Relax in the Desert Oasis of Paradise Valley

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Advisor - Relax in the Desert Oasis of Paradise Valley
Fora’s Take

Staying here is like coming home. The Sanctuary is a picturesque landscape of Camelback Mountain on 53 acres, a wellness spa you could spend all day in, and a negative edge pool ideal for sunset lounging. You will fall in love just like we did!

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Where to stay

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney's Resort & Spa

Luxury property in Scottsdale set on 53 acres of desert with manicured grounds, pools and award-winning facilities.

Fora Perks
  • $100 spa credits.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Royal Palms Resort and Spa

This upgraded historic Spanish villa serves as the perfect enclave from the Arizona desert, boasting proximity to city comforts and sweeping views of nature.

Fora Perks
  • $100 resort credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out based upon availability at check-in.

Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale

Chic high-end resort surrounded by desert hills with modern rooms and a trendy restaurant.

Fora Perks
  • $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

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Unlock perks by contacting our team of advisors to book your trip.

Things to do

Relax in the Desert Oasis of Paradise Valley  - Things to do

Hiking at Camelback Mountain - For the love of hiking, Camelback Mountain is the highest summit in Phoenix. Not for the faint at heart. Hiking Camelback Mountain is no joke. But the good news is that there are two sides to this beautiful red-rock spot. Echo Canyon for the avid hiker and Cholla Trail for the cruisers. Both trails are strenuous and subject to extreme heat, so bring your water and legit footwear.

Cosanti - A historic desert gem, we loved getting lost in the futuristic cave dwellings. This space is full of enormous ceramic pots, primitive carvings on walls, ceilings and patina wind bells. A foundry, art studio and gallery. Cosanti is a unique experience built by Paolo Soleri, an Italian-born architect in the 50’s. He studied under Frank Llyod Wright. Cruise through or schedule a tour to witness resident artisans pour molten bronze into the bell molds.

Thursday Night Art Walk - Enjoy a perfect night in the historic Arts District. 28 galleries and two museums. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Wander around Old Town from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. If you appreciate art, this is for you!

A note from Fora

Our favorite things are a morning swim, spa day dalliance and sunset hike. Paradise Valley is for relaxing. A snowbird’s dream. Swimming, golfing, hiking and luxe shopping. The desert has many healing qualities.

Places to eat & drink

Relax in the Desert Oasis of Paradise Valley  - Places to eat & drink

The Canal Club - Cuban-inspired chic cuisine and decor inside the Scott Resort. Hello, avocado toast, huevos al gusto and chorizo brunch. Sign us up. Yum!

Jade Bar at Sanctuary on Camelback - Star-lit happy hour twinkling to a view of Paradise Valley brings you to this chic, contemporary, Bond-style Bar. Known for its handcrafted cocktails and truffle fries.

T. Cook's at Royal Palms Resort & Spa - Simple Mediterranean cuisine in a desert setting. T. Cook’s delivers an award-winning menu set in a scene of vaulted ceilings, desert tones and a patio with a view of Camelback Mountain and the Spanish-Colonial style, plus vibrant bougainvillea vines.

Day trips

Relax in the Desert Oasis of Paradise Valley  - Day trips

Sedona! Two hours to more gorgeous red-rock hiking trails, cooler weather, delicious food and epic energy vortexes in this quaint little town.

Need to Know

May to September are our summer months. October to April is “in-season." A snowbird dream. Insider tip: if you love night swimming, come in the summer months and night swim. It’s a personal favorite when it’s over 100F / 38C. Like swimming in a warm bath…yes!

Looking for more inspiration? Check out my guide to the Amalfi Coast!

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Arizona.