I arrived in Phoenix around noon and headed straight from the airport to Biltmore Fashion Park to meet up with the rest of my group.  We congregated at True Food Kitchen (www.FoxRestaurantConcepts.com), which offers globally inspired, seasonal menu that appeals to anyone seeking a more balanced lifestyle.  The cucumber lemonade, gazpacho and tuna sashimi salad were all delicious! 
 
We then headed to the Arizona Biltmore Resort (our home for the next two nights).Opened in 1929 and known for its Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, the 39-acre resort is known as the "Jewel of the Desert." After some R&R at the Biltmore (www.ArizonaBiltmore.com), we drove to the Scottsdale's newest luxury resort, the InterContinental Montelucia Resort (www.ICMontelucia.com), which is nestled on 30 acres in the foothills of Camelback Mountain.  This resort is incredible and reminds me so much of southern Spain.  The 31,000-square-foot Joya Spa (www.JoyaSpa.com) is a destination in and of itself.  While here, we were each treated to two 25-minute "sample" treatments.  My scalp massage and facial were wonderful, and I felt fully recovered from the plane ride earlier that day. 
 
After our treatments, we headed to the InterContinental's restaurant Prado (http://PradoLife.com) where we started the evening with a Tequila Tasting.  Despite a strong aversion to tequila (for reasons I won't mention), I tried the three options offered and felt just fine drinking water the remainder of the evening.  I enjoyed my steak, but heard several people rave about the lamb sausage.  I'll have to try that next time.  
 
The next morning, we checked out the Phoenix Farmers Market where I found homemade pasta and herb chocolates that were fantastic.  We then drove to the Heard Museum (www.Heard.org), which is undoubtedly one of the best places to experience the art and culture of Native Americans of the Southwest.  With the museum's 10 exhibit galleries and exquisite art, it is easy to see why nearly 250,000 people visit the Heard each year. My favorite is the Indian Boarding School exhibit.  I had no idea Indian children were removed from their families and shipped to boarding schools in an effort to eradicate the Indian culture from society.  The experiences shared in this exhibit, as well as the impact it had on the tribes and culture, were deeply moving.  I highly recommend a stop at the Heard when you are in Phoenix.  The next stop was the Phoenix Art Museum (www.PhxArt.org), which truly does have "something for everyone."  It boasts more than 17,000 artworks in American, Asian, contemporary, European, Latin American and Western art, as well as fashion design and the Thorne Miniature Rooms of historic interiors.  They also have a great gift shop where I found my new favorite quote, "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?"
 
Following a delightful lunch at the Museum, we were on our way to the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch (http://Scottsdale.Hyatt.com).  After a tour of this Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired property, we were on our way to Spa Avania for more spa treatments (I opted for a mani/pedi) and then tapas and cocktails.  The resort has all the amenities you could want for a fun in the sun getaway, including sand beach, three-story waterslide and a 2 ½ acre water playground. 
 
Dinner that night was hosted by the Arizona Biltmore Resort's brand new restaurant, Frank & Albert's. It's based on the Biltmore's architect, Albert Chase McArthur and his history with Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as the organic architecture inspiration for the Arizona Biltmore.  The chef's concept for the restaurant is Arizona comfort food and familiar classics accented by local flavors, and he uses a lot of local farms & purveyors.  I loved the Coca Cola® Pork Chop & Organic Apples...what a unique combination.  But my favorite was absolutely the dessert I chose called "As the Cookie Crumbles," which is a huge, fresh, baked-to-order chocolate chunk cookie, served warm with vanilla bean ice cream, hot fudge and whipped cream. Need I say more?
 
Sunday morning was an early one with a 6:30 a.m. hike in the Phoenix Mountain Park to the top of Pietewa Peak (this was much needed after the dessert last night).  Our fearless hike leader Scott pointed out the flora and fauna we hiked through, such as saguaro, prickly pear, barrel and jumping cholla cactuses (which is also called teddy-bear cholla, Scott explained, as he stuck it in his arm and asked if we wanted to try to do the same.  After my luck walking away from the alligator wrestling, I opted out of the cactus taming). We also saw many trees native to Arizona, such as palo verde (green stick), creosote and mesquite.
 
After our invigorating hike (and near death car accident...thanks Scott), we headed over to the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (www.KierlandResort.com) for "Bubbles & Brunch" in the resort's Nellie Cashman's Monday Club Café.  Named for "The Angel of the Mining Camp" and Arizona's oldest woman, Nellie Cashman's Monday Club Café offers casual dining with an emphasis on locally-grown produce and indigenous recipes along with Chef Jason Christie's Southwestern-Mediterranean flair. Patty and I were the first to find the cocktail cart, and were completely impressed that the Westin was one of the first golf courses in the world to offer Segways versus golf carts. 
 
After brunch, we traveled to the Fairmont Scottsdale Resort (www.fairmont.com/scottsdale) for spa treatments, accommodations and a wonderful dinner at LV Bistro.  The Fairmont is absolutely magnificent with its McDowell Mountains backdrop, Southwest setting, Spanish-colonial style architecture, 44,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa, five heated swimming pools, Bourbon Steak (by Chef Michael Mina), Stone Rose Lounge (presented by nightlife entrepreneurs Rande Gerber and Scott Gerber) and their newest dining options, LV Bistro.  I was thrilled to arrive at Willow Stream Spa for my 90-minute Jet Lag Massage.  What a wonderful treatment!  I did not want to leave the spa.  
 
After my treatment I met my good friend Tatiana (who lives in Phoenix) for drinks poolside to people watch during the Stone Rose Lounge's Sunday Pool Party.  Tatiana joined us for my Girls Getaway to Montana, and we have stayed in touch ever since July.  After catching up, I headed back to my room to freshen up for dinner at LV Bistro, which provides only the freshest local organic produce, all-natural meats, sustainable seafood and organic cocktails. 
 
Upon arriving at LV Bistro, I had a difficult time deciding between two of their infused vodkas: the Tomato & Basil or the Cucumber & Pomegranate.  I finally decided to try the Tomato & Basil, which was phenomenal.  We all liked it so much that most everyone ordered that for their second drink.  Here's to trying new things!!!  The food was delicious.  Upon Valerie's recommendation, I ordered the All Natural Braised Beef Short Ribs.  Although I was hesitant to try them (mainly due to the mess I knew I'd make), the meat just fell off the bone and was every bit as good as she promised.  Dessert was sweet and entertaining as the chef created mini desserts in shot-sized glasses, which contained favorites such as chocolate mousse, carrot cake and chocolate peanut butter. 
 
Monday was our last day in Phoenix, but before we departed, we headed back to the Westin for yoga and spa treatment #5 at Agave.  The yoga class was the perfect start to the day and reminded me how much I need to get back to it.  After yoga, I indulged in the spa's very own Berry Smoothie, and then received a relaxing rainwater stick massage, which was phenomenal. The Westin staff was nice enough to send me to the airport with a Pacific Rim lunch (to go).  After saying goodbye to my new friends and Phoenix, I loaded up the car and headed to the airport.  With a final look at picturesque Phoenix, I reminisced about this whirlwind trip and the new adventures that still await The Getaway Girl® in Arizona.