boutique shops or attend local festivals.

Summer Getaways: Memorial Day and Independence Day

Holiday: Memorial Day (Monday, May 26, 2025)
Vacation Tip: Take Friday, May 23, off to create a four-day weekend. Or, plan for a family vacation during Independence Day (Friday, July 4, 2025).

Summer is all about fun at the Princess, with family-friendly activities and poolside relaxation.

What to Do

Summer Splash Pool Parties: Cool off at one of six sparkling pools, including Sunset Beach with its 9,000 square feet of white sand.
Fourth of July Freedom Fest: Enjoy fireworks, live music, and patriotic celebrations during the resort’s signature Independence Day event.
Dive-In Movies: Watch family-friendly films under the stars while floating in the pool.
Kids’ Activities: From waterslides to a dedicated splash pad, the resort offers endless fun for kids of all ages.

Bonus Tip: Extend your stay into the week to take advantage of discounted summer rates and fewer crowds.

Fall Retreats: Labor Day and the Start of Autumn

Holiday: Labor Day (Monday, September 1, 2025)
Vacation Tip: Take Friday, August 29, off for a relaxing four-day weekend to close out the summer.

Fall brings cooler weather and the perfect chance to recharge before the busy holiday season.

What to Do

Golf Getaway: Fall is the ideal time to enjoy world-class golf courses in Scottsdale.
Seasonal Spa Treatments: Indulge in autumn-inspired treatments, such as pumpkin-infused facials or massages, at the Well & Being Spa.
Dining with a View: Enjoy seasonal ingredients and sweeping views of the desert sunset at Toro.
Desert Exploration: Take advantage of cooler mornings with guided nature walks or mountain biking adventures.

Bonus Tip: Plan your trip around Scottsdale’s fall festivals and farmers’ markets for a taste of local culture.

Winter Wonders: Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season

Holiday: Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 27, 2025)
Vacation Tip: Take Wednesday, November 26, off to enjoy a five-day weekend filled with holiday cheer.

The holiday season transforms the resort into a winter wonderland, making it the perfect place for festive celebrations.

What to Do

Christmas at the Princess: Experience dazzling holiday lights, ice skating, and a festive atmosphere perfect for families and couples alike.
Holiday Dining: Enjoy Thanksgiving feasts or Christmas dinners crafted by award-winning chefs.
Shopping: Find unique holiday gifts at the resort’s specialty boutiques or nearby luxury shops.
Relaxation: Unwind after the festivities with a soothing spa treatment or quiet time by the fire pits.

Bonus Tip: Book early, as the holiday season is a popular time for visitors and events at the resort.

Start planning now to make 2025 your most memorable travel year yet!

Sweet Genius: Meet The Princess’ Talented Cake Creator Ebony

If you can dream it, she can bake it—A look at D’Ebonyque Golding’s impressive career in the Kitchen

Watch Season 2’s “Honeydew” episode of FX’s hit TV show The Bear, and you’ll know a pastry chef’s pilgrimage is one of self-discovery, intense dedication and a cosmic passion for their chosen craft. A true pastry chef is an artist through and through—continually evolving, exploring and opening themselves up to be inspired by the beauty of the world at large.

There are many faces behind the scenes of the success of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. One that quickly comes top-of-mind is mainstay Pastry Jr. Sous Chef, D’Ebonique Golding. From crafting intricate celebration cakes to delivering personalized dessert experiences, Ebony’s career journey is as rich and layered as her delectable creations. Get to know the resort’s beloved ace of cakes!

The Journey of Rediscovery

Hailing from Tucson, AZ, Ebony’s culinary voyage began in a resort kitchen where she spent two formative years. Interest piqued, her quest for knowledge then led her to Scottsdale for culinary school, where she discovered her true passion for pastry arts. After graduation, she returned to Tucson, dividing her time between the line and the bake shop. However, the relentless pace led to burnout, prompting her to seek solace in an unexpected place: the kitchen of a local hospital. Here, she rekindled her love for baking, creating meaningful treats for patients and staff, and rediscovered the joy that comes from her craft.

A Flourishing Career

Ebony's renewed enthusiasm propelled her to a Valley resort, where she served as Pastry Sous Chef for eight fruitful years. In search of a culture that provided more creative freedom, her journey then led her to the Princess, where she was hired as a pastry supervisor and tasked with putting her own unique stamp on the pastry department. Running a scratch kitchen isn’t easy, but Ebony embraced the challenge. Through tireless dedication, she transformed the kitchen, expanding the menu and introducing cutting-edge baking technology.

Today, as the resort’s esteemed Pastry Jr. Sous Chef, Ebony specializes in creating bespoke cakes that bring our guests’ visions to life. From occasion cakes to grand event cakes for Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas, and Mother's Day Brunch, as well as special sporting events like the WM Phoenix Open, her masterpieces have become a centerpiece of our celebrations.

Master of Custom Cakes in Scottsdale, Arizona

Crafting more than 30 cakes each month, Ebony is known for her ability to deliver custom creations that cater to every occasion. Her favorite projects are celebration cakes, which she believes encapsulate joyful memories and special moments. A supportive environment allowed her to bring her vision to life—the ability to offer an array of one-of-a-kind custom cakes tailored to each event and guest.

Everything Ebony creates is from scratch, reflecting her dedication to quality and artistry. She takes pride in the kitchen's capability to print directly onto wafer paper and transfer artwork onto fondant. Whether it’s a photo of the San Fransisco Giants stadium, a family portrait, or a beloved pet, Ebony can bring any image to edible life. She even uses glycerin to create edible "plastic," perfect for creative projects like a Smartie Cake wrapped in realistic “plastic” icing. Her love for edible glitter adds a shimmering touch of magic to her event centerpieces.

Versatile Artistry at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Unlike many bakers who specialize in specific styles, Ebony prides herself on being a versatile artist. Her repertoire includes sheet cakes, origami cakes, fondant, sculpting, and ganache. She’s also adept at embracing current trends, such as tall cakes with 5-6 layers, mermaid themes, and the funfetti comeback. Recently, she’s experimented with dry brushing icing to achieve a textured, artistic look.

In the kitchen, Ebony is strictly the architect and decorator, working with a constant supply of sheet cakes in various flavors like red velvet, vanilla, chocolate, and marble. Her preferred medium is Swiss buttercream, known for its stability and smooth finish, which she finds ideal for decorating.

Celebrate Life’s Most Beautiful Milestone Moments

One of Ebony's favorite weeks in her storied career involved creating cakes for an engagement, a wedding, a baby shower, a gender reveal, and a 2-year-old's birthday. She fondly refers to it as her “life cycle week,” encapsulating the joy and celebration of life’s milestones through her art.

Ebony’s journey from Tucson to our kitchen has been one of passion, transformation, and relentless dedication. Her creations are not just cakes, but edible pieces of art that tell stories and bring happiness to all who experience them. With every cake she designs, she continues to elevate the art of pastry at the Princess, one celebration at a time.

Just how can you get your fork on one of Ebony’s delicious desserts? Book your Celebration Vacation at the Princess today! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, babymoon, bachelorette, graduation, engagement or beyond… Ebony can make a cake unique to you. And our dedicated Celebration Concierge is here to take care of all the rest!

Bourbon Steak: From Scottsdale to Japan

The Bourbon Steak Takeover Dinner Series will showcase the steakhouse cuisine and libation from other classic regions around the world, paying homage to those who have paved the way to what is now an American tradition.

Next Stop: Japan

Exploring Kaiseki

Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese dining experience that emphasizes seasonality, simplicity, and balance. Rooted in Zen Buddhism, Kaiseki originated as a form of meditation practice for monks and evolved into an artful culinary tradition that celebrates the natural flavors of the ingredients. At Bourbon Steak Scottsdale, Executive Chefs Sara Garrant and Andrew Vera, under the guidance of Chef Michael Mina, have embraced the principles of Kaiseki to create a tasting menu that reflects the essence of Japanese cuisine.

Japanese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its delicate flavors, artful presentation, and emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. We unite history and tradition with our interpretation of the classic Japanese style of dining, known as Kaiseki.

The Tasting Menu

Bourbon Steak Scottsdale's Kaiseki-inspired tasting menu showcases a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and presentations that pay homage to the rich culinary heritage of Japan. Dishes such as Chawanmushi, a savory egg custard, Miso Glazed Sea Bass, and Hot Rock A5 Wagyu, highlight the simplicity and elegance of Japanese cuisine while showcasing the precision and artistry of Bourbon Steak's culinary team. Each dish is carefully crafted to evoke a sense of seasonality and balance, inviting guests to savor the essence of Japanese culture with every bite.

The Libations

No Japanese dining experience would be complete without a carefully curated selection of libations to complement the flavors of the meal. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Wine Director, Maki Pottenger, has expertly curated a selection of beverages that showcase the diversity and richness of Japan's beverage culture. From crisp sake to aromatic Japanese whiskies, each libation has been chosen to enhance the dining experience and create a perfect harmony of flavors.

The Experience

Guests can expect an immersive dining experience that engages all the senses. Each dish is a work of art, meticulously plated and bursting with flavor, while expertly paired libations enhance the dining experience and elevate the flavors of each course.

Call 480.585.2694 to book your experience or learn more.

Fall in Love with Scottsdale | Guide to Top Things to Do This Autumn

SEPTEMBER 6th - NOVEMBER 14th

We love fall, most of all. As the hot summer days turn into crisp fall nights, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess comes to life. With shorter days (and temperatures averaging the low 80s!) and longer nights, fun for all is brought to light. We promise you’ll fall in love with the season like never before.

FESTIVE FUN, TRICKS & TREATS

Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party

Queen Creek | Thursday through Sunday, October 3 – 31
Part amusement park, part family farm, Schnepf's annual fall party is fun for both kids and adults. Mini-golf or try to make your way out of the corn maze and ride the roller coaster. Or take a seat on the miniature train—day and "spooky" (night) times available.
Tickets: $25.95 per person (children 2 years and under free)

Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival

Mesa | September 27 – October 31 (hours vary, closed Mondays)
Activities on this 25-acre farm include a pumpkin patch, corn maze, zip line, hay climb, "spider web" crawl, giant tube roll and playground.
Tickets: $16 per person (children 2 years and under free)

MacDonald's Ranch Pumpkin Patch

Scottsdale | October 4 – 31
Pick your pumpkin or pan for gold at this family-run and family-friendly ranch. Other activities include a hay-bale maze, petting zoo, photo areas and lawn games, as well as barrel train and a mechanical bull.
Tickets: $15 per person (closed Tuesdays)

Arizona State Fair

Phoenix | September 20 – October 27
From iconic foodie favorites (funnel cake anyone?) and concerts to rides, carnival games and more, the Arizona State Fair is full of local flare and fun.

Tickets: $15 per person (Thursdays through Sundays)

Four Peaks Oktoberfest

Tempe | October 11-13
A weekend full of entertainment for all ages, German food & beers and plenty of lederhosen! This event is a long-standing Tempe tradition celebrating 50 years and benefitting the work of Tempe Sister Cities.

Tickets: $20 per person (Sunday is free)

Mesa Arts Center Dia De Los Muertos

Mesa | October 19-20 10am-5pm
Mesa Arts Center annual Día de los Muertos is a celebration of Latin American art and culture. Enjoy a variety of features, performances and more in celebration of the memories of the deceased. 

Tickets: Free

TASTES OF THE SEASON

Celebrate fall’s harvest at the resort and sip, savor and dine.

Bourbon Steak*

Enjoy a taste of the good life at Bourbon Steak. Savor a selection of Michael Mina’s fall favorites and tried and true favorites such as lobster pot pie, US vs. Japan steak cuts and duck fat fries.

Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar*

Unwind as you soak in sweeping views of Scottsdale’s TPC golf course from a relaxing, heated outdoor patio. Sip on seasonal selections as you begin to taste Executive Chef Gage Smit's mouthwatering dishes. Choose from a warm chocolate truffle brown and shareables like the 42 oz boin-in Tomahawk Ribeye, lobster fried rice, and more.

La Hacienda*

Venture through Executive Chef Forest Hamrick’s featured fall menu and enjoy classics such as lobster tacos, tableside guacamole and filet a la parilla.

Ironwood American Kitchen

Take a food tour through Arizona without even leaving your table at Ironwood American Kitchen. Our newest brunch boards have your favorite charcuterie items, plus local inspired einkorn waffles, fresh pastries, bourbon maple syrup and more.

Fun fact: Don't want to leave your room? You can order the brunch board from in-room dining!

Get your own mini donut wall with a selection of four to eight local donuts or enjoy a tableside experience with caramelized Crème brûlée French toast.

*Restaurant reservations are highly recommended.

HARVEST YOUR HEALTH AT WELL & BEING SPA

It’s sugar, spice and everything nice during fall at Well & Being Spa.

Spa & Wellness Specials | October – November

Mini Pumpkin Enzyme Facial

60 MIN | $230

Get into the spirit of fall with our seasonal pumpkin facial. With the benefits of beta-carotene, vitamins A, E, and C this treatment brightens and plumps the skin as it softens fine lines and works to undo the damage of the summer sun. Spicy pumpkin puree gently exfoliates and is followed by a soothing and hydrating Manuka Honey Peel Off Mask, for skin that is easy to fall in love with.

Pumpkin Chai Manicure

45 MIN | $79

This delicious manicure is a must-try. An apple cider fizzing soak softens and hydrates. Followed by a custom-blended organic puree of pumpkin and nutrient-rich muds combines a brandy pear scrub in an invigorating exfoliation treat that leaves you glowing and spicy-fresh. Your manicure finishes with a dreamy lotion using a blend of honey-chai milk lotion. Enjoy a complimentary pumpkin mimosa!

Pumpkin Chai Pedicure

60 MIN | $99

This delicious Pedicure includes an apple cider fizzing soak that softens and hydrates. Followed by a custom-blended organic purée of pumpkin and nutrient-rich muds combines with a brandy pear scrub in an invigorating exfoliation treat that leaves you glowing and spicy-fresh. Your Pedicure finishes with a dreamy lotion using a blend of Honey-Chai milk lotion. Enjoy a complimentary Pumpkin Mimosa!

To book, call 480.585.2732.

THAT FALL FEELING

Create new fall traditions and memories that will last a lifetime, as you set out with a renewed sense of hope this season.

Elevate Your Skincare Routine with Sisley-Paris' Game-Changing Gua Sha Tool

UNLOCK FLAWLESS SKIN IN 20 MINUTES

What if you could achieve that youthful, dewy, fresh-from-the-spa glow in no time? In lieu of intricate 12-step trendy skincare routines, achieving perfect skin is much simpler—and our magic recipe begins with Sisley-Paris. Pairing their highly coveted, ultra-luxurious products with traditional Chinese medicine modalities creates the best beauty routine you never knew you needed.

Long-known in the cult skincare world for their innovative, science-based Phyto-Cosmetology approach, Sisley-Paris’ newest addition to their self-care arsenal encourages the skin to heal itself and produce almost unbelievable results. So, what is this seemingly mythical beauty tool and how does it work?

WHAT IS GUA SHA?

Gua Sha stands as an ancient South Asian therapeutic art, entailing the gentle scraping of a smooth, flat object along the skin's surface. Originating as a method to alleviate diverse bodily maladies, from minor discomforts to more grave afflictions, its proponents attribute to it the capacity to expel deleterious toxins, invigorate blood circulation, and realign the body's vital energy, known as qi (chi). Evolving into a contemporary phenomenon, facial Gua Sha now commands significant attention in cosmetic establishments, spas, and digital realms alike, for its purported ability to address fine lines, puffiness, and inflammation, culminating in a rejuvenated complexion.

The diversity of Gua Sha tools available is notable, spanning from archaic implements like bones, coins, and wooden utensils to contemporary favorites fashioned from esteemed stones such as jade or quartz. Sisley has redefined Gua Sha's essence with its meticulously crafted Gingko Gua Sha tool. Engineered to harmonize seamlessly with the facial contours and sensitive skin, it boasts a composition of zamac, a zinc-based alloy celebrated for its skin-affirming attributes. Fashioned in the likeness of the resplendent gingko leaf, this tool serves as a symbol of longevity and graceful aging, evoking the centuries-old wisdom of natural resilience, as these trees can live well beyond 1,000 years!

When paired with the power of Sisley’s anti-aging skincare lines like Sisleÿa L’Intégral Anti-Âge or Supremÿa At Night, the Gingko Gua Sha targets all major skin concerns and results in a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles by 50 percent. All it takes is a mere 20 minutes per of daily dedication. So, what are you waiting for?

Embrace this opportune moment to prioritize self-care and elevate your skincare regimen with this sophisticated yet efficacious massage technique, characterized by its prowess in smoothing, lifting, sculpting, and stimulating the skin's rejuvenation. Find a Sisley-Paris location near me.

THE 20-MINUTE METHOD

Broken down into a two-step method—a 5-minute morning and 15-minute nighttime routine—Sisley’s Gua Sha consists of five vital steps, each designed to target a specific concern.

Expert tip: Gua Sha is to be used as the last step in your skincare (but before sun care) so the tool encounters less friction on the skin and the products can soak in more deeply for improved efficacy.

To experience the magic of Sisley-Paris for yourself, visit Well & Being Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona to indulge in one of their unparalleled sensorial treatments. While you’re there, allow our white-glove, Eurostyle attaches to personalize your experience and fit you and your skincare routine with the products that work best for you, including Sisley-Paris’ Ginkgo Gua Sha. If you’d rather upgrade your routine in between your regular spa visits and restorative treatments, our

Lifestyle Boutique will ship all your new favorite products right to your door.

Unplug & Play: Top Tips for Planning Your First EV Vacation

The future of electric vehicles is looking brighter, thanks to the federal government's commitment to invest $7.5 billion in building more public EV chargers under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The ambitious goal is to have 500,000 charging stations across the country by 2030. This initiative is a game-changer for EV road trips, ensuring that you'll have convenient charging options as you explore the stunning landscapes of Arizona and beyond. Read on for expert tips for embarking on your very first electric vehicle vacation and get you charged up for your next adventure!

Embrace the EV Adventure

While the average max range of EVs has doubled to 216 miles per charge, there's still a concern that looms over some drivers – range anxiety. The shift in mindset from traditional gasoline-fueled road trips to leisurely and enjoyable experiences is a key aspect of embracing the EV adventure. Electric vehicle road trips are no longer just a means to an end but an opportunity to stop, stretch your legs, and discover new experiences along the way.

Map It Out

To ensure a successful EV road trip, planning is crucial. Utilize apps like PlugShare or ChargeHub, offering maps of every public charging station in the country with real-time updates on their status. This way, you can plan your stops effectively and avoid any inconveniences caused by broken or busy charging stations.

Prioritize EV-Friendly Accommodations

Choosing the right accommodation can make a significant difference in your EV road trip experience. Look for hotels and resorts that prioritize sustainability and offer electric charging stations as part of their amenities. For instance, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, electric charging stations are seamlessly integrated into the Resort Experience Fee, presenting a hassle-free choice for EV enthusiasts. Just glide into the porte-cochère, and the attentive guest services team will gladly ensure your vehicle is charging while you indulge in leisure; your car, ever-ready and fully charged whenever you need.

Visit Scottsdale, Arizona – A Hub for EV Enthusiasts

Scottsdale, Arizona, stands out as a destination with a robust network of charging stations, making it an ideal starting point for your EV adventure. Explore the city's vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and embrace the spirit of sustainable travel. The city currently has 409+ Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations within 15km. The city of Scottsdale has also adopted new EV-friendly requirements to building code requirements for new construction. 

Arizona, as a whole, was also selected as the 4th EV-friendly state in the United States by The Fabricator, with 9 publicly available chargers for every registered vehicle! 

Experience America's Best EV Road Trip

Embark on the ultimate EV road trip along the iconic Route 66, a historic highway that has seamlessly transitioned into the modern era. As the centennial of Route 66 approaches in 2026, the road now boasts more than 900 EV charging stations, according to AFAR.com, ensuring a smooth journey across 8 states. Kingsman, AZ, proudly hosts the world's first EV Museum – the Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum, adding a touch of history to your explorations.

Cruise through the heart of Route 66, with Arizona as its pulsating beat, and experience the freedom and adventure that this legendary highway symbolizes. It's not just a road trip; it's a celebration of progress, sustainability, and the thrill of the open road in an electric vehicle.

Plan Your Very First EV Road Trip

As you embark on the electrifying journey of an EV road trip, make the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess your home base for the ultimate Electric Vehicle-friendly vacation. With a wide availability of charging stations, luxurious amenities, and a commitment to sustainable travel, this resort ensures your road trip is not just a journey but an experience in itself. Book your stay at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess now and immerse yourself in the future of travel, where every charge brings you closer to memories that will last a lifetime.

Give Back

In today’s world, human interactions, connections and meaningful experiences are what really matters. At the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, we want our colleagues to think as one, to reflect on our mission, and our purpose. We had to start with the basics:

WHY DO WE DO WHAT WE DO? To connect hearts all around the world

WHO ARE WE AT ACCORHOTELS? Heart + Artist = Heartist – We are HEARTISTS®. Passionate and expert in what we do, we master the fine art of welcoming, connecting, and serving others. Generous, creative and free, we are passionate about people, attentive to the world. We know how to dream and push limits!

WHAT DO WE DO IN ESSENCE? We make the world a more welcoming place

HOW DO WE DO IT? By placing people at the heart of everything we do

We are more than our guest rooms, restaurants, pools and shops. We are our colleagues. We are defined by our culture and the meaningful ways in which we enrich the community. Through our colleague committees that let our colleagues share their passions within the hotel and local community, Legacy Events, such as Christmas at the Princess, Kentucky Derby and Summer at the Princess and many more, we strive to embody the spirit of community by giving back in meaningful ways.

We see a “Heartist®” in each employee — a master of the art of hospitality who serves others from the heart, with curiosity and inventiveness.

At the Princess this year, we've focused on our mission and purpose through four pillars: Love, Respect, Collaboration and Joy. This collective momentum has defined the key elements of our identity and what we want our guests and employees to experience as a part of AccorHotels.

As we want to provide our guests and employees with exceptional experiences that will turn them into raving fans who lock us into their hearts, our Desired Guest Experience is defined in line with our Optimal Employee Experience, because guest experience depends on employee experience. Teams are the most important key, not just to make our guest experience a success, but also to optimize our own employee experience.

We surveyed our colleagues to learn their core values – what is most important to them? We found that they care most about, in succession:

• Children/Education
• Veterans
• First Responders
• Animals

It was our honor to raise money and donate time and space to put together back-to-school kits. We partnered with Back2School America, a non-profit that creates and supports educational opportunities that enrich the lives of children in the United States through distributing school supplies. Our team boxed 408 boxes to give back to our local community and then delivered them to Homeless Youth Connection and Sojourner Center.

More about Homeless Youth Connection: Homeless Youth Connection youth are high school ages 13-18 who have been identified by their school district as experiencing homelessness. The youth could be with a family or an individual who is couch surfing, living at a hotel, living in a car, or living with a relative.

More about Sojourner Center: Since 1977, Sojourner Center has been a safe haven from domestic violence in Arizona. They transform lives by providing shelter and support services to adults and children affected by domestic violence.

When you're a part of a community as loving and generous as Scottsdale's, giving back feels like second nature - and doing it alongside passionate, like-minded individuals is what makes our workplace Princess Proud. We have cultivated a collaborative, energetic environment that truly has service at the heart of everything we do. Join us at one of the longest-running AAA Five Diamond resorts in America and become an integral part of a place where the extraordinary happens every day.

Find your new career!

Designing Menus Around the Flavors of Fall

Truffles with Parmesean… Grilled Churrasco… Seafood Pozole Verde… with fall comes vibrant dishes from our top chefs. Discover the creative minds behind the Princess’ culinary geniuses, and get inspired for your next fall night out.

Bourbon Steak – A Conversation with Executive Chef Sara Garrant

Q: Chef Sara, you’re from a small commercial fishing town in south-central Alaska, attended pastry school in Ottawa, and now work for Michael Mina. How does your background show up in your cooking? What inspires your culinary creations?

A: For starters, I love fresh seafood, and make it a point to ensure we have nice product. We work with a purveyor from the East Coast that gets the freshest scallops I’ve seen in my life, and they are still reactive when they arrive at Bourbon. During halibut season, she will literally call and say they just landed a 30 lb. fish, and ask if we want it – and yes, we always do. 

As far as inspiration for dishes, it comes from many different things. Sometimes it’s a random food craving that I want to see incorporated into a dish, or it’s throwbacks and reinventions of dishes we’ve done in the past, but with a new twist. As the cooks in our kitchen develop, we do plenty of collaboration as well. They will have some ideas, and from there we work it through it as a team until it becomes a menu-worthy dish. I love this as a development tool, since it keeps them engaged with the restaurant as well. 

Q: What’s new at Bourbon Steak this fall?

A: I’m very excited about the fall offerings this year. You’ll see a play on some more traditional autumnal dishes like Braised Short Rib Ravioli and Roasted Squash Soup, which I think are some of the ultimate fall foods. It’s also prime truffle season, so how could we not include truffles on the menu! Our Spaghetti alla Chitarra features a parmesan truffle emulsion, black pepper caviar, watercress, and shaved winter truffle. Since fall is synonymous with truffles and they instantly elevate every dish, we invite you to add them to any item on the menu. All you need do is ask!

Q: Which ingredients define the fall dining season to you, and how do they make an appearance on Bourbon Steak’s menu?

A: So many come to mind! Winter squashes, polenta, braised meats, quince, apples, truffles, duck, persimmons, scallops, and cranberries just to name a few. We do try to incorporate lots of the fall and winter seasonal items into the dinner menus, but try to highlight only one or two on a dish - like duck and citrus; squash and sage; scallops and cauliflower. We also look at the overall composition of the dish, and want it to be balanced. For instance, we want to avoid having a heavy parmesan polenta served with braised short ribs and garnished with a full-bodied sauce so it doesn’t overwhelm the palate. To create balance, we’ll keep it lighter and even add acidity to help cut thru the richness and warmth of those items. 

Q: What is your perfect food and beverage pairing on the new fall menu?

A: The dish I am most excited about is the Seared Scallop – served with cauliflower, crab and a lemon emulsion. It goes incredibly well with a nice glass of Selbach-Oster Riesling Kabinett. The juicy, succulent texture and richness of the scallops are only enhanced by the racing acidity of a dry Riesling, and Selbach is one of the best producers out of Germany.  I really look forward to that first scallop bite and sip all year long. My mouth is watering thinking about it now!

Q: Your “can’t miss” fall dessert?

A: I spent some time in upstate New York when I was a teen, and to this day I have a love for Macintosh apples. I’m hoping to incorporate them into the dessert menu in some way as soon as the temperature drops. Stay tuned!

Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar – A Conversation with Executive Chef Gage Smit

Q: Chef Gage, can you tell us about your background and how it has shaped your culinary work?

A: I was born and raised on a 10 acre Banana farm in Maui, HI, which instilled an enormous respect for the land, food and how to prepare it. We grew a lot of our own produce and I spent a lot of my formative years in the kitchen at home, which naturally led me to working in restaurants. Early on, I was encouraged by my chef to pursue culinary school, and that’s where all the real fun began. After school, I was part of the opening culinary team for the Andaz in Hawaii, then came to the Fairmont brand at Fairmont Orchid as the Chef De Cuisine. It was such a great opportunity and huge honor to work in some of the top restaurants in Hawaii. Speaking from a culinary perspective, Hawaii is such an interesting and diverse place. Asian flavors are abundant - bright acidity and fresh seafood – so it was a natural fit when I got situated at Toro at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

Q: What’s new at Toro this fall?

A: This season is all about gathering and dining together, so we invite you to enjoy some of our delicious shareable items. Here at Toro, we think dining together makes the experience better, so we have dishes that allow you to do just that. Take our chefs choice sushi board with 32 pieces of the freshest seasonal sushi chosen daily by our premier sushi chef for example. The fish is flown in daily from Santa Monica, so it’s the freshest catch you can get in Arizona. We also offer a Churrasco Jardin, a platter showcasing all different meats – steak & sausage sourced directly from Argentina, plus chicken and prawns – completed with mouthwatering sauces and grilled seasonal vegetables.

Come November 1st, we will be switching over completely to a new fall menu and expanding the center piece dishes with creations like our 42oz Tomahawk Bone-In Ribeye - grilled to perfection, served with roasted potatoes and chimichurri, and charred tableside with a torch. I'm also thrilled to bring Lobster Fried Rice to the table. This Asian staple enjoys a succulent 50oz lobster tail place atop a bed of fried rice that features even more lobster and chorizo added to the mixture for a flavorful surprise.

Q: Which ingredients define the fall dining season to you, and how do they make an appearance on Toro’s menu?

A: Squash, fall spices, pumpkin seeds, chai, and cinnamon are the usual holiday favorites. You’ll see them in a variety of ways on our menu, but of course we’ll still be paying respects to our Asian/Latin fusion culture. One dessert that’s a great example is our Warm Chocolate Truffle Brownie. It seems like a straightforward classic, but we change it up and use seasonal staples like sweet potato, marshmallow and graham crackers in playful ways. It's a dish that has to be tasted to be believed!

Q: How do you continue to play with the Latin-Asian fusion aspect of the Toro cuisine?

A: Almost every cocktail and dish on the menu is a hybrid of both cultures, but our sushi is a great illustration. Take the Miso Chipotle Black Cod. A Miso glazed black cod is a staple at most sushi houses, but we turn it on its head and incorporate a chipotle seasoning with a mix of 7 chillies for spice. It melds all of our favorite Asian-Latin flavors together.

Q: What is your perfect food and beverage pairing on the new fall menu?

A: While shaping the current wine list, we were very excited to feature a variety of South American wines not typically seen on the dinner menu. We brought on this incredible Patagonia Pinot Noir, Wapisa. This isn’t the region you typically think of for Pinot Noir, and it’s no wonder considering Patagonia is one of the furthest south wine growing regions in the world. But this brings it such a bright acidity and vibrant juiciness that makes it the perfect food wine. Give me a glass of that, some good buddies and the Bone-In Pork Chop with a Churrasco Jardin to share; that’s a meal you can’t miss.

Q: Your “can’t miss” fall dessert?

A: The Warm Chocolate Truffle Brownie is to die for, but of course you can’t go without doing the La Bomba for an explosive tableside desert experience (if you haven’t tried it yet, it’s a must!). Just make sure to bring lots of friends and lots of spoons so you can taste everything!

La Hacienda – A Conversation with Executive Chef Forest Hamrick

Q: Chef Forest, how has your background shaped your culinary creations?

A: My wife, Marcela, has been one of my greatest inspiration for the last 27 years. She is originally from Mexico, which has given me years of travel and experiences throughout the country and given me exposure to new ingredients – whether that’s at some of the most upscale Mexican restaurants in the world, or simply the mercados, or local markets. I love learning about the culture and its different cuisines from state to state, and pueblo to pueblo. Marcela and my travels have truly been an inspiration in my creativity.

Q: What’s new at La Hacienda this fall?

A: This fall we are collaborating with Richard Sandoval Hospitality in the celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, paying tribute to the memory of loved ones passed. Each of these dishes have cultural significance like the Empanadas de Muerto and the Boneless Short Rib. Empanadas date back to the 16th century in Mexico and were considered the "dish of the working man", as it's contents were considered to be a full meal easily carried to work. We will be using one of the most traditional Mexican chilies, the chili guajillo, to flavor the corn masa that is then filled with a chipotle season braised chicken and accompanied by rich guacamole and a creamy queso fresco.

Further paying tribute to the spirit of the holiday, Mole is one of the most traditional dishes served on Dia de los Muertos. This complex sauce is considered one of the richest in all of Mexico and families often share this dish with both living visitors and the souls of their ancestors when it is placed on the altars for Day of the Dead. To pay hommage to this ritual, our mole will be served with a fork-tender, braised boneless short rib that has been cooked in an array of chilies, alliums and aromatics and accompanied with a creamy sweet potato puree and baby carrots - definitely a dish that can't be missed!

Q: Which ingredients define the fall dining season to you, and how do they make an appearance on La Hacienda’s menu?

A: Fall here in The Valley is definitely where you begin to see apples, pears, pumpkin and squashes along with braised and comforting dishes. For our comforting dish, we’re adding a Seafood Pozole Verde with baby squid shrimp, clams, white corn, and cempazuchil oil. A new desert we’re excited to put out is “El Ritual”, which is a variation of a milhojas layer cake, and features flavors of pumpkin cooked with smoked sugar cane, layered with mandarin chocolate sauce and caramelized phyllo.

Q: Dia de los Muertos seems to be a major inspiration for the fall menu. What is the cultural significance and why choose to represent it with food?

A: Dia de Los Muertos is going to be celebrated for about a months' time here at the Restaurant. Traditionally it is recognized and celebrated November 1^st and 2nd. On these two days, families welcome in the spirits of loved ones that have deceased by elevating an altar and placing offerings that their loved ones once enjoyed which includes food, drink, music, etc... Very much celebrated throughout Mexico and also here in the states. Since food brings us all together, and is a great tool for expression, we only thought it appropriate to celebrate this way.

Q: What is your perfect food and beverage pairing on the new fall menu?

A: The boneless short rib paired with a young mezcal would be my go to on this season!

Q: Your “can’t miss” fall dessert?

A: Besides the experiencing the Pastel de Queso - a Requeson custard and black sapote chocolate cake topped with cajeta caramel sauce and smoked pecan marzipan crumble, I can’t wait to get a bite of Chef Joel’s Pan de Muerto with Champurrado, which is essentially a thick Mexican hot chocolate. I'm a true lover of all things bread.

Dine with us at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and try all these creative, festive meals yourself!

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION

Bucket List Experiences for All Types of UK Travelers

Scottsdale abounds in experiences for all types of travelers. Existing as a playground for foodies, families, wellness travelers and adventure seekers alike, the fun to be had on vacation in Arizona is as big as the sky above and as vibrant as our famous Southwestern cotton candy sunsets. Traveling to our Southwestern haven from across the pond has never been easier; myriad direct flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport have been added from London Heathrow Airport, boasting just an 11 hour direct flight time.
Calling all travelers with any inkling of wanderlust to step into the Sonoran Desert and cross a few things off their travel bucket list! It’s time to gather your loved ones, adorn your face with your favorite sunglasses, and prepare to make memories you’ll never forget.

Here Comes the Sun

Scottsdale enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year – making it one of the most reliable warm weather destinations there is. Contrast this to the bleak 59 sunny day average in the UK! Swap your cloudy skies for soaring saguaros because no matter what time of year you plan a visit, it’s likely to fall on a day where you’ll need sunscreen instead of an umbrella. Yes, the summers can be toasty with temperatures reaching 46 degrees Celsius (115 for our Fahrenheit friends), but the majority of the year enjoys moderate days perfect for lounging poolside or hitting the links. There are six stunning pools here at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess alone that are perfect for soaking up the sun, including one pool with two 200-foot waterslides to race your loved ones down, and two adult-only pools to enjoy an afternoon under swaying palm trees. Yes – the Scots invented golf, but stateside the sport has become as American as Apple Pie. Enjoy your best 18 holes on two of the most famous courses in all of Arizona at TPC Scottsdale, located just steps from the resort. With 200+ courses in Scottsdale and weather that’s playable year-round, it’s a haven for fans of the fairway.

Spice up your Scottsdale Stay with Authentically Local Activities

Craving a little adventure? Look no further than the Celebration Concierges at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Whatever your inner thrill seeker hopes to find, our dedicated team of experts can make it happen. Touch the clouds as you soar 900 meters over the Valley of the Sun in a sunrise hot air balloon. Traverse through the sandy desert and buckle up for an off-road ATV adventure that ends with stargazing and night vision goggles. Become one with nature while hiking one of the many the trails of the majestic peaks of the McDowell Mountains and stop to smell the blooming Sonoran flora and fauna. Giddy up and take in the best views of the Tonto National Forrest from atop a trusty steed and learn how to lasso, tomahawk throw, and skeet shoot like a true cowboy or cowgirl.

A Dining Destination

Undeniably, one of our favorite ways to discover any destination is through cuisine, and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers five signature restaurants that bring destination dining to you! While in the Southwest, Mexican food is simply a must, and La Hacienda – rated Arizona’s #1 Mexican restaurant – offers a taste of history and heritage in every bite. From the tableside guacamole to the signature Filet a la Parilla (grilled beef tenderloin served over Oaxaca cheese enchiladas), each bite is bursting with bold, authentic flavors. The resident Tequila Goddess stands by to help pair your meal with the perfect tequila for a match made in heaven.

Bourbon Steak by James Beard Award-winning chef, Michael Mina, brings the classic American Steakhouse experience to you. Serving melt-in-your-mouth cuts of the best American, Japanese and Australian beef and succulent selections of fresh fish. The 930 selection Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list ensures no wine glass goes empty beside your mouthwatering dinner.

Tucked away at the end of the 18th green at TPC Scottsdale’s famous Stadium Course, a Pan-Latin paradise awaits. Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar brings a culinary adventure with unexpected Japanese and Chinese-Peruvian influences thoughtfully woven into every dish and cocktail. Toro is a celebration for the taste buds and serves up the freshest sushi, sashimi and nigiri in the valley alongside Scottsdale’s largest rum collection.

Dining alfresco is one of the great pleasures Arizona is able to indulge in throughout the year, and all five of our restaurants host stunning patios to set the backdrop to unforgettable meals. Even the pools offer creative culinary and craft cocktails delivered to the comfort of your cabana or sun chair. All you need do is ask, and we are happy to prove why the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is continually rated Arizona’s best dining resort.

Rest, Relaxation, and Retail Therapy

A Scottsdale escape wouldn’t be complete without a little R&R, and where better to find an oasis in the Sonoran Desert than at the spa? Well renowned as a wellness destination, sunny Scottsdale’s spas offer a restoration of the mind, body and soul. Well & Being Spa within the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess invites the spa-goer to discover a wellness journey that features a personalized palette of spa experiences to color your relaxation with. Transcendent signature treatments for the whole body and perfectly Parisian Sisley-Paris Spa facials and massages nourish and soothe, resulting in sensorial serenity all within 44,000 square feet of tranquility.

Once you emerge from the spa anew, you’ll need a fresh wardrobe to complete your transformation. Shopping in Scottsdale is plentiful, featuring niche boutiques and luxury designer goods in spades. While days can be spent hauling shopping bags to and fro, that retail-itch can be scratched on the way to dinner or returning from the pool at our resort. Featuring sought-after brands like Lilly Pulitzer, Travis Matthews, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Lululemon and more, the five shopping stops at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess can provide stylish outfitting for leisure, business and everything in between. No need to shop till you drop – just shop until you need a bellman to help return your spoils to your room. And if you don’t have any more room in your suitcase and find yourself sitting on your luggage attempting to get the zippers to meet, we’ll ship your items home to you!

The Whole Family

Whether you seek a romantic respite to rekindle your romance, a fair-weather family vacation, or a solo spell in serenity, activities abound in Scottsdale for every type of traveler. Locally, it’s well known that if it’s happening in Scottsdale, it’s happening at the Princess – and we’re especially known for our holiday legacy events.

Happening now through September 5th, enjoy a retro recess that celebrates all the retro nostalgia from the ‘80s & ‘90s at Let’s Roll Summer at the Princess. You and the kiddos can get your game on and relive the glory days of the golden era for arcade games. Lace up a pair of quads and get groovy while skating in our outdoor roller disco oasis. Get glowing and play 9 holes at the glow-in-the-dark mini golf course and partake in a Ghost Blasterz themed laser tag adventure.

After Labor Day, the property transforms into a winter wonderland for Christmas at the Princess, showcasing more than 6.5 million twinkling lights, a 95 foot Ferris wheel, a 6,000 square foot outdoor ice rink, and 65 acres of true Christmas magic. A tradition for many locals and travelers alike, our annual Christmas celebration has to be seen to be believed (much like Mr. Claus himself!). Believe in the magic and experience Christmas like never before.

Scottsdale’s Seductive Bounty

Treat yourself to the desert chic lifestyle, where palms, cacti and flitting birds abound. A bucket-list worthy destination, Scottsdale’s many mouthwatering menus, jaw-dropping views, thrilling adventures and luxurious spas deserve a place in your travel docket. Swap your cloudy skies and cold temps for endless sunshine and life in living color. What are you waiting for?

Discover Your Next Sanctuary

A Weekend Wellness Itinerary for Moms in Scottsdale

While Disney and Universal have their undeniable charms, and top-ranked children’s museums are always on the travel itinerary, it’s time to seek a vacation that goes beyond mere family entertainment and redefine what out-of-office means to you.

Moms: Heed this advice—A best-friend fueled wellness weekend in Scottsdale is just what you need to recharge your spirit, revitalize your soul and bring you back to being the best mom you can possibly be. A mom's best friends are not just friends; they are confidantes, cheerleaders, and lifelines. These are the incredible women who have been there through the ups and downs of motherhood, offering unwavering support and understanding. They share the laughter, the tears, and the moments of pure joy. Girl time is not just important, it is essential for a mom's well-being.

So gather your closest friends to embark on a life-changing wellness vacation that includes cherished moments, reconnecting with each other and yourselves. On the agenda: Best friend time spent lounging by the pool, reconnecting on life and love without any interruptions. Taking time to savor a meal not spent standing at the kitchen sink. Entering the doors of a magnificent spa, knowing today it’s truly all about YOU. Here’s our custom-curated itinerary just for moms looking for some girl time in sunny Scottsdale, AZ!

WHERE TO STAY AT THE FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS

Privado Villas

Is there much benefit to a wellness vacation if planning and logistics of it all left you completely frazzled? Serenity awaits at Fairmont Scottsdale’s newest resort-within-a-resort, Privado Villas. Enlist the expert help of our Privado Experience Concierge to take the stress out of planning a wellness vacation. A girls’ weekend getaway in Scottsdale offers an abundance of wellness-focused offerings, allowing each of you to tailor your experience to your own unique personal journeys. Revive positive connections, uncover new interests, welcome rejuvenating experiences and let the sunshine nourish your body and soul. Privado offers space to spread out and breathe, with spacious, modern studios and one-bedroom suites. Take up residence and luxuriate in the upscale exclusivity!

Fairmont Gold x Bryte Bed

Health is the ultimate luxury. Or for moms, is it sleep? Every mom knows sleep carries exponential potential to revitalize our daily rhythms and restore our sense of peace, awareness and gratitude. With the Bryte Bed Sleep Experience available exclusively in Fairmont Gold at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, the perfect slumber sets you up for daytime success during your wellness journey. This restorative smart bed learns from your body and fine-tunes temperature, firmness and other settings to maximize your sleep quality. In partnership with Well & Being Spa, Bryte Bed guests also receive complimentary access to the spa’s facilities, complete with an adult-only rooftop pool, dry and wet saunas, waterfall grotto and more.

WHAT TO DO IN THE VALLEY OF THE SUN

Spa

Enjoy one of the most restorative and sought-after spa experiences in Scottsdale at Well & Being Spa. Housed within 44,000 sq. ft. of spa bliss are two incredible experiences—Sisley Paris Spa and Well & Being Spa. Both designed to pamper moms beyond measure, it’s completely left up to you to decide how you’d prefer to decompress. Enjoy 60- or 90-minutes of bliss with a signature massage or facial, try a group sound bowl meditation class, treat yourselves to mani pedis at the salon or breathe in calming scents and silence in the inhalation room. We guarantee with each sip of tea, coffee or champagne in your lush spa robes the stress will slip further and further away.

Connect

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ wellness philosophy is rooted in the belief that self-care is not an indulgence but a necessity, and our surrounding city provides the ideal backdrop to embark on this transformative path. Immerse yourself in the healing embrace of our serene Scottsdale surroundings, where the vast expanse of desert vistas and majestic mountains inspire a sense of tranquility and introspection. Plan a hike up nearby on Tom’s Thumb Trail, visit a local farmer’s market at High Street, take in the meditation-friendly grounds of the Phoenix Botanical Garden’s Contemplation Garden or Japanese Friendship Garden or take a day trip up to Sedona, the country’s epicenter of spiritual and personal enrichment.

Lounge

Nothing says self-care more than an adult-only pool, plush daybeds and a cocktail-stacked bar. Let your responsibilities float away and prepare to fully enjoy kid-free poolside freedom at Sonoran Landing Pool. Need we say more?

WHAT TO EAT IN SCOTTSDALE

Discover the vibrant and healthy culinary scene that Scottsdale has to offer. From farm-to-table restaurants to organic cafes, the city is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking delicious and nutritious options. Indulge in fresh, locally sourced ingredients and savor flavors that are not only delightful but also support your overall well-being. Scottsdale's commitment to healthy dining ensures that you can nourish your body while enjoying memorable dining experiences.

Ironwood American Kitchen

Chef Jason Allen’s Ironwood menus are rooted in Arizona’s farmland heritage and feature the season’s freshest local flavors. Harissa Charred Cauliflower provides a wonderful chili herb crunch, the Wood Roasted Salmon is a fan-favorite and the new Brunch Tasting Boards (think charcuterie, but make it brunch) are the perfect savory and sweet treat for your group.

Arcadia Farms Cafe

Experience the farm-to-table concept at Arcadia Farms Cafe, a quaint local-favorite tucked into Old Town Scottsdale. The Café offers signature omelets for breakfast, gourmet sandwiches, fresh organic salads, seasonal French-inspired entrées, fine wines & spirits, and hand crafted patisseries. Looking to learn some new you can take back home with you? They have you covered with their Lunch + Learn series where you can learn tips, tricks and techniques from their chefs as they prepare signature dishes featuring local and seasonal ingredients.

Bourbon Steak

Offering the world’s finest cuts of premium beef and seafood, as well as innovative vegetarian and vegan options, Bourbon Steak is perfect for a girl’s night out. Quality is key to Executive Chef Sara Garrant’s dishes; she believes if you treat the ingredients with respect from start to finish, guests can taste the difference. Recommendations include the Snake River Farms Flat Iron, Michael Mina’s Tuna Tartare and the Chilled Asparagus Soup.

True Food Kitchen

Minutes from the resort, you’ll find The Scottsdale Quarter, an open-air shopping destination buzzing with popular boutiques and restaurants. Here you’ll find True Food Kitchen, serving delicious and nutritious fare based on the research of Dr. Andrew Weil. Turning super foods to comfort foods, True Food Kitchen offers a menu worth exploring.

Wellness Retreats in Scottsdale

With its luxurious spas, holistic wellness experiences, outdoor adventures, and healthy dining options, Scottsdale provides an idyllic setting for your well-being journey. And the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is the ideal destination for those seeing a mom-approved AAA Five Diamond getaway to the desert. Embark on a journey of self-care, relaxation, and rejuvenation like no other. Try our Sisley-Paris Spa or Well & Being Spa 3-day retreats as an easy way to begin planning!

A well-rounded wellness journey is built around cherished moments, where we can laugh, vent and reconnect with the parts of ourselves that may get overshadowed by our daily routines. Cheers to the best decision you’ve ever made!

Hit The Links At Scottsdale's Spectacular Championship Golf Courses

Perfect your game on stunning desert courses with challenging play and magnificent mountain scenery. Discover immaculate golf courses in Scottsdale that are inspired by the Southwestern landscape, with natural arroyos, rolling ridges, and desert flora. Enjoy easy access to two impressive golf courses right in the resort's backyard: TPC Scottsdale's Champions Course and Stadium Course, the site of the world-famous PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open every winter. Wondering where to golf in Scottsdale? Here's the best of the best.

TPC Scottsdale: Stadium Course

Located adjacent to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, this breathtaking course provides a premium, PGA Tour golf experience. It's home to the PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open and the famous par 3 16th, along with striking mountain views.
TPC Scottsdale: Stadium Course

TPC Scottsdale: Champions Course

Practice your swing on undulating Bermuda fairways at this par 71 course, which offers the only Emerald Green greens and tee boxes in Arizona. Situated next to our Scottsdale resort, it features a phenomenal ending and a new modern clubhouse.
TPC Scottsdale: Champions Course

Grayhawk Golf Club: Talon Course

Ranked as one of the top courses in the U.S., this prestigious par 72 course is beautifully blended into its Southwestern landscape. Enjoy panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains and the Phoenix skyline sparkling in the distance.
Grayhawk Golf Club: Talon Course

Grayhawk Golf Club: Raptor Course

Discover thrilling golf play and a high-stakes game of risk and reward at this meandering course. Deep arroyos, hidden greens, and a natural amphitheater protected by three bunkers present a stout challenge to even the most avid golfer. Grayhawk Golf Club: Raptor Course

Troon North Golf Club: Monument Course

Wide fairways wind through a lush desert landscape on this picturesque course, which was designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish. Greens roll between natural arroyos and towering saguaro cacti. Keep an eye out for the area's abundant wildlife as you play.
Troon North Golf Club: Monument Course

Troon North Golf Club: Pinnacle Course

With narrow fairways, longer forced carries, and elevation changes, this course presents challenges for experienced players along with stunning desert scenery. It stretches through the ravines and across the foothills in the high Sonoran Desert and Pinnacle Peak.
Troon North Golf Club: Pinnacle Course

We-Ko-Pa: Cholla Course

Play on a dramatic course that runs across desert washes and hillside ridges through the unspoiled Sonoran Desert. Located on land owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, this pristine course is free from all real estate development and is a true natural treasure.
We-Ko-Pa: Cholla Course

We-Ko-Pa: Saguaro Course

Following the natural movement of the land, this par 71 course offers a traditional layout with greens that are close to the tees. It's ranked as the #1 public access course in Arizona by Golfweek and was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.
We-Ko-Pa: Saguaro Course

Scottsdale: The Southwest's Hottest Shopping Scene

Shopping isn't a sideshow here - it's a way of life. From leisurely strolls through outdoor malls to treasure hunts for that special souvenir, Scottsdale caters to shopaholics of every stripe. You'll find more than 2,500 luxury shops in the city, along with rustic cowgirl boutiques, Native American crafts, and popular high-end luxury brands. Enjoy open-air retail therapy or cool off in air-conditioned malls.

The Shops At Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Discover one-of-a-kind souvenirs and locally made gifts at five distinctive shops at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Provisions (authentically local items and Starbucks), Anna J Boutique (women's fashion), Maverick (men's fashion), Well & Being Community Market (spa boutique), and Trailblazers Adventure Center Shop (kids and pool essentials).

Kierland Commons

Located 2.4 miles from the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, this artfully designed outdoor mall offers Main Street-style shopping and outdoor patio dining. Top retailers include Anthropologie, Athleta, Sur La Table, Michael Kors, and Crate & Barrel.
View Kierland Commons on Google Map

Scottsdale Quarter

Stroll charming streetscapes at this eclectic, city-inspired destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Situated 2.5 miles from our resort, it features dancing fountains and top-tier brands like Apple, Kendra Scott, L'Occitane, and Restoration Hardware. 
View Scottsdale Quarter on Google Map

Biltmore Fashion Park

Enjoy a beautiful park-like ambiance at this open-air mall and dining plaza, one of the top shopping centers in Scottsdale. Find sophisticated retailers and high-end department stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Apple Store, Macy's, lululemon, and Pottery Barn.
View Biltmore Fashion Park on Google Map

Old Town Scottsdale

Spend a day winding through the quaint streets of Old Town Scottsdale, with more than 150 boutiques, shops, and specialty stores in this historic neighborhood, which maintains the spirit and flavor of the Old West. Most shops are located in a four-block area around Brown Avenue and Main Street.
View Old Town Scottsdale on Google Map

Scottsdale Fashion Square

Shop luxury brands and upscale stores at this high-end shopping center in Downtown Scottsdale. It's the largest mall in the Southwest, with more than 240 retailers including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy's, and Dillard's. There's also a movie theatre with a rooftop terrace.
View Scottsdale Fashion Square on Google Map

Kids Activities The Whole Family Will Love

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess was built for families. Enjoy kid-friendly fun at Trailblazers Family Adventure Center, our resort's kids club with non-stop games and endless good times, and check out our events calendar to discover family-friendly summer, winter and seasonal events. Make Scottsdale's best family resort your home base for exploring nearby family friendly attractions, museums, zoos and discovery centers. It's time to create some new memories together as a family…making time for play is easy here!

Trailblazers Kids Club

Keep kids happy and entertained with a plethora of activities and opportunities for play at our family-friendly resort, including games, crafts, and swimming. In the morning, enjoy supervised themed fun like wildlife walks and s'mores making at Trailblazers Kids Club, then in the afternoon the family can come together for quality time playing high-tech games and riding virtual reality rides.

Children’s Museum Of Phoenix

Voted one of the 10 best children's museums in America by Reader's Digest, kids can play with more than 300 hands-on exhibits at this colorful and innovative museum. Designed for babies and children up to 10 years old, the CMoP encourages insatiable curiosity and learning through play! Paint in the creative workshop, build giant forts and playhouses, role-play in the children's market, and visit the noodle forest.
215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Butterfly Wonderland

Explore an indoor rainforest habitat with thousands of butterflies and interactive activities. You'll also find reptiles, honeybees, tropical beetles, sharks, stingrays, giant walking sticks, and myriad insects. Watch animal feedings and listen to fascinating bug talks.
9500 East Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

OdySea Aquarium

Encounter more than 30,000 animals at this underwater attraction, the biggest aquarium in the Southwest. Explore 50 different exhibits with animals like sea otters, penguins, jellyfish, and seahorses. Take a break at the ice bar and book a behind-the-scenes tour.
9500 East Vía de Ventura A-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Play with the colorful building blocks in 10 unique play zones at this indoor playground, which also features two rides and a 4D cinema. Go on a Lego factory tour, visit tiny cities in Miniland, and pick up Lego sets for souvenirs at the gift shop. 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir #135, Tempe, AZ 85282

Arizona Cowboy College

Home, home on the range…Learn how to be a real cowboy or cowgirl on a working ranch with trail rides and training. Find private and group lessons for Western and English horseback riding, including jumping, roping, and cattle drives. Kids can attend a sleepover summer camp as well.
30208 N 152nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Bearizona

See bears and other unique wildlife in their natural habitat of the beautiful Kaibab National Forest at this drive-through wilderness park. Explore Fort Bearizona and watch a dramatic Birds of Prey Show. There's also a Mine Shaft Experience, petting zoo, and walk-through park with baby animals.
1500 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

Meet cheetahs and jaguars. Go on safari and feed the giraffes. Watch sea lions frolic. With rides, an aquarium, and a safari park, this zoo is always a hit with the kids. It features more than 600 different species, with a focus on African and South American animals.
16501 W Northern Ave, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

Rawhide

Witness a Wild West gunfight and stunt show at this theme park-inspired Western town and restaurant. Feast on steaks and barbecue, visit the sheriff's office, and see real horse-drawn carriages. It's touristy but fun, especially for the young and young at heart.
5700 W North Loop Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226

Free Spirited Desert Exploration

With 300+ days of sunshine each year and abundant natural beauty, it's easy to choose your own outdoor adventure in Scottsdale. Saddle up a horse and ride toward the horizon in a real-life Old West fantasy. Blaze new trails in an ATV and put some miles on your hiking shoes trekking to a summit ridge. Soar into the wild blue yonder in the basket of a colorful hot air balloon. From river rafting to mountain biking, you'll find nothing but awe-inspiring outdoor adventure.

Hike

From dog-friendly Fossil Springs (complete with two watering holes to stop by for a scenic break) to a quick pass up Pinnacle Peak or more rigorous romp up the iconic back of Camelback mountain, Arizona is an unrivaled destination for both avid and novice hikers alike. Bring your boots, backpack and sunscreen and set out for a day of adventure just moments away.

Bike

Designated a "ride center" by the International Mountain Biking Association, the Phoenix area is officially recognized as the pinnacle of mountain biking communities. Arizona is home to some of the best mountain bike trails in the country—from the Hiline to the 40th St. Trailhead, to Dixie Mountain, Deem Hill, and the Gateway Loop. Rent a bike or bring your own and set out for an unforgettable outdoor adventure tailored to your personal skill level.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Float over the beautiful Sonoran Desert on a tranquil ride in a hot air balloon during sunrise or sunset. Get a fresh perspective on the awe-inspiring landscape as you watch for wildlife, giant saguaro cacti, and natural landmarks. Celebrate your arrival back on the ground with a champagne toast!

Off-Road Expeditions

Hop in your ATV or Jeep and head out into the Arizona wilderness on your own or with a guided tour. Go off-roading on top of Sedona's iconic red-rock formations on the Broken Arrow trail, or explore fascinating stops along the way to the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Follow twisting mountain trails and see fascinating destinations including Native American ruins, old mines, and sparkling desert lakes.

Explore Nature Trails

Hop in your ATV or Jeep and head out into the Arizona wilderness on your own or with a guided tour. Go off-roading on top of Sedona's iconic red-rock formations on the Broken Arrow trail, or explore fascinating stops along the way to the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Follow twisting mountain trails and see fascinating destinations including Native American ruins, old mines, and sparkling desert lakes.

Kayaking & Rafting

Grab your paddle for a refreshing excursion along the gentle Salt River or see some of the best sights in Arizona along the Mogollon Rim's peaceful Blue Ridge Reservoir. Enjoy a smooth-water float in the desert's most valuable resource and look for birds and wildlife along the shore. Rent your own gear or join a guided tour.

Bondurant Racing School

Have you always dreamed of being a racecar driver? This high-performance racing school teaches everyday drivers how to handle curves and speed like a pro. Try road racing, drag racing, or simply improve your skills. School has never been this much fun! 20000 S Maricopa Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226

Phoenix's Best Museums & Galleries

Broaden your horizons with a deeper understanding of the American Southwest at our most enthralling museums. Browse thought-provoking galleries of modern art and ancient artifacts. Experience world-famous architectural wonders and real Wild West history. From global music to native cultures, discover new learning adventures and awe-inspiring moments at these unique museums in Scottsdale and Phoenix.

Musical Instrument Museum

See the piano where John Lennon composed "Imagine" plus 10,000 other instruments from 200 different countries at this comprehensive museum, ranked one of the top 15 museums in the United States and located just minutes from the resort. It's also home to the world's first Steinway piano and a custom Yamaha guitar from Carlos Santana's collection. Play instruments from all across the world in the interactive Experience Gallery, from a West African djembe to a Peruvian harp!

4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050

Scottsdale Museum Of Contemporary Art

Discover a global collection of modern and contemporary art, design, and architecture at SMoCA. Located in Old Town and surrounded by boutique Scottsdale art galleries, the museum features a unique "skyspace" where you can experience the changing light and color of the desert sky.
7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Scottsdale’s Museum Of The West

Visit this Smithsonian Affiliate destination and you'll see the West from a whole new perspective where stories come to life through Western and Native American art, artifacts and living cultures. Discover exhibits of Western art, genuine Old West cowboy gear, Hopi pottery across six centuries, and bronze sculptures. Don't miss the Native American buffalo robes, pristine Navajo chief's blankets, Kit Carson's pistol, and the presentation style pipe tomahawk of Captain Meriwether Lewis (of Lewis & Clark expedition).
3830 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Taliesin West

Stroll through the personal residence and school of America's most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Completed in 1959, Taliesin West is built from native rocks and merges into the landscape, a stunning architectural gem and National Historic Landmark. Located less than 15 minutes from the resort.
12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259

Arizona Science Center

Be amazed by the wonders of science in Downtown Phoenix at this hands-on, family-friendly museum with more than 300 interactive exhibits. Catch a show in the five-story theater or go stargazing in the planetarium. Ride the Skycycle, play with electricity, and experience forces of nature like hurricanes and earthquakes.
600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Pioneer Living History Museum

Wander among 30 historic buildings and reconstructed structures from the 1880s and early 1900s at this museum, which is also known as Pioneer Village. Highlights of this Old West town include a 19th-century bakery, farmhouse, opera house, school, and cabins.
3901 W Pioneer Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85086

Heard Museum

Explore traditional and contemporary American Indian art at this world-renowned museum, which features 12 unique galleries and outdoor sculpture gardens. Join a guided tour to learn more about treasures like Zuni jewelry, Navajo textiles, and prehistoric artifacts of the Southwest. Known for its award-winning exhibits, there is always something new to experience at the Heard Museum.
2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Wells Fargo History Museum

Learn about Old West history at this Downtown Phoenix museum with a collection of original stagecoaches, gold nuggets, mining relics and the largest collection of Western-themed oil paintings by illustrator N.C. Wyeth. Explore exhibits on the Pony Express and the telegraph, and browse cool old-timey photos and tintypes.
145 W Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Which Luxury Room is Right for You?

Whether you’re traveling to Scottsdale on business or leisure, choosing the perfect room for your occasion can feel overwhelming. After all, each room type sets different tones for your stay, and can enhance how enjoyable the getaway is. With 750 rooms at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and more than 30% of that inventory existing in the premium category, we have a room for every budget and type of traveler. Here we break down all our luxury rooms and all their unique perks and features so you can discover your perfect haven of carefree comfort infused with genuine desert character and free-spirited local luxury. 

PRIVADO - Private

Live the good life at Arizona’s newest ultra-luxe experience – Privado Villas, the newest addition to the AAA Five Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale Princess family. Private or social, active or restful, lavish or soulful – Privado is full of endless possibilities at the Princess paired with the seclusion and privacy of your own luxury villa, making for the perfect escape time after time. With sweeping views of the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, Privado is located on the west end of the resort in an exclusive enclave with its own relaxation pool, check-in space, and parking area. Bespoke touches never cease to impress and concierge service of the highest standard effortlessly curates your stay from booking to ‘bon voyage’. 

Additional Perks:

• Entertaining a guest? The custom sofa turns into a queen sized bed
• Relax to the crackling of the in-room gas fireplace
• Start the day with coffee on the private, oversized patio
• Large bathroom with dual vanities, luxury rain shower, walk-in closet, and oversized soaking tubs available upon request
• Bespoke service provided by the Privado Concierge staff who will help with any question you may have, in addition to itinerary planning for your stay
• Nightly turndown service
• Elevated in-room Nespresso coffee bar
• Preferred dining and spa reservations at the resort
• A host of complimentary services including:
• Daily access to Well & Being Spa
• Shuttle service within 3 mile radius
• Valet Parking
• Elevated welcome beverages and snacks upon arrival

Standard Suites & Studios

Inspired by the natural beauty of the southwest, these ultra-luxe suites and studios give you an elevated residential-style villas to give you and your guests the stress-free stay you're looking for. Gather together at the round table for four or on your private patio or balcony. Privado studios and suites are ideal for curating the perfect escape for families and friends.

Privado Ambassador Suites

Enjoying all the standard inclusions and amenities of Privado, the Ambassador Suites provide a luxurious escape, ideal for any small gathering. One of their best features, is that that they connect with a Privado Suite for even more flexible and spacious accommodations! Away on business and need a meeting space set with a conference table? Or perhaps you and the Bridal party need to spread out to get ready for the big day?

The main living area of the Ambassador includes a plush sofa, Queen Murphy bed, wet bar, large table for eight and a full bathroom, which offers you and your guests plenty of room and versatility for any occasion. Take full advantage of the sunny Arizona weather and clear late night skies by spending time on the over-sized patio with its own private fire pit – the perfect place for an alfresco night cap and some deep conversation. 

FAIRMONT GOLD - Social

Make the most of every moment in Fairmont Gold. This is the best area to you enjoy unparalleled service, personalized attention, and contemporary amenities with a social aspect. 

Additional Perks:

• Nightly turndown service
• Personalized service from the Fairmont Gold Concierges, available from 7am - 8pm
• Walk-in closet and chest of drawers
• A Variety of Complimentary Amenities
• Access to the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge
• Self-parking located within close walking distance
• Daily access to Well & Being Spa
• Shoe shine and garment pressing

Fairmont Gold Junior Suite

Welcome to Fairmont Gold. The private, yet social, hub of the hotel. Upon check-in at the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lobby, you walk into the Fairmont Gold Lounge and are greeted with upscale comfort. Oversized chairs and couches invite you to take a load off and enjoy the daily continental breakfast (that features a menu that changes daily), afternoon treats, evening hors d’ouevres and an honor bar. On a business trip and don’t want to host a meeting in your room? Invite them to the lounge for happy hour. Away with the family and wish to enjoy one of the best breakfasts on property? Fairmont Gold. Or perhaps you just wish to enjoy the energy of the space with a good book or in-depth conversation with a fellow traveler. 

Once you retreat back to your Fairmont Gold Junior Suite after enjoying the delectable inclusions at the lounge, functional details elevate the experience. The separate living and bedroom spaces – each with their own 60 inch tv – invite you to you kick up your feet with a good bottle of wine on the sectional or the private balcony or patio and enjoy the sun setting against the surrounding Sonoran landscape.

Available in select rooms, embrace the opportunity for an unparalleled sleep and cloud-like comfort with the Restorative Sleep Experience by Bryte, which provides guests with the most cutting-edge, AI-powered sleep technology. Designed to help you fall asleep faster, sleep longer and more soundly, and wake naturally feeling refreshed and restored. 

Pro tip: Add on a curated service from our Sleep Menu for the most restful night possible!

Fairmont Gold One-Bedroom Suite

Fairmont Gold One-Bedroom Suites are designed with a modern, bohemian-chic vibe and gracefully tailored décor and are nothing short of unforgettable. Enjoying a large parlor with an expansive living room, modern queen-sized sleeper sofa,  high-top table for six, and luxuriously appointed bathroom, these suites are available as a two-bedroom option with a connecting Fairmont Gold Junior Suite for added space and flexibility. Host the family reunion slideshow here, or the private business meeting and all your guests will be happy. 

SUNSET BEACH SUITES - Families

Sunset Beach One-Bedroom Suite

For those traveling with the whole family, the Sunset Beach One-Bedroom Suite is one of the most flexible guest rooms at the Princess. This spacious suite also enjoys the serene views of palm trees and the white sand of Sunset Beach Pool and the prime location, but it can also be configured to connect with two other suites to create the only true three-bedroom suite in the entire hotel – and it boasts up to 2,139 sq. ft. when connected as such! It can often be difficult or tense when traveling with those you love if you are all living on top of one another, but this suite allows everyone to have their own private escape to create memories. 

The expansive living area in the suite enjoys a queen sleeper sofa with chaise lounge, table for five, separate half-bath in the foyer, and collapsible sliding doors which open up to an oversized patio – making this suite the perfect gathering place for family reunions and other large group travel. The primary bedroom offers a quiet retreat with a king bed and its own private patio. The bedroom opens to reveal an en-suite bathroom that is more akin to a luxurious spa retreat with double vanities, an oversized shower, and large soaking tub for ultimate relaxation. No, you don’t need an invitation to pop some bubbly and enjoy a bubble bath all to yourself. Hop on in – the water’s fine!

STANDARD PRINCESS SUITES - Versatile

Cholla Suite 

Cholla Suites set the stage for an intimate retreat and offers itself as a quiet retreat with beautiful views overlooking Princess Pool and TPC Scottsdale from the private balcony. Romance sings to the honeymooners from the views of palm trees as they open their first bottle of champagne together as newlyweds in this suite. The elegantly designed bedroom shows off a king bed and large wooden armoire, while the modern living space features a queen sleeper sofa with chaise lounge, lounge chair, and beautiful table for four that can easily function as a dining space or work place. 

Conveniently located on the third and fourth floors of the resort’s main building, these suites are perfect for those who want to have easy access to all areas of property and is a stone’s throw from the main lobby. Here, our couples celebrating their nuptials can connect with our Celebration Concierges to plan the most memorable excursions and check off bucket list experiences to mark the momentous start of their lives together.

Pro tip: When planning your annual holiday travel, the Cholla Suites in Sunset Beach rooms are closest to the bulk of the Christmas at the Princess festivities. This will allow you to get more out of the holiday activities and your tired little ones will thank you after seeing Santa and having too much fun at all of our reindeer games as you walk them back to their holiday home-away-from-home!

One-Bedroom Suite 

The One-Bedroom Suite is one of our most popular suites here at the hotel for all types of travelers, due to its spacious layout and prime location. Located on the ground floor, these suites have gorgeous views of the resort’s lush lagoon and face TPC Scottsdale. Whether hosting a bachelor or bachelorette party, family gathering or business meeting, this suite allows all your guests to slip into a state of perfect relaxation. The main living area features a queen size murphy bed, conference or dining area with a table for six, sofa and two chairs, large wet bar with microwave and mini-fridge, private patio and also hosts its own full bathroom.

Pro tip: As the host hotel for the annual PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open, we offer a private entrance to the tournament right from our backyard into the 5th hole of TPC Scottsdale. These rooms enjoy the closest access to our gate, and you’ll be out on the greens enjoying the People’s Open before you can say, “FORE”.

PREMIUM LUXURY SUITES

Grand Sonoran Suite

If you got it, flaunt it – and that’s just what this suite does! Showcasing the best views from the hotel, including the sparkling blue waters in Princess Pool, the flora and fauna of the lush lagoon, the perfectly manicured greens of TPC Scottsdale and the rugged mountains beyond. Viewing the sunset from this suite is nothing short of breathtaking as you get a front row seat to the vibrant cotton candy clouds that Arizona is famous for.

Fondly referred to as “the heart of the hotel," this suite truly is in the center of the hotel and allows you and your guests to reach all areas of property with ease. From the moment you enter the Grand Sonoran Suite, you feel as if you’ve entered another world entirely. Featuring one or two elevated adjoining bedrooms available, as well as an upscale living space with a two-way fireplace, conference/dining table for six, multiple seating areas, large wet bar and a full bathroom, this suite is dressed to impress. Your guests won’t be able to stop talking about the elegance dripping from every square inch of this up-to-3,200 sq. ft. suite. The primary bedroom showcases a contemporary four-poster king bed, an oversized closet and dressing area, and its own private balcony that’s completely separated from the main patio in the living space. Luxuriate in the en-suite bathroom with a deep soaking tub just calling your name to fill it with hot water and bubbles, an extended glass shower and dual vanities.

Additional Perks:

• Complimentary Amenities
• Daily access to Well & Being Spa
• Daily access to the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge for extra relaxation and daily refreshments

Presidential Suite

Could it possibly get better than the Grand Sonoran Suite? Yes, yes it can! Live like true Princess royalty in this magnificent haven, the Presidential Suite – the Palace at the Princess. The beautiful hardwood flooring invites you into the space, and you are greeted by the expansive living room: 2,100 sq. ft. of living room to be exact. With multiple seating areas, a striking two-way fireplace, locally inspired artwork, large table for six, and private bathroom, there are plenty of vignettes for you and your guests to enjoy throughout your stay. What appear to be windows at first glance reveal themselves to be bi-folding collapsible glass doors that open to reveal a full-length terrace with views of the golf course, lagoon and mountains rivaled only in beauty by the Grand Sonoran Suite. Further into the living room, the hidden butler’s pantry with a coffee bar and the hotel’s only in-room full-sized refrigerator calls your name. Soon, you discover the in-suite private fitness room, boasting free weights, a yoga mat and a private Pelaton. 

As the largest suite in the hotel, it can connect up to two additional elevated bedrooms to configure to 3,675 sq. ft. The primary bedroom features a lavish four-poster bed, its own private patio and luxurious bathroom with soaking tub. The Presidential Suite invites you and your guests for your best stay at the Princess yet. Welcome to our royal family.

Additional Perks:

• Complimentary Amenities:
• Daily access to Well & Being Spa
• Daily access to the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge for extra relaxation and daily refreshments

While traveling, your hotel room becomes your home-away-from home. Whether you are traveling to commemorate a milestone celebration, on a business trip, or simply enjoying a staycation, these luxury suites all have something different to offer your travels. If you haven’t already, elevate your next stay at the Princess and revel in refined luxury to help you leave the world behind for a little. Experience the effortless elegance of our Premium Luxury Suites.

Ways to Make Sure Your Guests Have Fun at Your Destination Wedding

Your wedding is all about YOU. But isn’t it that much better when you know everyone is having the time of their lives? A destination wedding is the perfect opportunity to make new memories with your closest family and friends. The wedding might only be one day, but the party doesn’t have to end there! Turn your wedding into a vacation for both you and your guests by choosing a destination known for luxurious amenities, creative activities, mouth-watering restaurants, spa, golf and pools! What actually makes a wedding great, according to guests? Read below to find out!

They Included Our Family

There’s nothing more heartwarming than knowing someone thought of your own family’s unique needs.

When wedding guests travel for destination weddings, including their entire family is thoughtful. Considering an ultra family-friendly resort is extra thoughtful. When families have young children in tow, they are appreciative when the couple has thought of their kids.

A resort with a daily Kids’ Club is always a lifesaver, giving guests time to help with final wedding details, get ready for the events or just spend some quality time together with the adults in the group. Extra activities are a bonus! 

If you’re planning a winter wedding, imagine inviting your guests to a hotel with a real outdoor ice rink, more than 6 million magical (and romantic) twinkling lights, fire pits for s’mores, a 4-story Christmas tree and more! 

If you’re planning a summer wedding, who wouldn’t love dive-in movie nights at the pool, special themed weekend brunches, water slides and more! At the Princess, there’s something for every family member, from two to 92.

They Wow-ed Us with Somewhere New

When your guests think ‘destination wedding’, they may think of Hawaii or Mexico. Why not surprise them with a trip to experience all of the beauty and wonder that the Sonoran Desert has to offer. Known for magical technicolor sunsets and blooming spring wildflowers, Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert is an outdoor escape. Why not plan a picnic rehearsal dinner where you reach your destination on horseback? Or how about a morning-after celebration in the sky as you soar above the majestic McDowell Mountains in a hot air balloon? 

“My husband and I recently got married at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and received superb service from start to finish! The attention to detail, friendly staff, delicious food and incredible atmosphere was unparalleled! It truly was the best time had by all who attended. We continue to receive comments that this was the event of the century and they enjoyed everything about the wedding and venue.” – Patty M.

They Pampered Us in Luxury

Let the details of your wedding show your personality, but let us take care of those details for you. Our bespoke Privado Villas can give your guests luxury and a daily dose of serenity, so your guests can focus on what matters: the wedding. The modern meets magnificent accommodations come complete with fireplaces, daily access to Well & Being Spa (age 18+) and it's located in a secluded area of the property so your whole party can stay near each other and did we mention complimentary laundry service for up to two garments per day? 

You and your guests can also enjoy other five-star accommodations and amenities to make your nuptials one for the books, including:

• Morning delivery of fresh-pressed juice, milk, and pastries
• In-room coffee café, featuring a high-end Nespresso machine and frother for specialty drinks
• Refrigerator stocked with champagne, cold brew, and water upon arrival
• Complimentary valet parking
• Chauffeur service within a 3-mile radius and to/from Scottsdale Municipal Airport 

“Although we didn't have the wedding at this property, this is where our family and friends stayed. Wedding was in December and the place was beautifully decorated, including an ice rink. The property is absolutely beautiful and the service was superb! My husband and I are planning on escaping there for a few days and just enjoy all of the amenities!” – Sylvia P.

They Spiced Up the Weekend with Variety

Different restaurants, all with different tastes. 

Taste is one of our strongest memories, so let's make your wedding unforgettable. Treat guests to a culinary paradise with a different experience for every meal. 

Brunch: We've got you covered at Toro Latin Restaurant and Rum Bar. Enjoy the upbeat energy as walk in, inhale the savory aroma of Pan-Latin cuisine and taste from the largest selection of rum in the Valley.

Lunch: Ironwood American Kitchen uses locally sourced, organic, farm-fresh ingredients that will give you a taste of Arizona. Dive into a new experience with elevated comfort food such as the melt-in-your mouth Noble Grilled Cheese, tender Braised Short Rib and handcrafted cocktails or wine pairings.

Dinner: Make dinner an experience. La Hacienda's twist on modern Mexican cuisine will take your weekend to the next level. Choose from a host of different private dining options, such as tableside guacamole and flaming coffees or host a tequila flight tasting as part of your festivities. 

Give your guests a rare experience, well done, at Bourbon Steak. Deeply satisfying dishes and anticipatory service are complemented by wine, representing iconic vintners from the world's most renowned wine-producing regions.

Drinks: Cap off the night with drinks and fire pits under the Arizona stars at The Plaza Bar. Picture signature craft cocktails, local beers, cigars and wines by the glass.

“Excellent experience! We spent the weekend of our wedding here celebrating our reception at the ballroom. The facilities are great, the grounds are wonderful, but the differentiating qualities if the Princess is the amazing staff!! They are the definition of Customer Obsessed and you feel it from the moment you pull up to the moment you check out. AMAZING!!” – Delores A.

They Allowed Time for Rest & Relaxation

Your guests will be thrilled that you’ve chosen a venue in a beautiful place where they can put their feet up and unwind completely — when they’re not partying at your wedding, that is! 

Ready to plan your destination wedding in Scottsdale? We’ve got you covered. Learn more about our dream-worthy venue and request a consultation with our Wedding Planner today!

Create New Traditions at Your Best Family Reunion Yet

Families come in many shapes and sizes, and they mean something different to all of us. As each year passes, it seems our families spread farther and farther apart across long distances, making it a challenge to stay in touch and up-to-date with everyone’s lives. We rely on video calls, holiday cards and social media posts for connectivity, but secretly long for a chance to share a meal, go on an adventure, or simply create memories together once again. We miss out on many celebrations and simple moments alike just by living apart.

An amazing vacation is the best way to celebrate all of life’s special occasions, and a great way to make new memories with those you love. There is nothing like traveling together and exploring the world to build unbreakable bonds, and it’s the shared history of these moments that becomes your personal story. Family reunions are about more than simply getting together for getting together’s sake. It’s about creating lasting memories, preserving family history, honoring traditions and cheersing to connectedness. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will help you create memories that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Planning a family reunion with your entire extended family can seem like a daunting task, but whether it’s a simple afternoon or a weeklong getaway, the Princess is here to help every step of the way. 

“Plans are nothing. Planning is everything.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

The best events start with a well-thought out and organized plan – but you don’t have to do it alone! No, you don’t need to delegate to Aunt Sally who always has a few too many opinions, instead you can opt for the help of one of our many seasoned event professionals and our dedicated team of Celebration Concierges who will make sure no detail gets left behind.  Whether your event is for 30 or 300, no reunion is too large or too small for our team. Let us help you select the best spaces across our 65-acre resort to host your gatherings and create an itinerary to elevate your moments. Don’t let the granular details get in the way of making memories; alleviate your stress by relying on our team. 

In addition to reserving a private space to watch the family slideshow of pictures “through the years” and making private dining reservations, you’ll want to select a place act as “home base” for the relatives. Here your family can enjoy quality time together chatting and sharing stories, celebrating any major milestones that were missed over the years, and welcoming new members to the family. Many of our rooms at the resort connect to a centralized “parlor” that can create a multi-room suite, and allow for endless entertaining and relaxation. And with 750 rooms, there is also a space for every budget—from a private and luxurious escape in our new, bespoke Privado Villas to the plush comfort of a standard Fairmont room. We also take great pride in being an ADA-compliant hotel, and are pleased to offer our guests a comfortable getaway with a variety of accessible accommodations and experiences. Your family is welcome here!

“You shouldn’t wait for other people to make special things happen. You have to create your own memories.” – Heidi Klum

Parties may come and go, but the memories you’ll make with a Celebration Vacation at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will last a lifetime. It’s not just about the celebration; it’s about the experience. And Scottsdale is a mecca of activities and experiences for all—no matter the kind of traveler you or your family are! When planning your activities, be sure to consider variety in your offerings, and the Princess has many different experiences at-hand. Whether you wish to do every activity together, or encourage the cousins to have their own sky diving adventure to strengthen their bonds while the other relatives reminisce over a great bottle of wine at Bourbon Steak’s bar, you can make sure everyone’s definition of “fun” is being met.

• Wine and dine the foodies in family at our five delicious signature resort restaurants that will keep taste buds engaged as you enjoy various cuisines from famed celebrity chefs, or organize an immersive cooking class taught by our creative culinary minds. You only live once! Lick the bowl! 
• Don’t crash the party – be the party and soak up the sun (or enjoy the cool comfort of the shade) at the six sparkling pools. Lounge the day away in pure comfort and treat yourself and your loved ones to an afternoon under the palms at our desert escape.
• Play like the pros and spring for 18 holes on TPC Scottsdale’s famed Stadium course, the host of PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open, or one of the 200 other immaculately managed golf courses in Scottsdale. 
• Life is a gift. Bask in it! Let us create the ultimate day of nourishment for the mind, body and soul spent relaxing with a bevy of luxurious treatments at the 44,000 sq. foot Well & Being Spa. Take it to the next level and bring the whole family for a personalized Spa’rty including a 60 min. treatment, gourmet spa lunch, and many more perks.
• Seeking a little retail therapy? Enjoy the five shops on property that showcase many local items as well as sought-after designer pieces you won’t find elsewhere.  
• Adventure awaits! Elevate your Arizona vacation with our Celebrations Concierges, who can help arrange tailored-to-you bucket list adventures like airplane excursions to see the Grand Canyon, a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon expedition, a Wild West Jeep tour, or a nighttime ATV trip to take in the magic of the Sonoran Stars. 

At the Princess, we can lead you to extraordinary places with specially arranged day trips in Arizona, and much, much more – all you need to do is ask. 

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around every once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller

Here at the Princess our motto is “yes is the answer; what is the question?” Want matching family T-shirts, arrival activities and in-room amenities (think chocolate-covered strawberries dressed up as cow skulls), a family-themed scavenger hunt, rooms decorated with balloons, family pictures and commemorative favors? If you have something special in mind that we haven’t already thought up, we are happy to put our minds together to deliver the perfect event with the help of our Celebration Concierges. 

A family reunion is all about maximizing precious time. Set aside some time this year to reunite with those you love, preserve family history and traditions, and pass it all to the younger generations to carry on the legacy. A great way to keep track of important memories while on your family retreat is to utilize social media as a family album of sorts. All family members will be able to peruse the hashtag at their leisure, and it will be a great place to look back on all the precious time spent with loved ones #AtThePrincess.

This year, take the opportunity to hug your loved ones once again, as you reunite for a celebration to remember.  Whether you are the family that gets together once every 10 years or once every six months, we encourage you to get away and celebrate everything. Let the celebration vacation planning begin!

Celebrate with us, and cherish every moment!

Shifting the “Season of Giving” to a Year-Long Habit

For ages, the Christmas holiday has fondly been labeled the season of giving. It can be so rewarding to see the look on a loved one’s face when they receive the perfect, thoughtful gift. The act of gift giving feels good, doesn’t it? Recognizing that the holidays can be very difficult for those in need as well, families often build charity into their holiday traditions to donate time or money to various different organizations. Giving to those in need is more than charity – it’s the gift of hope. Giving during the holidays can be very rewarding, but what if we all decided to take it a step further, and integrate the spirit of giving into our everyday lives instead of being limited to a single season, once a year?

At the Princess, year-round philanthropy is more than a buzzword to us, it’s a core belief – and one that we use as an opportunity to connect with the communities in our city where many of our guests live and work, engage with our employees, and invest in future generations. From partnering with Cox Charities and Make-A-Wish Foundation to immense time and effort spent re-envisioning our sustainability footprint as a large business, we aim to affect lasting positive change all around us.

Make-A-Wish and Cox Charities

For many years, the Princess has partnered with Cox Charities to create impact in people’s lives, and this year we are thrilled to announce a new co-partnership with Make-A-Wish Arizona. As a part of Fairmont’s new global campaign, Wishes Start Here, the Princess is dedicated to transforming a child’s most cherished dream into a reality, leaving them with incredible memories that will last a lifetime. This year, we helped make one wish kid’s dream come true. Hannah, an 18 year old on dialysis awaiting a kidney transplant wished to spend a whimsical and wintery Christmas with her family. We were thrilled to host her and her family to join us for our 13th Annual Christmas at the Princess Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Hannah was the very person who illuminated the four story tree – creating magic for all in attendance, and signaling the official start of the Christmas season here in Scottsdale. The first wish granted of many to come!

Along with our partnership with Make-A-Wish comes the Make-A-Wish playhouse, designed for kids – by kids. Inside awaits all the dream elements kids wished for, such as oodles of building games, a spiral slide, space for endless dancing and a beautiful living room filled with teddies. Displayed at the entrance of Christmas at the Princess, we encourage all families in attendance to play inside, meet a real life princess, and ignite their wish at the wish station by writing their heart’s true desire on special wish paper and setting it ablaze to take flight into the heavens to come true. 

“Make-A-Wish Arizona is excited to be a part of the Christmas at the Princess festivities, especially with the Make-A-Wish house that was built by the Fairmont properties to showcase our strong partnership,” said Fran Mallace, President and Chief Executive Officer for Make-A-Wish Arizona. “We cannot wait to see all that we can accomplish together as Make-A-Wish Arizona works toward granting more wishes this year than ever before. We are honored to partner with the Fairmont Princess and appreciative of how they have embraced our wish kids and wish families in the past, present and future.”

Sustainability Initiatives

Details, small changes and little actions add up. That’s how we’ve decided to tackle sustainability and our footprint on the environment. Michael Ortiz takes the lead at the resort as the Process Improvement and Sustainability Manager. “Sustainability is important to me for a variety of reasons, but perhaps the most compelling is the simple fact that it just makes sense. After all, we only have one planet, and it’s up to us to take care of it,” says Ortiz. The Princess’ main goal for 2022 was to eliminate single-use plastic in all formats across the resort, and commit to only working with suppliers whose products are manufactured in a way that respects human rights, labor laws and community well-being. “It’s not just about preserving the environment for its own sake. Sustainability also has the potential to improve our quality of life and create more equitable and just societies… We can create healthier communities and a more livable world for all”. 

Similarly, we source as many products, produce and meat as we possibly can locally. Not only does this support the businesses in our immediate community, but this action limits emissions from long distance travel for items to reach us. We even go so far as to harvest from the plants we have on property – citrus from our trees and prickly pear from our cactus – and utilize them in creative ways throughout our dishes and cocktails to flavor your meals, and engage our various employees across departments in an opportunity to ignite their passion for sustainability. “Knowledge is power. When we understand the impact of our actions on the environment and on others, we are more likely to make choices that align with our values and contribute to the common good,” and Ortiz is passionate about passing this insight along to all he meets.

At the Princess, guests aren’t the only one recharging their batteries on property. Our premises are equipped with six charging stations for electric vehicles, with plans to add many more in the future in anticipation of the societal move toward a global reduction of carbon emissions. In this same vein, we also offer our guests the opportunity to reuse towels and act in favor of Net Positive Hospitality by leaving them on the towel holder instead of the ground for replacement daily. The water and energy savings finance reforestation projects like Plant-for-the-Planet, focused on tackling the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. To date, the Princess has helped plant over 7,000 trees locally, and is part of the global initiative to plant one tree per minute. Food waste can also be astonishing when you examine the output from a large business. All recoverable food at the Princess is donated to the local community to help prevent hunger and we choose to sort and recover all food waste for composting on a large scale. We are the first hotel in Arizona to take this course of action! 

As an ambassador for the resort, Mr. Ortiz says “these actions … have a direct impact on the well-being of the communities in which we operate and the people who rely on these resources. Sustainability is more important now than ever before, as the challenges facing our planet are becoming increasingly urgent. From climate change to biodiversity loss, it is up to all of us to take action and make a difference. [The Princess is] proud of the progress we have made in these areas… Together, we can make a real difference and create a better world for ourselves and future generations.”

Employee Engagement & Charity Initiatives

We aim to empower our employees to follow the paths we’ve chosen as a business, and provide as many people as possible with the opportunity to engage with our local community. As a cornerstone to our business, we encourage our peers to have hospitality at the heart of all we do and to become what we refer to as Heartists. “Being a Heartist is our common mission, our purpose, our values and [our way of] building unforgettable experiences with human connections and real emotions that truly come for the heart,” says Joanna Jara, the resort’s Director of Talent Acquisition. “It’s fun, daring [and] challenges the status quo”. 

Ms. Jara and the entire Talent and Culture department at the Princess continually re-think the best ways to engage the employees at the Princess and affect change in a meaningful way. “By being a Heartist, this also means helping out our local community. Being able to provide financial and resource assistance, this is just another way to connect with their hearts,” says Jara.  Many of resort’s team building events encourage charity efforts – such as volunteer work at Phoenix Build-A-Kit, assembling 1,200 school supply kits for the students of the Maricopa-Pima and Navajo Nations – and we regularly hold auctions and donation opportunities on the premises for our employees.

In recent months we’ve held at least 8 charity initiatives supporting a diverse selection of local communities including: a Thanksgiving food drive that raised over 915 lbs. of food donated to St. Mary’s Food Bank, a silent auction to benefit Maricopa Animal Safe Haven as well as Donors Choose which provides underprivileged schools supplies in Arizona, a blood drive with Vitalant, a Pride bake sale benefitting the Trevor Project, an Earth Day E-Waste technology recycling drive, women’s supply drives for Maggie’s Place and Shoebox Ministries benefitting women and children who have escaped domestic violence, and a fundraiser for the Ukrainian war effort resulting in $17,630 donated from employees alone.

We do all of this to say thank you to all of you who continue to support our business, and to pay it forward to those who need it most. Many of the actions we take as a business are small independently, but together they amount to a huge shift in the needle, both locally and globally. As we continue to reinvent ways to give back, we will always be Princess Proud to be a part of the Scottsdale community and a driver for positive change in sustainability and the lives of those around us. Want to make a change with us? We are always looking to hire more Heartists with a passion for the community. Start your journey with us as you become a key player in creating the extraordinary every day. 

Start Your New Career Today

Vibrant. Colorful. Vegan.

Karma Tsepal | Assistant Director of Food & Beverage

There are many compelling reasons to devote your life to being a vegan or vegetarian – and we celebrate you for that! There are also countless delicious recipes floating around tiktok and the internet that ensure proper nutrition with a banging taste, and can bring a fun, new energy into your weekly meal prep. However, do you often find while traveling or dining out that your meal options are quite slim and usually limited to a basic house salad with oil and vinegar or plain, tasteless, steamed broccoli? One of the most celebrated parts of traveling is getting to eat at new, sumptuous, and taste-defying restaurants – and you shouldn’t be limited to plain vegetables while enviously watching your dining companions chow down on their endless, butter-soaked, meaty options. Food brings us together, and enhances our moods and connections – and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has a plethora of tasteful accommodations at all of our concepts on property to leave you feeling satisfied and not lacking.

Each of our restaurants has a menu specifically designed with dietary restrictions in mind, and many of the dishes have already been consciously created to be able to be modified without particular ingredients to make them compliant to any diet. This ensures that as a vegan or vegetarian, you won’t be met with, “let me go ask the chef”, and can simply enjoy one of the creative culinary dishes made specifically with you in mind! Let’s take a tour of the property and see some of the highlights at each outlet.

To satiate that classic American cuisine craving, head to Ironwood American Kitchen. For your breakfast needs, we recommend snagging the Purple Barley Waffle – made completely vegan, as-is. A heaping portion of Hayden mills purple barley waffles are then topped with fresh berries, smoked almonds, coconut shavings, and complimented with vegan caramel sauce and coconut butter. If you have less of a sweet tooth and seek a savory start to the day instead, perhaps you check out our avocado toast. Artisanal vegan bread topped with perfectly ripe avocados, zesty arugula, shaved heirloom carrots, watermelon radishes, preserved lemon, and an enticing English pea pesto. Pro tip: order the 24 Karat fresh pressed juice to complement your meal – carrot, Fuji apple, pineapple, turmeric and orange – or opt for a mimosa flight if you’d like more of a boozy-brunch. What more could you ask for?

For lunch, we recommend you head over to Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar overlooking the 18^th green of TPC Golf Course. As a pan Asian-Latin infusion restaurant, they focus on a seamless blend of both cultures resulting in delightfully surprising culinary creations. If you’re wanting to keep it on the light and refreshing side, check out Toro’s Watermelon Heirloom Tomato Salad. Juicy heirloom tomatoes and watermelon segments, topped with shaved fennel, baby watercress and finished with tajin and a balsamic reduction. The tang and spice of the tajin brings the acidity of the dish to the forefront of your palate and is then immediately tamed by the sweetness of the balsamic reduction. For something a little heartier, try the Vegan Fried Rice. Upon taking your first bite, you’ll have one thought: this is impossibly vegan. Filled with tangy, buttery, salty goodness, and just enough Asian greens to make you not feel guilty, it’s better than any takeout fried rice we’ve ever had. We promise, you’ll have a hard time putting down the chopsticks and refraining from licking up every grain of rice left in the bottom of the bowl. It starts simple with perfectly fluffy, sticky jasmine rice, adds snow peas, bean sprouts, carrots and is tossed in a Peruvian staple: sweet and savory Chifa sauce. This Asian-Latin infusion carries over into their wine and cocktail list, and we urge you to try one of the delectable rums from their extensive menu!

Dinner presents two very contrasting options: Bourbon Steak and La Hacienda. Since “steak” is in the title, you may think that you’ll be dragged by your dining partner to yet another restaurant where you’ll only be able to eat the side dishes – but we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. For the perfect vegan meal, start with the Farm Salad - yes, we know, a seemingly boring green salad, but Chef Michael Mina takes greens to the next level! A delightful mix of seasonal farm greens and vegetables mixed with crunchy Marcona almonds, fennel pollen and all tossed together in a luscious champagne vinaigrette. It’s just what you need to whet your appetite for the main dish: Seasonal Vegetable Risotto. Made with vegetable stock and with absolutely no dairy, this creamy risotto is then topped with all of the ripest veggies of the season. When we tried it, it was a colorful array of heirloom carrots, canoe-style sugar snap peas, a roasted mushroom medley and for the pièce-de-resistance, shaved black truffles. To kick this meal up a notch, explore Bourbon Steak’s Wine Spectator Award Winning wine list and pair your risotto with one of the world-class Barolos or Barbarescos in our wine cellar. Don’t worry – if the wine list intimidates you, one of our sommeliers will gladly help you select the most delicious bottle for your palate.

Finally, for an authentically southwestern vegan experience, head to La Hacienda. Only open for dinner, La Hacienda explores traditional Mexican cuisine, and puts an original and upscale spin on it. A surprisingly hearty dish we recommend is the Caramelized Cauliflower. Lightly browned rainbow cauliflower garnished with pistachios, pepitas, pomegranate seeds and micro greens sitting on a bed of notably velvety herbed avocado pesto. To contrast with this dish, executive Chef Forrest Hamrick created the Calabacitas Enchiladas. Calabacitas, or “little squash”, is a classic Mexican squash dish made predominately of squash and a variety of seasonal vegetables. In this rendition, Chef Forrest has chosen to feature zucchini, corn, mushrooms and spinach all tucked tightly into artisanal corn tortillas to create enchiladas that are then covered in a blanket of salsa roja, avocado crema and topped with zesty corn and tomato pico de gallo. Compliment your meal with one of our signature margaritas, or if you’re on the adventurous side, one of our Tequila Goddesses will pair your meal with the best tequila you’ve never heard of.

As many dishes as we highlighted here, this is not an exhaustive list by any means. There are so many more vegan and vegetarian dishes available at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princes, and we simply can’t wait to see you on property to try out all our delectable options for your wholesome diet.

1,000 Hours of Outdoor Play in Scottsdale

Jessie Fletcher, Writer & Stay-at-Home Mom of 3

It shouldn't come as a surprise every year, but somehow it still does. Summer break.
How do I keep my kids off their devices and more active!?

I found myself Googling and looking on Pinterest for any suggestions other parents with this struggle might have. And that's how I stumbled on the 1,000 Hours Outside challenge. As the 1,000 Hours Outside website states, "The entire purpose of 1,000 Hours Outside is to attempt to match nature time with screen time. If kids can consume media through screens 1,200 hours a year on average then the time is there and at least some of it can and should be shifted towards a more productive and healthy outcome!"

While this speaks to my mama heart to the core, it also makes me a little anxious that I didn't even know where to start. Breaking this down, it's a little less than three hours a day outside.

Where To Start This Summer

With 330 days of sunshine per year, we are pretty lucky to have the perfect weather to get outside while living in Scottsdale. The only challenge in the summer is the heat, but I'm here to tell you that it's not only possible but also enjoyable.

1. Backyard Fun

Some of our favorite go-to backyard activities are simple but all-time classics, such as:

• (1-3 Hours) Water balloon fights: We love to get the super packs at Costco and fill 100 at a time, and you've got all the fun in your hands within a minute.
• (30 minutes to 1 Hour) Watermelon eating contests: We bought two watermelons and gave each kid a half to eat. Pro tip: Do this on grass or a place you can easily hose down since things get messy!
• (1-2 Hours) Glow stick bowling: This is such a fun nighttime activity and can get your kids outside even at night. Save 10 plastic water bottles and fill with water. Crack a glow stick and put in the water bottle. Use a soccer ball and have the kids take turns bowling!

2. Find Local Activities

There's only so much we can do at home before my kids are begging to go inside and get on technology. So we look forward to what the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess creates every year. It's always fun outdoor activities, specifically designed to get kids moving outdoors while still having fun. This year's Adventure Summer #AtthePrincess activities include:

• (1-2 Hours) For adventurer's of all ages | Relic Dig: This 40 foot squared sandpit is fun for all three of my kids – aged 3 to 13 because they all love a little adventure for something mysterious. My 3-year-old spent all of her time here and was just as happy as her two older siblings.
• (2 Hours) For adventurer's of all ages | Relic Rader's Laser Tag: While the younger kids won't know strategy, this activity was especially fun for my 10-year-old son. He took the challenge of defending The Lost Temple seriously and had his teammates hiding behind the Jeep, stone walls and trees.
• (1-2 Hours) For the more daring adventurer | Chalice Rock Wall Climb: My 13-year-old is terrified of heights but wanted to do something that challenged that fear, so she faced this 26 foot wall with all of the oomph she could muster. And after four attempts, she reached the top, and that elation was greater than the feeling of beating a level of Minecraft.

3. Get Outdoors Even When Traveling

Air Travel: (2-3 Hours) This can be a challenging feat because airports are indoors. So I may fudge a little on this one, and give myself grace to just allow my kids to get active while at the airport. This may include being outside in the airport drop-off area or finding a play area inside the airport.

Road Trip: (2-3 Hours) Getting all five of us on an airplane is hard enough, let alone adding in the issues airlines are having right now. So we've been doing little road trips with our crew, and one of the things we've recently gotten into is geo-caching! Why has it taken me so long to jump onto this bandwagon!? It's fun for ALL of us, which is a HUGE win. We aren't at the level of leaving our own goodies in a location or even creating our own, but I'm sure we'll get there.

To Fall & Beyond

I'm already dreaming up our Fall and Winter plans - shout out to all of my super-mom planners!

Fall is when the desert comes alive! We spend a majority of our time outdoors because of how many things there are to do. Here are some the hopeful items from our bucket list:

• (5-6 Hours) Hiking: We're working our way through this hiking list. Our favorite so far is Tom's Thumb, but pro tip for those with younger kiddos: if you choose to do this hike, either bring a backpack carrier and plan on carrying them or skip this hike altogether.
• (2-3 Hours) Glorious Dining: Al fresco dining is a way of life at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess - with so many restaurant and patio options for my clan. My kid's favorite: Ironwood American Kitchen, where a hawk handler comes and shows off the magnificent creature. My favorite: Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar, where we can overlook the beautiful views of the TPC Championship Golf Course.
• (5-8 Hours) Goldfield Ghost Town: Yeehaw! We're putting on our boots and a cowboy hat and making our way to a fun western town! There is a little restaurant, museum and even a zip line. And you better bet that we'll try our hardest to geocache along the way.

Winter Break

(5-10 Hours - more days, more play!) Christmas at the Princess: With 600,000 Christmas lights, a train, ice skating, fire pits for making s'mores, photos with Santa and SO. MUCH. MORE, we are continuing our tradition of going to Christmas at the Princess. It's the easiest way to share the Christmas spirit with our immediate family and friends and family from out of town. We'll also be following these insider tips closely this year to maximize our fun!

Park Hopping: We have a few favorite parks and playgrounds we love to go to, but we like to mix it up when we can!
Some of our favorite parks are:

• (4-6 Hours) McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Playground: This is a family favorite because you can ride a train! There is also a carousel as well as playground equipment.
• (4-6 Hours) Mesa Riverview Park: A little bit further away, but worth the extra time it takes to get there! There are zip lines, towers to climb, splash pads, slides and it's even close to where the Cubs practice for Spring Training.
• Some parks we have our eyes on:
• (4-6 Hours) Chaparral Park: At the heart of the park, there is a 10-acre lake for boating and fishing! And we can bring our bikes, skateboards and rollerblades.
• (4-6 Hours) McDowell Sonoran Preserve: This is a hiker's paradise! There are 115 miles of trails, so we'll never get bored of this area.

How It's Going

Nothing is more satisfying as a mom than getting more positive comments about the activities we hope will be a success to turn out to be just that: a success. While we've had our days of too much indoor TV time (I'm looking at you, Hunger Games marathon), the challenge to get outdoors everyday has been such a glowing part of our summer. If I don't bring up going outside, my kids do! They've complained less about even their daily chores – a feat any parent will gladly brag about – they've gotten even more creative with their indoor play and are ready for bed at a reasonable time.

And science backs this up! The National Recreation and Park Associate state that, "Greater access to green views and green environments yields better cognitive functioning; more proactive, more effective patterns of life functioning; more self-discipline and more impulse control; greater mental health overall; and greater resilience in response to stressful life events. Less access to nature is linked to exacerbated attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, more sadness and higher rates of clinical depression."

While we haven't been perfect at getting that outdoor time every day, just striving for that goal has helped our family go from immediately turning on the TV in the morning and watching it for far too long to enjoying an active morning outside. Starting our day off on the right foot helps set the stage for the rest of the day. School will be starting soon, and I can't wait to incorporate this level of outdoor time to our school year routine!

Tequila Goddesses Take a Trip to Mexico & Bring Home Custom Barrel

La Hacienda's Tequila Goddesses Hand-Select New Exclusive Barrel

Berkeley Alvarado, Tequila Goddess

A friend recently asked me about working at this restaurant: Do I spend all my time traveling the world, sipping on the finest tequilas available? Well, I answered, not all of my time. It's true though: as one of La Hacienda's Tequila Goddesses, I am very lucky to discover new drinks and dishes and be able to share those with our guests daily.

But one perk is in fact learning more about tequila and the beautiful regions and people from which it comes from—the most recent of which being a trip to Jalisco, Mexico with my fellow Tequila Goddess, Christine Lord. I look back on this time with fond memories, and look forward to the arrival of our new custom tequila barrel—exclusively available to guests who visit La Hacienda in our hometown of sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. Take a trip down memory lane with us to learn a little more about our very favorite spirit and exactly how we selected our private barrel.

Q: Tell Us More About Your Trip, Where Did You Go? A: "We flew into Guadalajara and our final destination was the town, aptly named, Tequila. We visited El Tequileno distillery and Fortaleza distillery." Q: Which Distillery Was Your Favorite, And Why? A: "To me, it is difficult to pick a favorite because they were both different and unique in their own ways. Fortaleza technique is the same exact way they started 150 years ago. To see the original ways of making tequila was amazing. El Tequileno uses yeast from 150-year-old mango trees that were right outside our hotel. So beautiful to see." -Berkeley

A: "Our barrel program is through El Tequileno and they have a close relationship with the distillery Fortaleza so we were fortunate to tour them both. What an experience! Our hotel, Casa Salles, was literally steps from the El Tequeleno distillery. We could smell agave cooking the whole time and see the pinas in the truck waiting to be cooked. Both are historic distilleries that have been in their families for generations. They are two of the four distilleries in all of Mexico that can use the volcanic spring water in their tequila making process. There was even a big meeting with really well-known names in the tequila industry about the water at our hotel the day we left! At Fortaleza, we were able to tour the property and see the use of the Tahona wheel (a volcanic stone wheel that is rolled over the cooked agave plant to extract the sugars) and finished the tour in underground caves for a tequila tasting. At El Tequileno, our tour was guided by Master Distiller Tony Salles (third generation) and we got to see the roller mill, autoclaves (ovens for cooking the agave) which used to be train cars. We were shown special areas in the distilleries that only employees get to see!" -Christine

Q: You Both Have An Extensive Knowledge Of Tequila. Was There Anything You Were Surprised To Learn? A: "When it comes to distilling tequila, it is always done at least twice. What I did not know is there is a 'head, body, and tail' that goes through the copper pots. You only want to use the 'body' of the tequila." -Berkeley A: "Prior to this trip I had never seen an open-air fermentation tank; it had yeast bubbling inside. I also saw a scientist with an entire state-of-the-art lab measuring the quality and consistency of the Tequila at El Tequileno. That was pretty cool, I had no idea that existed. Not all distilleries have the capability to do that." -Christine

Q: How Did You Select La Hacienda's New Barrel? What Makes It Special? A: "We had a tasting of six different tequilas. We all went through each tequila, smelling the aromas and tasting them blind. We compared and contrasted all to one another. Immediately we arrived at a favorite, which was barrel 9. It was exactly what we both wanted. This tequila is a Reposado aged for 4 months in Kendall Jackson Chardonnay French oak barrels. Amazing flavors of caramel, honey, and vanilla that gives it just the right amount of sweetness, but still allowing the cooked agave to continue to shine through. It is such a high-quality bottle—perfect for new tequila drinkers or the tequila connoisseurs. We are so proud and cannot wait for everyone to try! We chose this barrel with our guests in mind!" Q: What Do You Think Is The Most Interesting Part Of The Tequila Creation Process? A: "The most interesting part of the tequila process in my eyes is the crushing of the agave hearts or 'pinas'. When crushing, you are extracting the sugars which is the natural flavor of tequila." -Berkeley

A: "The most interesting part of the tequila making process is how every little detail matters. The location of the agave field, the elevation, the water source, the yeast they use, how the agave is cooked, how it is crushed, where it ferments, what they barrel it in. It is all so fascinating!" -Christine

Q: Can You Explain What Is Happening In Some Of Your Travel Pictures? Specifically The Ones With The Large Mud Pit?

A: "Aside from the gorgeous artwork and views of the town, many of the pictures showcase the different processes that go into making tequila. The fields of agave plants to start. Chopping them down to the pinas that are round and almost look like pineapples. Crushing the agaves in either the pit with the giant tahona wheel that they roll for hours or the milling machine that crushes the pinas as well, just a different way. They add volcanic spring water to help get them down to the consistency they want. Fermentation is after that, which is in the giant barrel or the rectangular open vat. From there is distillation which were the copper pots. And then of course the aging in all of the stacked barrels."

Q: What Was The Most Memorable Part Of The Trip? A: "Selecting our custom barrel for La Hacienda was my favorite. Tasting the various options and then nailing down exactly what we wanted was a dream. I also enjoyed exploring the town of Tequila. To see the culture and history makes you never want to leave." -Berkeley A: "The most memorable part of the trip for me was definitely picking our barrel alongside Master Distiller Tony Salles." -Christine Q: What Is One Thing You Bring Back From This Trip To Your Guests At La Hacienda? A: "I cannot wait to share the wonderful memories I made with our guests! Specifically the love and passion that goes behind-the-scenes while making tequila. I get asked all the time if I have ever been to Jalisco, so now I am able to say I've experienced it all." -Berkeley

A: "I have gained so much from this trip. I was shown so much hospitality and encountered so many kind and passionate people. I learned about a culture and a way of life. I will always try to convey that to our guests. Most importantly, I learned about 'Tequila Time' similar to 'Island Time'. A time zone or way of life where only your company and the spirits you're sipping matter. Schedule and routine come secondary." -Christine

El Tequileno was established in 1959 in honor of the birthplace of tequila. One of the most historic and well-revered tequila distilleries in the world, El Tequileno was the perfect partner in creating La Hacienda's new hand-crafted barrel. So, when will we be pouring our exclusive El Tequileno barrel for guests to taste? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to be one of the first to know.

Want to continue the conversation and expand your tequila knowledge? Visit our Tequila Goddesses at La Hacienda any time by reserving a table!

Keeping Your Health Goals While On Vacation

Trish Hayes

Luckily for you, it is easier now more than ever to keep yourself on track while you travel. We will go over some tips and tricks to have you feeling confident next time you’re ready to escape for the weekend or take that business trip.

Keeping Your Health Goals While On Vacation

You begin your health and wellness journey with a plan to eat right and work out regularly. From there, you put your strategy in motion. You are feeling unstoppable and are starting to see great results. Then, you go on a trip and start to slip. Either you forgot to pack fitness clothes, the gym is not what you are used to, there are not a lot of healthy options or you're simply in vacation mode. Before you know it, you fell off the wagon and lost motivation. Has this happened to you before? Don't worry this is not the intro to a cheesy infomercial. We just know the feeling and understand how hard it can be continue on your health journey after an initial mistake. Let's take a step back and ask ourselves "what is the reason I wanted to eat right and workout in the first place?" Was it to look good for a getaway or was it to enhance your wellness over all? If it is the latter, then now ask yourself what that really looks like for you. That might now include the importance of sticking to your routine even while on vacation. Luckily for you, it is easier now more than ever to keep yourself on track while you travel. We will go over some tips and tricks to have you feeling confident next time you're ready to escape for the weekend or take that business trip. Don't worry, you can still have fun and make better choices at the same time!

7 Tips For Staying Healthy On Vacation

1. Tap Into The "Why" Of Your Fitness And Weight Loss Goals.

We had you ask yourself this question already, but now let's dive in a bit further. Dig deep, and get past surface reasons such as washboard abs or fitting back into your jeans from high school. Do you want to weigh less so you have more energy to play with your kids? That will keep you motivated much more than just wanting to lose weight. Tap into you why, and let it fuel you.

2. Drink Tons Of Water When Traveling.

Water keeps you feeling full for longer, keeps you away from sodas and sugar-filled drinks, and cuts down your overall calorie intake. It can also be easy to confuse thirst for hunger, which might cause you to overeat or make poor food choices and if done regularly can result in unnecessary weight gain. Drinking the right amount of water can give you better control of how much food you consume. If Scottsdale, Arizona is your destination, you'll want to stay extra hydrated before you start seeing a mirage oasis in the desert. One way to help with preventing dehydration is to balance your water consumption with your alcohol and sugary drink intake, so for every margarita you should also have a full glass of water.

3. When It Comes To Food, Try To Plan Ahead.

Read the menu ahead of time. Look at what healthy options they feature or see what items can be substituted for items more in line with your diet. If you are still unsure, you can always call the restaurant and see what they recommend for you and your restrictions. If you really can't bring yourself to skip on that queso fundido you've been dreaming about for months, consider splitting portion sizes, it's only half the calories.

Now, let's play devil's advocate for a second and consider two thoughts on indulging while on vacay. First, eat snacks to fill you between larger meals. Nuts, plain yogurt with fruits, veggies, and organic jerky are all great options to hold you over. Second, alternatively, eat whatever you want and as much as you want, but limit the TIMES you eat. Perhaps play around with only eating 2x per day at specific times, or only eating specifically when hungry. It is vacation after all, and one of the best parts of vacation is all the food!

4. Get Enough Sleep.

It is typically recommended that adults get 7-9 hours of sleep a night, however these hours vary depending on age, activeness, health, etc. Once you know how many hours you should be resting, you should try to stick to that, even on vacation. We know the excitement of all the fun adventures you have planned might make it harder to fall asleep but you also want to make sure you have enough energy to experience it, right? Ear plugs and eye masks are a great way to block out sound and light for an even deeper sleep. Meditation before bed can also help relax the mind. Even 5-10 minutes will put you in a Zen state and have you ready to count sheep. Furthermore, remember, the more comfortable the bed, the better the sleep. Fairmont hotels partners with Stearns & Foster and Sealy Posturepedic  for mattresses that deliver opulent comfort.

5. Hike Locally, Take Fitness Classes, Use The Hotel Gym, And Do Other Activities Like Golfing.

If you came to Arizona to experience the sunshine, take full advantage of it by going on a hike. Not only will you feel the sunrays gently warming up your skin but you get to immerse yourself in the true beauty of the Sonoran Desert. There are trails for beginners as well as those looking for a challenge. Here is a list  of some of our local favorites.

With miles of greens in Scottsdale, it's every golfer's dream! A day on the course is another perfect way to stay active and have fun at the same time!

If you do not want to leave our stunning resort, you can always take a stroll around our grounds. Even if it's just 20-30 min, you will get many health benefits including help with digestion of that overly indulgent meal you just split with your besties. Our property is 65 acres of pure beauty for your enjoyment.

For an elevated fitness experience, visit our spa gym (complimentary for Fairmont Gold stays and spa guests) which includes "matrix" branded equipment/machines, kettle bells, InBody scanner – bioelectrical impedance machine for body comp, Peloton, Larger selection of kettlebells, free weights and medicine balls and TRX. Our Well & Being Spa offers 5-6 classes per day, totaling 41 classes per week, and offer a variety of formats from yoga, to spin, HIIT pilates, strength training and more (complimentary add-on with any spa treatment). We also offer two fitness centers, one in the hotel and one in the spa. The hotel gym has all your basic bases covered to get a quick workout in.

If you are trying to pack light or don't want to stress about bringing your bulky workout shoes, check out the hotel programs like Fairmont Fit. We have partnered with Reebok to let guests borrow shoes and exercise apparel during their stay. Now you are ready to tackle any workout in style and not let your excuses get in your way.

Lastly, invest in a membership with a boutique gym, fitness app, or virtual trainers that travels with you! Many of the virtual trainer apps like Nike Training and Sweat even have programs based on the amount of equipment you have to work with, so you can even get a great workout in from the comfort of your room.

Leave the stress at home and if you have a few cheat meals, make sure they are at least worth it! After all, you are here to experience new and exciting things. As long as you remember "why" you decided to change your lifestyle to begin with, it will be easier to stay on track of your goals or bounce back if you happen to stray a little.

Top Things To Do This Winter In Scottsdale

Erin Stewart

Our desert paradise paints a scene for the perfect winter getaway. With endless events such as Christmas at the Princess and the Waste Management Phoenix Open, there is never a dull moment in Scottsdale. Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we're here for you! Below is a list of our top picks for things to do this season. Bring your camera, loved ones and mocha peppermint latte and let's go on this quest for the best.

Festivals And Events

First stop, the excitement of winter brings so much magic to the desert.

• Christmas at the Princess: Prepare to be enchanted at our winter wonderland. With over 6 million dazzling lights, it's no wonder we're a favorite in the Valley. The Village and Twinkle Town also offer rides, pictures with Santa, various ice skating rinks and more. This is a great experience for families or date night and can be enjoyed from November 18, 2022 – January 2, 2023. Tickets may be purchased here.
• Barrett-Jackson: We are proud to be the official resort for the 50th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction happening January 21-29, 2023. Automotive enthusiast rejoice for the opportunity to be up close and personal to some of the most sought-after vehicles and collector items. Tickets start at $199 per adult and $83 per child and may be purchased here.

Major Sporting Events

For the sports enthusiasts, these ones are for you!

• Waste Management Phoenix Open: One of the valley's most anticipated events happens in our backyard. The WMPO is hosted at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium from February 6-12, 2023. Our resort offers packages that includes tickets to the event, exclusive access to the 5th hole, complimentary shuttle to and from the main entrance, and more. Ticket may be purchased here.
• College Bowl Games: College football lovers, this one is for you. Phoenix is pleased to welcome back the Guaranteed Rate Bowl and PlayStation Fiesta Bowl. These charity driven games bring the community together. Games are head Tuesday, December 27, 2022 and Saturday, December 31, 2022. Tickets may be purchased here.
• Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show: The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has been a staple in our city within the horse community since 1955. Breeders and trainers from around the world compete for a chance to win. The show has nearly 2400 horses competing from February 16-26, 2023. More information may be found here.

Golf

‘Tis the season to experience what makes Scottsdale a leading golfing destination. With sunshine on the forecast, mountains on the horizon and endless miles of green, it is easy to see why winter is a prime time of year to golf. Our partnership with local courses allow our guests customized experiences for whatever they are looking for at whatever level they're at. We also offer stay packages that include credits towards our partner courses, including TPC and Grayhawk. Our package options can be viewed here.

Bucket-List Desert Adventures

We all have that bucket list that we are slowly checking off and continuing to add to. Below are some of the items on our list that we think you would love. Because sharing is caring.

• Hot Air Balloon Rides: Rise and shine (literally) on a breathtaking ride that will bring you to new heights as you take in the views of our desert oasis. Flights may be booked here.
• Hiking: Whether you want to conquer the mighty Camelback or go on a scenic drive to further out mountains, Arizona has plenty of hiking trails to keep you busy. If looking for a guided experience, Wild Bunch Desert Guides are experts in hiking and mountain biking. Hiking tours may be booked here.
• Biking: Biking is becoming more and more popular in our beautiful state. We have plenty of bike friendly paths for urban bikers and great terrain for mountain bikers. Again, Wild Bunch Desert Guides can take you on great mountain biking expeditions. Bike tours may be booked here.
• Hummer Tours: Where the road turns into dirt is where the adventure really begins. Companies like Stellar Adventures know how to give you that once-in-a-lifetime experience with outings such as hummer tours, atving, stargazing, and more. Boost up your adrenaline with these jaw dropping off road excursions and see what our desert really has to offer. Tours may be booked  here.
• Visit the Grand Canyon: Since our state is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it only makes sense that you have a chance to see it up close. Grand Canyon Railway wants you to sit back and relax on this unique trip to the canyon. Take in the sights, indulge in the cuisine and be serenaded by the live music that all takes place on a historic train track. Once you arrive, you taken to the one and only Grand Canyon where you can plan a hike, camp, or just visit for the day.

Resort Dining

Once you have checked off some of those bucket list items, it's time to explore what we have to offer right outside your guest room. If you are hungry, we invite you to join us in one of our six dining outlets.

• La Hacienda: Modern Mexican cuisine and tequila bar with recipes inspired by world-renowned Chef Richard Sandoval.
• Ironwood American Kitchen: Farm to table influenced dishes served for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Bourbon Steak: Modern steakhouse cuisine created by award-winning Chef Michael Mina.
• The Plaza Bar: Contemporary and chic indoor/outdoor bar with specially crafted cocktails, local brews, and exquisite bites.
• Toro Latin Restaurant and Rum Bar: An infusion of Asian and Latin flavors with an elevated rum list.
• In-Room Dining: 24/7 dining for when you don't want to leave your bed.

Top Fall & Winter Skincare Product Picks From A Sisley-Paris Spa Lead Aesthetician

Dylan Mustapich, Sisley-Paris Spa Lead Esthetician

Now that we’re heading into the cooler months here in Scottsdale, it’s time to consider adjusting your skincare routine to be more tailored to the seasons.

Many of us also have pigmentation concerns that generally worsen during the warmer months when the sun is at its strongest. Add in any stress of returning to work or school, and it can be a recipe for dull, uneven, and flakey skin – which no one wants! Fortunately, Sisley-Paris has you covered with everything you need to treat your concerns and keep your skin hydrated in our wonderful fall and winter desert climate. Here are my top Sisley product picks for both those visiting Scottsdale, AZ as well as the locals who love to live here.

Top Fall & Winter Skincare Product Picks From A Sisley-Paris Spa Lead Aesthetician

Now that we're heading into the cooler months here in Scottsdale, it's time to consider adjusting your skincare routine to be more tailored to the seasons. While temperatures don't drop too dramatically here in the valley, with the lack of summer humidity the air can become dry. Many of us also have pigmentation concerns that generally worsen during the warmer months when the sun is at its strongest. Add in any stress of returning to work or school, and it can be a recipe for dull, uneven, and flakey skin – which no one wants! Fortunately, Sisley-Paris has you covered with everything you need to treat your concerns and keep your skin hydrated in our wonderful fall and winter desert climate. Here are my top Sisley product picks for both those visiting Scottsdale, AZ as well as the locals who love to live here.

Sisley-Paris Photoblanc Le Concentré Pure Bright Activating Serum & Sunleya SPF 50

Whether you spent your summer beating the heat by the pool or hiking up in Sedona, you're probably dealing with a little excess pigmentation from the sun. Even the most diligent sunscreen users make the occasional misjudgment and end up with a burn. Fall and winter are the perfect seasons to address pigmentation concerns that often worsen during the summer months. Sisley's Photoblanc Le Concentré Pure Bright Activating Serum features a patented brightening complex that helps lighten existing pigmentation, and plant-derived antioxidants to help prevent additional sun pigmentation when used in conjunction with a broad-spectrum sunscreen like Sisley's Sunleya SPF 50+.

SisleYouth Anti-Pollution

With remote work, Zoom, and a plethora of streaming services, many of us are spending more and more time in front of our screens. And now that we're shifting back into our normal work/school routine, our screen time is likely to increase that much more. In recent years, we've become more aware of the hazards of the blue light these devices emit. While too much time in front of your devices may not result in a visible burn, it can lead to photo damage and pigmentation concerns. This is due to blue light's longer wavelength, which is able to penetrate deeper into the skin than both UVA and UVB rays. Boasting barrier fortifying pea extract and antioxidant rich Ginko Biloba, SisleYouth Anti-Pollution will help protect your delicate complexion from the ravages of too much screen time.

Sisleya Moisturizer & Black Rose Precious Face Oil

Having made it through a particularly eventful monsoon season and the increase in humidity that comes with it, the Valley of the Sun is once again drier and more arid. Though you may have been able to get by with a lighter gel moisturizer over the summer, the drop in humidity means you should probably swap it out for a richer moisturizer or facial oil. Sisleya, Sisley's anti-aging line, features an extra-riche version of their legendary moisturizer to help replenish the skin's natural lipids for those that struggle with dry/flakey skin. For severe dryness, adding a facial oil may be beneficial as well. The Black Rose Precious Face Oil is loaded with plant-derived antioxidants and omegas 3 and 6 to help nourish the skin and protect it from environmental factors (photo damage, pollution, etc.). A lightweight dry oil, it's an excellent choice for those that have found most facial oils to be too heavy for their skin

Sisley-Paris Spa Facial At Fairmont Scottsdale

Switching up your at-home skincare routine seasonally is the key to keeping skin in optimal health throughout the year. Just like a wardrobe, your skincare should reflect the environment around you. A signature Sisley facial is the perfect way to revive tired skin, and our expert Aestheticians are able to analyze your skin to determine exactly what it needs as the seasons change. You wouldn't wear a t-shirt and flip flops while it's snowing, so why would you use a mattifying moisturizer when your skin is dry and flakey from a lack of humidity? Fairmont Scottsdale is the one of the only locations in the country to offer a Sisley-Paris Spa, with a complete menu of Sisley spa facials and body treatments. Click here to book yours today!

The Top 7 Reasons To Travel

Pam Gilbert, Director of Sales and Marketing

If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that the world craves travel. In a Fall 2020 Amex Trendex report, American Express found that 48% of people surveyed reported that the inability to travel was causing them to feel anxious and stressed, and three out of four respondents cited travel as one of their most yearned for activities.

Here we explore the top 7 reasons people travel.

Travel Builds And Strengthens Relationships

It's not only the places that make travel so beautiful, it's the people. And surrounding yourself with those nearest and dearest to you for a multi-generational trip brings families together and deepens bonds in a special way. Multi-generational travel has been a top travel trend for the past few years for a good reason. Traveling brings families together and deepens bonds in a special way. This trend is returning strong in 2021, with families hungry to reconnect and make new memories together after a year or more of separation.

AZ Traveler Tip:
To ensure a multi-gen vacation's success, your destination must have something for everyone! And that's exactly what Fairmont Scottsdale  is known for. Where else can mom and the aunties spend a relaxing day at an award-winning spa while dad and grandpa hit the links at one of the PGA Tour's most iconic courses and the kids hop from pool to pool and make new friends at the Kids Club? And that's just on the resort grounds. Scottsdale is a playground for kids of all ages! From adrenaline-spiking desert jeep tours, to world-class museums and buzz-worthy restaurants by the dozens…there's truly something for everyone to claim as their ‘favorite' part of your vacation.

Travel Awakens Empathy And Expands Perspectives

Although traveling is often about trying new foods and seeing historical sites, exploring new cultures often provides the most worthwhile travel experiences of all. And in today's world more than ever, it is critical we work to strengthen our cross-cultural awareness and empathy. "For me, empathy starts with respecting the culture and history of every community," writes AFAR editor in chief Julia Cosgrove. "If travel doesn't engender empathy, you're doing it wrong." Travel truly gives us the opportunity to further develop the four attributes of empathy, as established by Theresa Wiseman:

• To be able to see the world as others see it
• To be non-judgmental
• To understand another person's feelings
• To communicate your understanding of that person's feelings

According to best-selling author and researcher Brene Brown, empathy is one of the most important skills that you can learn. Travel does inherently provide us with opportunities to grow empathy and understanding to anyone brave enough to embrace it.

AZ Traveler Tip:
Research destinations with rich cultural experiences well in advance. For example, in Arizona guests can discover one of our most iconic and sacred destinations, Antelope Canyon. Located within the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation, the only way to tour the canyon is by tour. Longstanding members of the Navajo Nation give regular tours  brimming with stories about the history, geology, culture and most importantly, the soul of the area. Check back often for more information on Antelope Canyon's re-opening. Or, visitors can take a trip to Downtown Phoenix's Heard Museum, internationally recognized for the quality of its collections, world-class exhibitions, educational programming and festivals. The Heard Museum gives life to the stories of American Indian people from a first-person perspective through traditional and contemporary art.

Travel Sparks New Business Ideas

Observing different ways of life and perspectives from around the globe or across the country can provide just the change of scenery needed to inspire your next "a-ha" moment. Just ask the founder of Warby Parker, Dave Gilboa, Noosa CEO Koel Thomae, or world-renowned businessman Richard Branson! All three of these successful entrepreneurs took global inspirations and applied them locally to reap big benefits in business.

AZ Traveler Tip:
You never know where inspiration may strike next. According to a recent study published in The Journal of Applied Psychology, building friendships with people from different cultures enhances not only a traveler's creativity and innovation, but also their likelihood of becoming an entrepreneur! Connect with new friends at local-favorite hangouts, our concierges at Fairmont Scottsdale can recommend all of the best spots in town!

Travel Helps You Appreciate Your Life

Especially over the past year, many of us have experienced days blurring into nights, and weeks and months stretching on and on. Many of our daily routines have grown stagnant, and that makes it easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. We need novelty, or new experiences, to keep our happiness levels up. "We get used to things that are familiar to us – called habituation," says Dr. Scott Bea in this Cleveland Clinic article. "Routine doesn't generate the chemicals that our brains like. Novelty does." Traveling, and even just getting offline and out of your house for any amount of time, renews your appreciation for your family, your job and your life. There is so much to be grateful for!

AZ Traveler Tip:
An Arizona wellness retreat is a great way to break away from unhealthy or unhelpful patterns and learn to appreciate what you have so you may begin live a full, vibrant life once again. Try a wellness retreat at Well & Being Spa, where you'll discover evidence-based tools, treatments and expert guides that make happy and healthy go together seamlessly.

Travel Renews A Sense Of Accomplishment

When you begin planning a vacation or trip, you first ask yourself "Where do I want to go?" But what about the question, "What do I want to find out?" Travel and accomplishment go hand-in-hand. Anyone who has ever successfully navigated a busy bus schedule in a foreign language or taste tested a country's finest local delicacies can attest to this. Whenever you check an item off of your travel bucket list, you're fueling what sets your soul on fire and brings you pure joy. Now that's an accomplishment.

AZ Traveler Tip:
Arizona is full of bucket list-worthy adventures. One you can't miss? A hike up Scottsdale's most iconic landmark, Camelback Mountain. A wonderful and ever-popular hike, it begs to be conquered…but it can also be a challenge of an ascent. Make sure to properly prepare (here are 12 tips for successfully hiking Camelback Mountain), and you'll be awarded with the panoramic views of the Scottsdale/Phoenix area at the top!

Travel Gives You Inspired Stories

Let's face facts—no one wants to hear another story about your cat Cleo. Being stuck in quarantine has undoubtedly taken a toll on our storytelling abilities, but fear not—all hope is not lost! Plan a trip now and you're promised to be instantly more interesting within your friend circle. Most people are only dreaming about travel, as proven by the growing popularity of genre podcasts, books and TV shows. Give the people what they want and transport them into an epic adventure starring Y-O-U.

AZ Traveler Tip:
To have epic stories, you need to have epic adventures. Arizona provides the perfect place to do this! A few of our recommendations:

• Take a day trip to Bisbee, AZ, where a quirky community of artists live in a town full of rich mining history
• Take to the cloudless skies on a hot air balloon ride
• Take a trip inside the wondrous and fascinating caves at Kartchner Kaverns
• Take in the red rocks of Sedona by bike, horseback or jeep tour

Travel Helps You Move Forward

Wherever you're at personally in this very moment, whether it be going through a tough life transition or just feeling like you can't get out of the pandemic rut, it's easy to hit the pause button on life. Travel is oftentimes the perfect way to bridge the gap to move you from one stage of life to the next. Think traveling abroad after high school, honeymoons, babymoons, etc. View your next trip as a chance to reflect on the past year and let it go. Once you return, make your sole focus on moving into your bright new future!

AZ Traveler Tip:
Celebrate your milestones!  Spend your 50th birthday at home with a bottle of wine? Plan a birthday weekend to rejuvenate your spirit. Recently engaged? Plan to get your best girls or guys together for a bachelor/bachelorette weekend! Fairmont Scottsdale loves celebrations, and can't wait to help you make yours extra special.

Top Insider Tips For A Very Merry Christmas At The Princess From Santa's Elves

Teresa Thompson, Director of Resort Experience

Planning on attending this year's Christmas at the Princess festival? We look forward to welcoming you to our favorite holiday tradition in Scottsdale.

With so much to do, and so many memories to make, we've asked Santa's favorite elves to give us their top seven tips for how to make the most of your Christmas at the Princess experience!

1. Best time to visit? Early in the season and weekdays throughout the festival tend to be lighter in attendance. Be sure to check the Christmas at the Princess page for all the special events to make your visit even more special! On peak nights, allow an extra 20-30 minutes in travel time.

2. When booking online, we encourage guests to book early before their preferred dates sell out. We've made it even easier this year, and guests can book everything all at once online here. Don't forget to purchase your family's Ice Passes, parking pass and Photos with Santa session!

3. Dining at the Princess is a must on the elf list! Reservations are recommended for dining at Bourbon Steak, La Hacienda and Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar, as outlets do reach capacity during the holiday season. Ironwood American Kitchen  is walk-in only and no advance reservations are needed. To make a reservation, call 480.585.2694.

4. We understand budgets are important to families, today more than ever. We work hard to provide a variety of food and beverage options for all guests visiting Christmas at the Princess. Elf favorite? Mrs. Claus' fresh-baked cookies!

Dinner entrees at the resort's signature outlets range from $25 to $45+. Concessions pricing at Kringle's Kitchen, Mrs. Claus' Cookies, Twinkle Town, The Village and The Lodge range from $5 to $16+. There is no cash accepted at the event. We would encourage our guests to check our site prior to our events to make sure they are best prepared to enjoy the evening.

5. Just as we do at the North Pole, please check the weather before you get in your sleigh! Scottsdale nights are known for being beautiful, but if wintery weather does come our way, the festival will continue. Please plan accordingly. A $20 fee will apply for all date changes (subject to availability).

6. VIP fire pits and igloos are the ultimate luxury experience and are very popular! Be sure to reserve yours in advance online here.

7. New this year! For the ultimate customization, guests may now purchase admission tickets, parking and all add-on experiences separately online here. Enjoy endless combinations of holiday fun! And for the best value, share the ride and save on parking! Another perk? Children under 3 receive complimentary access to the event! Or, here's a fantastic value: dine in one any of the resort's restaurants, and with a $85 spend, you receive complimentary valet (a $120 value)! Or, an even better value? Spend the night with a holiday package and enjoy VIP early access to all of the attractions.

8. BONUS TIP! Add on Aurora Ice Lounge + Chill tickets to your online checkout November 17, 2023 - January 6, 2024 and you'll automatically be entered to win a winter getaway of your dreams to the incredible Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge! 

One lucky winner will receive:

A 2-night stay in a Ridgeline Cabin at the majestic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge + A Guided Cold-Plunge Wellness Experience

Voted one of the best luxury hotels to see the Northern Lights in the world by Elite Traveler, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers Canada’s most luxurious cabin experience. Let nature's untouched beauty envelop you, as you find tranquility amidst the sprawling landscapes of Jasper National Park, where wilderness meets luxury and the Northern Lights dance overhead.

How to enter:

1. Simply add the Aurora Ice Lounge + Chill tickets to your Christmas at the Princess itinerary upon checkout online.
2. That’s it! You’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win!

Terms and conditions apply. Must be 18, giveaway does not include transportation, must have valid passport to enter Canada, must purchase at least one ticket to Aurora Ice experience from November 17, 2023 to January 6, 2024 to be entered to win.

Reclaim Your Life With A Wellness Retreat In Scottsdale

What is health? This question undoubtedly means something different to everyone. The universal definition is "the absence of disease", but it is truly so much more. A strong foundation of a healthy body and mind is important for everyday life and that much more important when life throws a curve. Stress affects the body and mind more than we realize, and today especially we are faced with more than the simple frustrations of traffic on the freeway or a delay in a package. We are worrying much more about our families, aging parents, the never-ending news, and a future that can feel uncertain at best.

How do we break that pattern and begin to breathe and take care of ourselves? The answer is to take time for your health with a wellness retreat. A wellness retreat is different from your typical vacation, as its main focus is to remove all distractions to make space for deeper physical, mental and emotional connection to the self. When planned correctly, wellness retreats allow you to break away from your daily routine and reunite with your inner natural rhythms so you have the chance to build up your reserves and make sure your tank is full once you go back to tackle each day. Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers the ideal ambiance and programming for a wellness retreat.

Join us on a journey to plan your next wellness retreat, and discover why it's the answer you've been looking for to the change you want to see in your life.

Minimize Your Distractions

Remove yourself from your day-to-day distractions and focus on you. Trying to implement a new exercise program, eat better, or improve sleep stands a small chance of success when your stressors are constantly within reach with a quick ping of an incoming email or text message. Before planning your wellness retreat, make sure you have everything in your everyday life squared away so you can truly unplug and remove yourself. After you feel comfortable with that step, find a place to change the scenery and then address your steps and plans. Scottsdale, Arizona's Sonoran Desert is known worldwide as a place where nature can nurture the soul and awaken transformation within. Many seek this blooming desert to serve as the backdrop for inspiration, prayer, health, wellness and an investment in inner peace. Well & Being Spa's 44,000 sq. ft. facilities are inspired by these magical surroundings, and our treatments are customized to deliver sensory awakenings with local healing methods and ingredients.

Practice And Experience

Once all of your distractions are safely put at bay, immersing yourself in a new environment with healthy choices and activities gives you the opportunity to live it well—experience a better night's sleep, eat healthier, go on a hike! Dedicating to the process is another big step in your journey. Every guest at Well & Being Spa is introduced to our mantra:

"Today I will find balance in my life. I will reveal my potential by feeling and being healthy, by embracing all the elements that are on my path to well-being. By striving for the best expression of me, I will find greater connectedness to the world and to those I love. Today, I will live it well…"

Once you take a few days and dedicate 100% to this progress within yourself, you can quickly realize that what is back at home and what you were doing may not have been the best for your overall wellness and wholeness.

Learn, Grow And Remember That Change Does Not Happen Overnight

It is key when planning a wellness retreat to find a destination with experts who are trained to help usher you through the journey. Well & Being Spa offers an innovative fusion of spa and wellness, with an array of field experts to help guide you to the best possible personalized experience for you. A wellness retreat allows you to explore options for your new routine moving forward. We always try the same old routine and go back to the gym or say we will start jogging early each morning when perhaps we don't like the gym or jogging is not our favorite exercise. A wellness retreat at Well & Being Spa can offer you the chance to try new things and find the best fit for you. You can take a fun fitness class like FloatFit Fitness at our rooftop pool, work one-on-one with a personal trainer to determine your health and wellness baseline with our comprehensive diagnostic fitness assessment WellFIT, join one of our seasonal lecture series or classes, or introduce yourself to healing therapies like halotherapy, acupuncture, auriculotherapy and more. Of course there's always time for pampering, too, with a wide selection of facials, massages and salon treatments available from Well & Being's menu. Our team encourages you to step outside your box and be open to new adventures with us!

I Know What I Need To Do…But Why Can't I Do It?
We are all inundated with the latest news on nutrition, exercise, and stress management every day. Whether it be from TV, self-help books, YouTube videos or the plethora of information on the internet, it piques our interest and we read it. But actually putting the suggested practices into action usually falls short. Just to have the knowledge does not catapult people to change. You need a call to action, and the best call to action is book a wellness retreat now – FOR YOU.

"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." – Henry Ford

At Well & Being Spa Scottsdale, you'll discover evidence-based tools and treatments that make happy and healthy go together. This combination leads the way for lifelong change! Every resort experience is enhanced by Well & Being's focus on enjoying life—both in the moment and long after returning home from your wellness retreat.

Ready To Plan Your Own Wellness Retreat?
The Live It Well Spa 3-Day Retreat was created for you! Join us at our 65-acre majestic open air resort, designed to help you immediately escape the hustle and bustle of your busy life. Our Live It Well Spa 3-Day Retreat is focused on health and wellness and includes:
• Three (3) Night Accommodations in a Luxuriously Appointed Fairmont Room
• Daily Complimentary Breakfast Per Person
• Two (2) Complimentary 60-Minute Treatments at Well & Being Spa Per Person, Per Stay
• Daily Complimentary Access to Well & Being Spa Facilities: Sauna, Steam Room, Swiss Shower, Private Rooftop Pool, Hot & Cold Plunge Pool, Waterfall Grotto & Aromatherapy Room

BOOK NOW!

What's Your Sign? How To Spa According To Your Horoscope

Carrie Kennedy, Director of Well Being & Spa

2022 is here, and we're all eagerly turning to the stars wondering what the year will bring. Whatever your sign, we could all use a little self-care spa day! That's why our experts at Well & Being Spa have put together their 2022 Astrological Spa Treatment Guide.

Find your sign below to learn more about a spa day tailored just for you, and book online here to make 2022 the best year yet.

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18

Altruistic, friendly, inventive, intellectual, unpredictable
InBody Assessment – Measurements and numbers to help your goal.
Hacienda Retreat – You have to take care of yourself before you can help others.
Hypervolt Assisted Stretch – Makes sense to stretch and learn flexibility.

Pisces: February 19 – March 20

Artistic, charitable, dreamer, humble, mystical, peaceful
Singing Bowl – Artistic expression of sound and helpful to healing.
Havasupi Falls Rejuvenation – The mystical journey, from sage smudging to head-to-toe body experience.
Private Meditation – Customized to your style and the perfect tool for everyday life!

Aries: March 21 – April 19

Active, ambitious, courageous, creative, self-assured
Myofascial Release – the RX for improving mobility and staying active.
Tuscan Mani/pedi – For that traveler within – a bit of Tuscany in Scottsdale.
Desert Oasis Detoxifying Wrap – Bringing the rhythm of the ocean to the desert to carry away stress and fatigue.

Taurus: April 20 – May 20

Cautious, conventional, determined, loving, patient
Signature Journey Massage – The basic and the best – staying conventional.
Desert Seasons Mani/pedi – Herbal and soothing – you will love it!
Neck & Decollete Treatment – Add-on to any facial leaving your skin smooth and hydrated.

Gemini: May 21 – June 20

Adaptable, articulate, clever, curious, flexible, lively, social, witty
Aerial Yoga – curious? The clever approach to yoga
Champagne Couture Mani/pedi – Socialize & beautify!
Cupping – Liven up your chi!

Cancer: June 21 – July 22

Calm, conscientious, imaginative, proactive, quiet, sensitive
Wall Yoga – imagine the perfect balance for each pose.
Aromatherapy Massage – Calming and relaxing...

Leo: July 23 – August 22

Ambitious, authoritative, confident, leader, dramatic
Himalayan Salt Stone Massage – an adventure for the senses.
Naturopathica Hydrafacial – the leader in patented technology for vibrant skin.

Virgo: August 23 – September 22

Analytical, dedicated, efficient, helpful, logical, responsible
Well & Being Facial – Bringing together the elements for better skin.
Alpine Arnica Deep Tissue – Quick and healing tissue repair

Libra: September 23 – October 22

Affable, aesthetic, artistic, charming, gracious, indecisive, kind
Aerial Yoga – fluid and artistic movement for the body!
Enhanced Oxygen Facial – Called the "runway facial" plump and ready.

Scorpio: October 23 – November 21

Competitive, courageous, determined, magnetic, powerful, probing
Well Blended Aromatherapy Scrub – Powerful treatment for smoother skin.
Reflexology – Get the edge on better health with an integrative approach.
Personal Training – Challenge yourself with new exercises to meet your goals!

Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21

Casual, direct, enthusiastic, gregarious, honest, restless
Acupuncture – Increase energy and chi for the body and mind!
Magnesium Massage – Help quiet your mind off and relax – enhance your sleep.

Capricorn: December 22 – January 19

Conservative, ambitious, discipline, realistic, responsible, serious, thrifty
Desert Botanical Facial – Plant based and natural approach to better skin.
Purification Ritual – The all-in-one treatment from head-to-toe.

Discover Our Festive Fall Menus: A Q&A With Scottsdale's Top Chefs

Chad Howard, Director of Food & Beverage

Arizona’s best chefs love to let the wonderful fall season inspire them as they incorporate its freshest ingredients and flavors into their menus here at Fairmont Scottsdale. We sat down and asked our top chefs to tell us more about their favorite new dishes, menu pairings and Pumpkin Nights #AtThePrincess after-dinner treats.

Ah, fall in Arizona. The weather is gorgeous, the outdoor adventures are endless and the restaurant patios eagerly await to welcome diners for an unforgettable al fresco evening under the desert's starry skies.

No one looks forward to fall and winter more than an Arizonan. And Arizona's best chefs love to let this wonderful season inspire them as they incorporate its freshest ingredients and flavors into their menus here at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

We sat down and asked Scottsdale's top chefs to tell us more about their favorite new dishes, menu pairings and Pumpkin Nights #AtThePrincess after-dinner treats and experiences.

Executive Chef Fernando Fernandez – Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar

Q: What was the inspiration for your new fall menu?
A: We wanted a menu that screamed fall but remained unique and true to our Pan Latin cuisine.

Q: When we think fall, we think pumpkin everything. What's one unexpected fall ingredient on your menu, and why do you love it?
A: For fall at Toro we are serving a Mojo-marinated Pork Chop accompanied by butter nut squash and a carrot puree. The pork is cooked in an emersion bath, which allows the dish to shine with rich confit flavors. We finish everything with fresh pomegranate seeds for some bright acidic flavor and toasted pepitas for a nutty smokiness.

Q: What is your favorite new fall menu item and why?
A: Our Snowbird Sour has it all going on! We are fresh squeezing lemon to order while sweetening the cocktail with maple syrup and almond liqueur. The flavors really speak to all things fall with a sweet and nutty finish.

Q: Suggested food and drink pairing off your menu for fall?
A: Our Don't Fall Over is a spirit-driven cocktail sweetened by cinnamon and finished with a smoking star anise. Its potent but perfect while eating our Mojo Pork Chop. The cocktail helps cut through the richness of the dish and renews your palate before every bite.

Q: Favorite Pumpkin Nights at the Princess after-dinner experience?
A: Finish dinner with our Picarones Peruanos which is a pumpkin donut covered in sugar and espresso that will transport you to a Peruvian diner without ever leaving your seat.

Executive Chef Forest Hamrick - La Hacienda

Q: What was the inspiration for your new fall menu?
A: Changing of the weather, seasonal fruits and vegetables and items people look forward to, such as braised items, tamales, sweet potatoes, pomegranates...this list could go on!

Q: When we think fall, we think pumpkin everything. What's one unexpected fall ingredient on your menu, and why do you love it?
A: People seem to forget about the great apples that we get during the fall, so I think the Green Apple Aguachile is an unexpected item on the fall Menu, and a must-try.

Q: What is your favorite new fall menu item and why?
A: Chocolate Tamales. I've actually never made them before and they came out amazing. Corn and chocolate complement each other so well.

Q: Suggested food and drink pairing off your menu for fall?
A:Green Apple Aguachile with the Wren House Seasonal Kolsch, a German-style pale ale. Incredible.

Q: Favorite Pumpkin Nights at the Princess after-dinner experience?
A: The Pumpkin Patch, just steps away from La Hacienda's awesome patio!

Executive Chef Sara Garrant – Bourbon Steak

Q: What was the inspiration for your new fall menu?
A: The cold, and fall colors. Seeing pictures of northern states, and the leaves changing color inspired us to use items that reflected the change of the season. Arizona has a shorter autumn, that leads into a beautiful winter, so we wanted to make dishes that pulled from flavors and cooking techniques of winter as well—braised, roasted, and slow cooked.

Q: When we think fall, we think pumpkin everything. What is one unexpected fall ingredient on your menu, and why do you love it?
A: House-pulled mozzarella. Usually you see it in the spring with tomatoes and other lighter ingredients. We flipped the script and have it going with roasted apple puree, the rosemary focaccia, and a nutty brown butter vinaigrette.

Q: What is your favorite new fall menu item and why?
A: The Short Rib Tortellini. It screams autumn—a hearty braised dish for the filling, glazed in a veal and red wine reduction, with crispy Brussels Sprouts, and roasted pumpkin puree.

Q: Suggested food and drink pairing off your menu for fall?
A: Havest Salad – Dominique Roger ‘Domaine Du Carrou' Sancerre 2017
Mozzarella – Far Niente Chardonnay 2018
Tortellini – Vietti Barbera D'Asti 2017
Scallops – Domaine Drouhin-Vaudon Chablis 2018
Pumpkin Sundae – Taylor 20yr Port or Hitachino Espresso Stout

Q: Favorite Pumpkin Nights at the Princess after-dinner experience?
A: The Spookeasy is my new favorite spot on property.

Interested In Reserving Your Next Fall Night Out? Click Below To Book A Table Tonight!

• Bourbon Steak reservations 
• La Hacienda reservations
• Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar reservations

Discover The Best Meditation Style For You In 4 Simple Steps

Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, MD, Chief Medical Officer Well & Being Spa

"He who lives in harmony with himself, lives in harmony with the world." -Marcus Aurelius

Whether you’re looking to reduce stress or nourish your spirit, find stillness or flow through movement, there’s a meditation practice for you. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try different forms. It often takes a little trial and error until you find the one that fits, but follow these three easy steps are you are well on your way!

Meditation can help:
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce anxiety/stress
• Decrease pain
• Ease symptoms of depression
• Improve sleep
• Improve mood

Couldn't we all benefit from meditation this year?

Step One: Prepare Your Mind & Body

Get into a comfortable position and relax. Many people think they need to sit with their legs crossed a certain way, but really, whatever position you feel is comfortable is the position you should try. Some people avoid lying down because they fall asleep if they're tired; you can experiment and decide what's right for you. Once you've found your position, close your eyes, relax your muscles, and breathe from your diaphragm. Let your shoulders, your belly, and the muscles in your face relax. Breathe in deeply through your nose, gently expanding your belly rather than your chest, then exhale through your mouth.

"Meditation means to simply be and honor who you are with all your strength and your weaknesses without the judgments." -Rasoul Sobhani, Yoga Instructor and Expert at Well & Being Spa

Step Two: Choose Your Type

• Mantra meditation: This type of meditation uses a repetitive sound to clear the mind. It can be a word, phrase, or sound, such as the popular "Om." It doesn't matter if your mantra is spoken loudly or quietly. After speaking the mantra for some time, you will find that you are more alert and in tune with your body and environment. This allows you to experience deeper levels of awareness. Some people enjoy mantra meditation because they find it easier to focus on a word than on their breath. This is also a good practice for people who don't like silence and enjoy repetition.
• Music Meditation: This means finding music that you enjoy listening to. Look for music with a slower tempo, and preferably without lyrics, which can be distracting and can engage your conscious mind—the part of your mind that we hope to slow down and dial back. Stay focused on the music. If you find yourself thinking about other things, gently redirect your attention to the present moment, the sound of the music, and the feelings in your body that the music evokes.
• Sound Meditation: While there are various types of sound meditation, one that is becoming more popular is the "sound bath," which uses Tibetan singing bowls, quartz bowls, and bells to guide the listener. This type of practice highlights how the experience of sound manifests not only through hearing but through tactile physical vibrations and frequencies. Many people find it incredibly powerful.
• Guided Meditation or Guided Imagery: This type of practice helps you visualize and visit a special place in your mind. In a comfortable position, you will listen as a "guide" helps you envision a place of peace and tranquility. Many people find the experience incredibly relaxing and calming. There are many excellent resources for those who enjoy guided imagery. And you can choose meditations that are specific for helping you sleep, release grief, ease anxiety, or find compassion. Personally, I love Belleruth Naperstak.

Step Three: Add An Essential Oil Enhancement

Many cultures around the world used aromatic plants to help create the right environment for meditation. Some burned frankincense or copal, others burned sage or cedar. Many people today prefer to use an essential oil diffuser or essential oil burner to avoid smoke in their home. You can choose from frankincense, myrrh, sage, cedar or sandalwood, or look for blends designed to "calm" or "focus."

Step Four: Try An Expert-Led Customized Meditation Session

Interested in nurturing your own journey into meditation? The experts at Well & Being Spa are here to help. Design your own meditation practice with one of our mind and body specialists in a private, semi-private or small group session. 

About Dr. Tieraona Low Dog

Well & Being's team of world-class spa and wellness experts are led by Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, whose extensive career in the study of natural medicine, and its role in modern health care, began more than 35 years ago. Dr. Low Dog studied midwifery and massage therapy, as well as herbalism. She served as President of the American Herbalist Guild and ran a teaching clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico before going on to receive her doctorate degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Tieraona opened and ran a successful integrative medical clinic in Albuquerque before joining the faculty of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona where she served as the Director of Fellowship from 2005-2015. Tieraona has recently authored three National Geographic books, Healthy at Home and Life is Your Best Medicine and co-authored the Guide to Medicinal Herbs. She serves on numerous editorial/advisory boards, and has appeared on E!, ABC's 20/20, CNN, and is a frequent guest on the Dr. Oz show and NPR's The People's Pharmacy.

Top Benefits Of Spending More Time In The Sunshine

Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, MD, Chief Medical Officer Well & Being Spa

Good news, sunshine is in the forecast in Scottsdale, Arizona! Though the sun sometimes gets a bad rep for prematurely aging our skin and causing skin cancer, there are actually some big benefits to spending time (safely) in the sun.

Here’s a list of some of the key benefits that hopefully will inspire you to find the nearest sun patch and spend some time outside.While staying socially responsible of course.

Before you head out the door, remember when it comes to sun exposure, moderation is key, but don't forget to protect your skin with a good SPF when you're soaking up those rays!

Sun Gives Your Immune System A Boost

Skin reacts to the sun's ultraviolet-B radiation by creating vitamin D, which the immune system needs a good amount of to function properly. Brief, repeated exposures to the sun are best for making vitamin D. While social distancing may make it more challenging, try to find times earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to add outdoor time to your day. Find the nearest sun patch, walk around your neighborhood or spend some time in the yard on weekends. Fairmont Scottsdale is lucky to have 65 acres of wide-open spaces of lush lagoons, cactus and fragrance gardens and secluded outdoor relaxation spaces to make social distancing in the sun simpler than ever.

Sun Gives You Increased Happiness

That warm feeling you get when you're stepping out of the air conditioning and into the sun is your body thanking you. Research has found that sunshine increases serotonin which can help alter moods in the brain. Translation: get up and look for some light—as long as it comes from the sun, not the ceiling.

Sun Provides The Similar Effects Of A Workout

The sun has proven to make you healthier not just emotionally, but physically as well. The sun has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, releasing nitric oxide from the skin into the circulation, dilating blood vessels and gently lowering blood pressure. Bonus: Try to fit in a new workout in the sun! From sunrise tai chi to sunset yoga to a mid-day dip swimming laps at Sonoran Landing pool, Fairmont Scottsdale is developing new social distancing approved workouts coming soon!

Sun Helps You Sleep Better

Catching some rays during the day keeps your circadian rhythm on schedule. Sun increases serotonin, which is responsible for how we fall asleep and sleep throughout the night. Even a well-timed stroll in the sun during a lunch break will provide that serotonin boost that can make the night less restless and the next day more refreshing. And don't forget, this is a wonderful family activity! Babies need their Vitamin D as well to get the most out of their nap and nighttime sleep schedules.

Sun Gives Your Skin A Glow- And Not From A Tan

Yes, really. We often think about how the sun can damage skin, but for those with certain skin conditions, the sun can actually be a kind of medicine. A little bit of sun does wonders for improving certain skin conditions, like acne and eczema. But even for those who don't have specific skin issues, taking in a few UV rays (in moderation) can give you a healthy glow.

Sun Reduces Certain Health Risks

People with higher exposure to the sun's rays tend to recover from serious health problems, even certain types of cancer, at higher rates than those with a low exposure. The sun also plays a role in bone health and helps reduce the chances of bone-related diseases.

Sunny Escapes In Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Arizona has been ranked the #1 best city in the U.S. to quarantine by career resource site Zippia. Based on average apartment size, amount of parkland per person, percent of residents with broadband internet and number of takeout options. Add in the 333 days of sunshine every year, 750 newly renovated guest rooms, six sparkling pools, championship golf courses and multiple award-winning restaurants, and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is an ideal vacation destination. Fairmont Scottsdale is also committed to the wellbeing of our guests during these times. In response to COVID-19, our AAA Five Diamond resort has created the ALLSAFE program.

About Dr. Tieraona Low Dog

Well & Being's team of world-class spa and wellness experts are led by Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, whose extensive career in the study of natural medicine, and its role in modern health care, began more than 35 years ago. Dr. Low Dog studied midwifery and massage therapy, as well as herbalism. She served as President of the American Herbalist Guild and ran a teaching clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico before going on to receive her doctorate degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Tieraona opened and ran a successful integrative medical clinic in Albuquerque before joining the faculty of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona where she served as the Director of Fellowship from 2005-2015. Tieraona has recently authored three National Geographic books, Healthy at Home and Life is Your Best Medicine and co-authored the Guide to Medicinal Herbs. She serves on numerous editorial/advisory boards, and has appeared on E!, ABC's 20/20, CNN, and is a frequent guest on the Dr. Oz show and NPR's The People's Pharmacy.

Top Reasons To Experience Fairmont Gold

Nicole Thomure, Director of Rooms

Ensuring your stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is nothing short of unforgettable is the goal and we have 5 reasons why, when you travel it needs to be to our hotel-within-a-hotel, Fairmont Gold.

Imagine a luxurious Sonoran Desert escape filled with stunning views, impeccable service and details aimed to please every one of your travel desires. Welcome to Fairmont Gold—a hotel-within-a-hotel, where the your experience begins the moment you arrive at our front door. Ensuring your stay is nothing short of unforgettable is the goal and we have 5 reasons why, when you travel, it needs to be to Fairmont Gold.

1. Boutique-Like Ambiance

An enclave on the southeast corner of the resort, Fairmont Gold in Scottsdale offers guests a complete boutique experience. Fairmont Gold is a place where we know you by name and your travel arrangements are quickly and expertly anticipated for. Upon arrival at a private check-in, you are immediately greeted with a "taste of Arizona" welcome drink in-hand. Your very own private concierge will ensure that your every need is met, from arranging shuttle transport to nearby shopping areas to helping you discover the destination's best local hikes, attractions, concerts and more.

2. Renovated Suites At The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Paralleling the upscale residential upgrades of recent Sunset Beach and Casitas renovations, Fairmont Gold's enhancements feature a modern bohemian chic vibe with gracefully tailored décor, a light, refreshing color palette, functional layouts and refined authentically local Southwestern touches.

3. Exclusive Private Gold Lounge

Fairmont Gold offers guests an exclusive lounge, comforting for business and leisure travelers alike. Rest and relaxation take center stage, with scenic resort views and a friendly and dedicated staff, this is the ultimate place to get away from the hustle and bustle.

4. Continental Breakfast, Afternoon Canapes & Drinks

Begin each morning with an effortless deluxe complimentary continental breakfast, featuring from-scratch warm dishes including crème brulee oatmeal, eggs benedict and more. Throughout the day, enjoy complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks with surprises from our Executive Chef Conor Favre each afternoon. Unwind each evening with special privileges such as an honor bar and complimentary signature hors d'oeuvres. Each Friday evening, experience a flavorful introduction to the resort's variety of fine dining establishments from our culinary geniuses.

EXPLORE FAIRMONT GOLD

12 Wellness Tips For Happier And Healthier Meetings

Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, MD, Chief Medical Officer Well & Being Spa

When you're a hard-working business traveler, the team at the Princess knows that wellness can easily get lost in the shuffle, making it difficult to maintain and preserve your levels of resiliency for early morning meetings. Our team's goal is to keep your meeting attendees at their best, whether they are facing time zone changes, canceled flights, or extended work days in a city across the globe from home. As an advocate for healthcare who is both compassionate and effective, while still remaining environmentally conscious, I invite you to sit back and relax knowing your attendees' well-being is a priority during your meeting at the Princess.

Knowledge is power, and preventive care is essential to well-being. Listed below I hope to share my knowledge with you with 12 of my best practices to keep attendees productive, relaxed and fueled up.

5 PEACE-FILLED PRODUCTIVITY PRACTICES

1. Limit Technology Use In The Mornings

Many of us use our phones for alarms and immediately start checking email, social media, and text messages as soon as we wake up. Not only is this habit very distracting, it can also take away from our ability to start the day with positive energy. Resist the urge to start scrolling the minute your alarm goes off.

2. Write Down Your Intentions

Spend 10 minutes each morning jotting down what you're hoping to accomplish that day. Research shows that setting intentions makes us more likely to achieve our goals.

3. Take Frequent 5-10 Minute Breaks

This one is especially important if you spend your days working on a computer. Give your body a break from sitting and your eyes a rest from staring at the screen by taking 5-10 minutes every hour to get up and move around.

4. Use A Time-Tracker

Feel like the day is constantly getting away from you? Consider downloading one of the many apps out there designed to help you track and optimize your time so you can have a productive, stress-free day.

5. End The Day By Giving Your Worries Away To Paper

If your mind starts racing through tomorrow's to-dos and anxieties the second your head hits the pillow, you may have a hard time getting the rest you need. Keep a journal near your bed where you can write down everything you're worried about, then let it go. You could also use this time to write a to-do list for the next day.

When we are at peace with our surroundings and our mind becomes clear, our productivity levels begin to flourish. By building these five practices into your daily routine, you can make a huge positive impact to your mental wellbeing.

4 RELAXING REMEDIES FOR RESILIENCE

1. Make Time For Massage

Time spent traveling and sitting in meetings all day can take its toll on the body and mind. A good massage can help work out some of the physical kinks while relieving stress and anxiety.

2. Stretch And Connect With Yoga

If you're feeling overwhelmed, try to make time for a yoga class, or do some simple stretches in your hotel room. Yoga connects the mind, body, and soul to boost resiliency.

3. Unwind Your Day With A Moment Of Self-Care

After a long and hectic day, give yourself five minutes to enjoy a cup of tea or decaf coffee as an escape from the chaos.

4. Supplement With Melatonin For Sleep

A good night's sleep is crucial for resiliency, but getting adequate rest can be difficult when you're sleeping in different beds every night and traveling across time zones. Consider using a melatonin supplement to get your body back into its natural rhythm.

So you had a long day filled with endless stressors. Your flight was delayed and you ran in to traffic from the airport to the resort. All these little matters can really add up eventually taking a toll on your inner self and outer performance. Implement these four remedies to help your body and mind bounce back so you can feel ready to take on the next morning and get some well-deserved relaxation.

3 MIND-BOOSTING MEAL TIPS FOR BUSINESS WARRIORS

1. Eat Plenty Of Protein

Protein is the fuel that powers you through your busy days. Eat some type of protein at every meal.

2. Drink Focus-Enhancing Beverages

The caffeine found in coffee and tea is considered a nootropic, meaning it can improve focus and help you stay alert. Try alternative drinks that contain caffeine as well as attention-boosting botanicals.

3. Feed Your Head

To keep your brain firing on all cylinders, make sure you're getting enough omega-3s. Found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds, these fatty acids have been shown to have neurological benefits.

The stomach is the window to your mind's function. By fueling your body with what it needs, you prepare yourself to be your best in any situation you set out to master.

HEALTHFUL MEETINGS IN SCOTTSDALE

While you're on property, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess takes care of your attendee's well-being so you don't have to. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess features Well & Being Spa, an award winning tranquil escape, located conveniently in the resort's beautiful Hacienda Plaza. Inspired by a Grand Canyon oasis, this 44,000 sq. ft. sanctuary offers a comprehensive program of services, treatments, activities and retreats designed to enrich your life all while supporting your own unique journey. Outfitted with world-class spa and salon experts, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is the premier place to host and educate your traveling meeting attendees on tips and tricks to stay healthy while on the road.

ABOUT DR. TIERAONA LOW DOG

Well & Being's team of world-class spa and wellness experts are led by Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, whose extensive career in the study of natural medicine, and its role in modern health care, began more than 35 years ago. Dr. Low Dog studied midwifery and massage therapy, as well as herbalism. She served as President of the American Herbalist Guild and ran a teaching clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico before going on to receive her doctorate degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Tieraona opened and ran a successful integrative medical clinic in Albuquerque before joining the faculty of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona where she served as the Director of Fellowship from 2005-2015. Tieraona has recently authored three National Geographic books, Healthy at Home and Life is Your Best Medicine and co-authored the Guide to Medicinal Herbs. She serves on numerous editorial/advisory boards, and has appeared on E!, ABC's 20/20, CNN, and is a frequent guest on the Dr. Oz show and NPR's The People's Pharmacy.

Whether you want to relax before your next work trip or you want a getaway to relax and rejuvenate, consider making The Princess your next vacation getaway.

Sommelier Stories: How Bourbon Steak Cultivated Arizona’s Largest Sommelier Staff

By Chad Howard, Assistant Director of Food & Beverage

An expertly paired wine can change dining to a memorable experience. Bourbon Steak, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, has been recognized as the Scottsdale restaurant with the best wine list by Wine Spectator.

Recognition as Arizona's best wine list was achieved with a cellar of more than 600 wines and a battalion of well-trained sommeliers expertly recommending the perfect pour with any pairing.

Curating the perfect pairing can be a more complex undertaking than many realize. It takes expertise, earned with time tasting and training your palate to recommend the perfect pairing with your meal. The best sommeliers tailor their knowledge of wines into suggestions that cater to your specific tastes and preferred flavor profiles, then work to find that perfect match for your evening's menu selections.

Sommeliers At Bourbon Steak Scottsdale

Bourbon Steak has invested in the development of 13 sommeliers among our servicers and restaurant managers, who have achieved varying levels of certification. Most of us don't want to overthink a wine selection as if it's a test, but do want a bottle that will make their evening special. Our team genuinely loves to share their passion for great food and wine, and use the deep education they received with our guests. They take great pride in helping their guests select a great bottle of wine that meets their preferences and budget.

To be the best steakhouse in a competitive market like ours, our wine list and food must be top notch; but the real key to lasting success is having a passionate, knowledgeable staff to lead our guests through the ultimate dining experience. Andrew McLaughlin, General Manager of Bourbon Steak and a sommelier himself, leads his team in daily tastings of wine and tastes new menu options created by Executive Chef Sara Garrant. This daily investment in the education of the Bourbon Steak team gives them first-hand knowledge to enhance the guest experience, visit after visit. Andrew and his team collaborate daily on how to enhance the experience of their guests. He is a passionate restaurant leader, truly focused on the customer experience by investing in his team on an on-going basis.

To keep up with the expanding expertise of our culinary geniuses, our wine list is constantly evolving to match the season, menu, new trends and to make sure we stay top of class. The Mina Group, managing partners of Bourbon Steak, are intensely committed to quality ingredients. You can count on Bourbon Steak having the highest quality steaks in town – including real A5 wagyu beef imported from Japan. The rich, high-quality of cuts of meat offered at Bourbon Steak require a high-quality and imaginative wine program that celebrates the food it's paired with, yet can still be appreciated on its own. With such a diverse menu that runs the gamut from fish to fowl to beef, from land and sea, our sommeliers have deep knowledge of our extensive wine list and will recommend a bottle that will pair perfectly.

Service Promise

McLaughlin says "To maintain the confidence of our loyal customers, we continuously invest in training our staff to make sure they always receive expert, personalized recommendations for dinner to appeal to their individual palate. We've built trust as a voice of authority in recommending wines for their dinner and don't want to lose their confidence. It is part of our service goals to make a night out a special occasion that you'll want to repeat again and again." The next time you are enjoying a night out in Bourbon Steak, we encourage you to take a moment and talk with our wine experts for their recommendations. You won't regret it.

RESERVE YOUR TABLE

An Insider’s Hiking And Photography Guide From A Scottsdale Native

I can promise, you won’t want to spend your upcoming trip to Scottsdale entirely indoors.

I consider myself extremely lucky to live in the heart of the majestic Sonoran Desert. As an Arizona native, over the years I have been on my fair share of hiking trails. No matter where your skill level may currently be, there's an endless list of beautiful paths perfect for hikers and desert photographers alike. It's nearly impossible to find a trail on any of the below Preserves mentioned that you won't end up falling in love with.

One of the best things about living in Arizona are the sunsets, and there is no better place to witness such a marvelous end to the day than sitting on a mountain top. The colorful painted sky, view of the surrounding city and the peaceful quiet of nature are the perfect mix to end any day.

I began working at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in 2015, and one of the many assets that drew me to this property were the stunning views of all of my favorite mountain tops. Over the past 10 years, I've spent a good majority of my free time hiking and running various trails in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area. Whether participating in cross country, Ragnar Trail relays or just getting out in nature with my loved ones, these mountains have become my playground.

I invite you to walk in some of my favorite footsteps for an outdoor adventure, and hope to help you in capturing a moment you'll want to revisit for years to come!

Best Hiking Near The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

MCDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE
With more than 30,500 acres and over 200 miles of sightseeing trails, the Preserve stays open sunrise to sunset with onsite parking free of charge.
Bringing your furry friend along with you to explore? Not to worry, all of the McDowell Mountain trails are open for your four legged companion to join in on the fun. Just be sure to pack enough water for both of you.

Kovach Family Nature Trail
The majority of this short and laidback trail floor is stabilized granite complete with a few concrete sections, providing the perfect walk for families of all ages and abilities looking to explore the outdoors. Along your journey, you'll find fun informative signs featuring unique plants and animals who call the Sonoran Desert home.
Difficulty: Easy Distance: 0.6 miles Elevation Change: 0 feet

Gateway Loop Trail
This can be a great family trail for kids with hiking experience, keeping in mind this trail is lengthy. Blanketed with gorgeous wildflowers during spring, you're likely to spot wildlife yearlong on this trail. Keep your eyes open for viewpoints throughout the hike, as most of the breathtaking views of Scottsdale can be found during the ascent. The saddle viewpoint at the top provides for a nice flat resting point before making the journey back down.
Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 4.5 miles Elevation Change: 715 feet

Tom's Thumb Lookout Viewpoint
A challenging out and back hike, this trail will be steep with loose gravel throughout. Filled with narrow and rocky pathways, the lookout at the top makes the difficult trek up worth it. The top of Tom's Thumb is hands down the best viewpoint in the McDowell Mountains. Be sure to bring plenty of water, and don't forget to take notice of the gorgeous granite landscape on your climb.
Difficulty: Difficult Distance: 5.1 miles Elevation Change: 1,374 feet

PIESTEWA PEAK
A favorite Preserve for a handful of Arizona hikers, this trek is known to have a lot of foot traffic. Being mindful of your fellow hikers, you won't want to miss the sights from the top.

Summit Trail
A quick but strenuous out and back trail. This path is steep with a jagged rock landscape. You'll wind through multiple switchbacks and some modified steps to help you reach a rewarding 360 degree view of the Phoenix metropolitan area. If you have flashlights or headlamps to bring with you, you can catch one of the most beautiful views of our infamous Arizona sunsets from the top before descending back down.
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult Distance: 1.2 miles Elevation Change: 1,151 feet

CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN
Find some unbeatable views from the top of this mountain, but keep in mind your limits! The trails on this mountain have a much higher level of difficulty than the others listed above. Whether taking Cholla or Echo Canyon trail, I would advise even advanced hikers to proceed with caution. Open sunrise to sunset, note that dogs are not allowed on these trails.

Cholla Trail
Looking for those famous Arizonan awe-inspiring views? The saying is true, nothing worth it is ever easy and you'll have to be willing to put in some work to get there. I recommend steering clear of this trail if you're afraid of heights. Your shoe traction will be your best friend on this trail, as there will be areas with loose gravel. Plan between 2 and 3 hours for completion, but be sure to allot extra time for pictures of the phenomenal views you'll catch along the way.
Difficulty: Difficult Distance: 2.6 miles Elevation Change: 1,161 feet

Echo Canyon Trail
Intense and difficult, a dirt path leads you up to a steep 1.25 mile climb to get to the summit. Prepare for an adventure climbing over large boulders, this out and back trip will take between 2 and 3 hours. As this has become a very popular Arizona hike, I recommend trying this one during the weekdays.
Difficulty: Difficult Distance: 2.4 miles Elevation Change: 1,423 feet

Desert Photography Tips
A broad stretch of land and sky complete with spectacular mountain views, the Sonoran Desert is filled with rich imagery. When capturing this majestic scenery, don't be afraid to think outside the box while still using the common rule of thirds in your photography. Make a Cholla Cactus your focal point, and show the mountains off in the distance to provide an alluring sense of depth. Tell a story with your images, capturing your footprints in the shot. Let the natural layers of the landscape flow all the way through your photo from start to finish. Keep your eye out for textures, and use the lighting of the sun to your advantage. There are plenty of vibrant colors to play with during any time of day. As always, don't forget to look after your camera and be wary of dust to avoid a scratched lens. Secret tip, don't forget to capture our famous Saguaro in silhouette form with a soft sky glow just after a sunset.
Stay safe out there! Three things to always remember-be on the lookout for wildlife, watch the weather and always be sure to pack extra water.

There are so many ways to enjoy the Arizona Desert. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess can help you get the most out of your getaway.

EXPERIENCE ARIZONA

The Do’s And Don’ts Of Meaningful And Memorable Meetings

Pam Gilbert, Director of Sales and Marketing

It is an exciting but challenging time for meeting planners as the profile of our attendee’s changes. Now Gen Xers and Millennials are the predominant attendees at our meetings. The good news is these attendees do 'want to meet’.

They are looking for mentors and peer connections to help grow their careers and education that will help them live better lives. It's a tall order for planners to produce a conference that really connects and is meaningful for their attendees while continuously reinventing and keeping it fresh each year. I've hosted top corporate and association conferences here at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for the past decade, and here is what I've learned: Today's meeting attendees want and appreciate disruption of the traditional conference.

Conference Attendees Want More:

• Authenticity
• Time in nature
• Sustainability
• Opportunities for social-based sharing
• Use of technology
• Lots of food…but really delicious, varied and fun (feed me something I can only get there!)
• Help navigating the meeting
• Unique experiences and places
• Adventure
• Opportunities to do good and make a difference

Scottsdale meeting attendees do want the time they spend here to be meaningful and memorable. Psychologists share it's the memory of the experience that makes it so meaningful and our memories are filled with pictures, smells and feelings. Fill your conference with incredible visual inspiration, scents that energize, relax or comfort and create experiences that help your attendees feel stronger, better and smarter...and you will be guaranteed happy attendees.

Insider Tips From Scottsdale Conference Planners:

It's my hope you'll find something of inspiration from my list of Do's and Don'ts created from tips I've learned hosting some of the world's best conference planners.

What To Do When Planning Your Conference

• Choose photo-worthy locations and venues
• Create opportunities to take and share photos
• Enable socialization through technology, social sharing, realtime surveys and chat options
• Gamify your exhibits and conference sessions
• Invest in a custom interactive conference mobile app
• Connect via technology with attendees from registration through post-conference message reinforcement
• Use video to set mood and emotionally connect with attendees
• Plan a ‘bite size' meeting—think Ted Talk and break it up with opportunities to interact…they will be able to absorb content in the method they most prefer
• Plant ‘disrupters' in your meeting with tough questions that inspire meaningful conversation (come on, you know what company or industry issues are on everyone's mind!)
• Place cool mist scent machines in meeting rooms, changing aromatherapy scents to influence mood accordingly
• Find ways to add natural scents to the experience (steak firing on a BBQ, dinner in a rose garden, breakfast on the patio with a desert breeze, etc.)
• Make it fun by thinking outside-of-the-box. Why can't a continental be a Breakfast Club cereal bar?
• Provide authentic destination experiences with food, customs, local storytellers and entertainment
• Layer technology throughout your event, including recreation
• Schedule offsite adventure time, preferably in nature. They want to leave having experienced the destination (they are experience collectors!)
• Incorporate natural light wherever possible
• Give them directions on how to maximize your conference. They want to ‘meet well', but need guidance
• Create an opportunity for attendees to work as a group to do something that is socially responsible—give them the gift of feeling they made a difference in someone's life
• Give them something new to talk about

What Not To Do When Planning Your Meeting

• Print and mail registration collateral
• Print paper programs
• Choose a cookie-cutter hotel (take the opportunity to find a unique or iconic host hotel/resort. You can find them in all budget!)
• Choose an uninspiring destination
• Host all meals and meetings in an indoor conference room
• Maintain the same conference agenda year after year
• Choose menus that guests could experience anywhere
• Schedule long speaker sessions without interactive breaks
• Use overhead projectors and clunky PowerPoint presentations in a general session
• Make it all about the ‘company' or ‘organization' (instead, focus on the people who populate it.)

Tips For Checking Off Your Do List At The Princess:

• Let our in-house vendor ENCORE provide your customized meeting app and assist with your conference communication from start to finish (complimentary with exclusive use of ENCORE for qualifying groups).
• Utilize our resort video to help promote our destination and conference digitally.
• Take advantage of our 14 unique outdoor event venues, six pools, spa atrium and fitness rooms and top-ranked restaurants to host your meeting in non-traditional settings.
• Allow our unique in-house destination management department, Adventure & Experiences, to create events that are unforgettable. Nobody knows how to showcase your event in our resort and local venues better than our in-house Adventure & Experiences team!
• Consult our team of "Foodie Gurus" to create the most memorable menus, perfectly customized for every unique on-property venue.
• Incorporate interactive food experiences and stations into your events. Nothing anything allows attendees to be further engaged in their own personalized experience (branding their steaks, painting their dessert plates with sauces, etc.) while creating some amazing Instagram-worthy photography to go along with your conference's event hashtags!
• Add some of the many resort "taste makers" to enhance your reception experiences. Who doesn't want to have a personalized tequila tasting led by a Tequila Goddess during their Southwest conference experience? Or how about a rum-paired dinner, exposing your attendees to a new spirit to pair with food when they return home from the conference to show off to their family and friends! P.S.—The La Bomba exploding dessert course at Toro will keeping them talking for months to come.
• Buy-out a great restaurant for dinner to excite your attendees about their evening banquet experience! As the number one dining resort in Arizona, your guests will love dining were the locals hangout in Scottsdale, without ever having to leave the resort!
• Host a dine-around! Allow your guests to experience the numerous restaurants on property while finishing off the evening with your group back together for a dessert reception and continued networking!
• Kick-off your conference at registration with a welcome cocktail and small bites introducing a taste of the destination (one of our most popular is passing margaritas with demonstrations and tastings of salsa and guacamole and a Nuevo flamenco Guitarist upon arrival).
• Close your conference with a bang! Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is one of the few resorts in the area with the ability to present firework displays on-site. Let our team assist you with arrangements.
• Let Adventure & Experiences and ENCORE join together to create a high-tech interactive, visually stimulating and conference experience for your attendees.
• Let our event artists help design your next conference.

The most important trend impacting today's meetings is the need to be original, not redundant. It's big challenge for meeting planners to fulfill the need to top last year's conference! That's why we have recruited an incredibly passionate and creative team, who are willing to put in the extra effort to make sure they achieve your goals in a new and unique manner year after year. That's what partners do, right? Plan your next meeting here in Scottsdale with our team of meetings experts.

MEETINGS AT THE PRINCESS

A Luxury Resort For All Ages: Multi-Generational Vacations At Fairmont Scottsdale

In today’s fast-paced world, families are living farther apart geographically than any other time in history, and as a natural result, multi-generational vacations are quickly becoming the best way for extended family members to gather together and reconnect in one place.

Here's why the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is the perfect family vacation resort to meet, eat, entertain and create memories with your tribe.

Hospitality:

It all starts with a great ‘home base.' From our cozy Casitas with stone fireplace hearths and modern Sunset Beach rooms overlooking a 9,000 square foot white sand beach to premium luxury suites fit for the royal family, we have a variety of Five Diamond room configurations to fit any size family across a variety of budgets. With 750 rooms to choose from, you are sure to get a good night's sleep after a great day spending quality time together. Insider Tip: Be sure to reserve a connecting hospitality suite so the family can gather in one place away from public venues. Who's up for a good old fashioned family game night?

Dining In Scottsdale:

There is nothing worse than missing out on quality family time after a memorable meal because someone is stuck in the kitchen with the clean up! Not only will we do the dishes, but let us plan the perfect meal to satisfy even the pickiest little eaters in the bunch. Our four signature restaurants offer semi-private as well as private dining options for groups of all sizes and can easily accommodate any dietary restrictions a family member may have. We can even provide family dining experiences in the comfort of your guest suite. Insider Tip: Let us create a custom meal to rekindle those cherished family traditions like a picnic on the lawn, Sunday dinner around the dining room table, backyard barbecue on the patio or ice cream social and sundae bar.

Activities At The Princess:

More Americans are transitioning from ‘owning things' to ‘doing things' as they place greater value on experiences, rather than possessions. Good thing creating itineraries to ensure a fun family vacation for your multi-generational travelers with something for everyone is our specialty! From life-enriching experiences, shareworthy moments for social media, and highly-customized interactions, our full-service concierge team has you covered. Allow them to book bucket list adventures like hot air balloon rides, recommend local attractions such as museums and day trips, help you pick the perfect hike to see the Sonoran Desert or score a tee time on that championship golf course so you, too, can play like a pro. Perhaps you'll find the best time is right here in our backyard with on-site catch and release fishing in the lagoons, Trailblazers Kids Club and Family Recreation Center, sport court, playground and six different pools to splish-splash the day away. For the fitness buffs in the group, there are two fitness centers to choose from and an array of group exercise classes to suit all fitness levels including wall yoga, aerial hammock yoga, bungee fitness and wall pulley training. Maybe the spa is more your speed and your crew would prefer a day of relaxation under the waterfall or at the rooftop pool followed by a luxurious massage at Well & Being. Insider Tip: With so many activities to choose from, don't feel obligated to plan something for every minute of every day. Sometimes having free time to rest and just take in the surroundings allows you to fully enjoy and appreciate the time you are spending with your loved ones.

Cherish The Day:

Coordinating all those schedules and gathering the family from far and wide is no easy feat. Commemorate your multi-generational vacation with a family photo at the resort. A place to be both online and off, these highly instagrammable spots on property will have your social media feed thanking you. The Princess is also known for its natural beauty, with photo ops around every corner:

As you watch the magnificent sunset at The Plaza Bar

• At Well & Being's rooftop pool, with beautiful views of the majestic McDowell Mountains
• On the edges of Sunset Beach, where you can become a mermaid with artistic drawings in the sand
• In front of Toro's vibrant mosaic fireplace wall, with views overlooking TPC Scottsdale's iconic greens
• The blooming Sonoran Desert's most beautiful gems, displayed in our Cactus Garden

Insider Tip: Up your 'gram game #AtThePrincess with one of our hashtags:

#AtThePrincess
#FairmontMoments
#AbsolutelyScottsdale
#FeelWelcome

Now go ahead, kick back, relax, enjoy your perfectly planned vacation for the entire family, and turn moments into memories that will have them counting down to the next one at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

Book your next vacation at the Princess with our Leisure Sales Manager, Erin Stewart, by emailing her at Erin.Stewart@Fairmont.com or calling her at 480.585.2700.