Discovering Arizona: Between the Desert and the Mountains

SCOTTSDALE:

From Phoenix Airport, head to the chosen resort and enjoy the mountains views, as well as the activities offered by the Hotels, such as stargazing and live music, and the facilities such as pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, gym, golf courts, among others, and the excellent spas in the area. My recommendation includes the Adero Hotel in Scottsdale because it is located very close to the start of the Adero trail. Besides being able to hike directly from the hotel, it offers excellent views. If you're looking for an exclusive and historic hotel, the Biltmore Hotel, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, and a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Hotel is an ideal choice. To learn more about this architect, visit Taliesin West: his winter home, and desert laboratory. This museum is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a besides guided tours and the audio tours, it offers other activities such as programs for children, yoga classes, concerts, and sunsets & sips; very original and attractive ways to learn more about the tenets of Organic Architecture.

Wandering through one of the trails of the Sonoran Desert is one of the best attractions in the area. For those of us who don't live in the desert, the diversity and exclusivity of its flora and fauna offer a unique experience. Surely, the stillness and authenticity of the Valley of the Sun won't leave you indifferent. There are parking lots at the trailheads in the mountains of Phoenix, making it very convenient to start the hiking routes. Some trails include the Piestewa Peak Summit Trail, Camelback Mountain or Adero Canyon Trail.

SEDONA:

In Sedona, much like in Scottsdale, there are two places to explore: the fabulous resorts for relaxation after an outdoor day and the hikes. However, in just a two-hour drive, the landscape has completely changed; now, we are in the red mountains. The color palette in Sedona is so intense: the red rocks, the blue sky, the pink-+orange hues of the sunsets, and the intense green vegetation.. that just for the landscape, it´s worth it, but it´s much more than that..

Additionally, you can feel the traces of the ancestors such as the Montezuma Castle National Monument in The Verde Valley, where the Sinagua built their dwellings around AD 1200.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross was inspired by the construction of the Empire State Building, and it is considered "The 10 Most Beautiful Churches Around the World" according to Architectural Digest (AD).

What about the vortexes? Sedona vortexes are thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration. In these places, it is likely to see people doing meditation, yoga, or energy cleansing. To delve deeper into this theme, come and discover it for yourself.

Day Trips:

FLAGSTAFF

In case you have time, Sedona is an hour's scenic drive from Flagstaff. In this city, you can take a stroll along the iconic Route 66, enjoy outdoor activities in the Coconino National Forest, ski and snowboard in winter at Arizona Snowbowl, or explore the universe at the hilltop campus of Lowell Observatory.

RESTAURANTS:

Arizona's cuisine is diverse, and due to its location, there is a significant Mexican influence. In Scottsdale, many restaurants feature patios and terraces, taking advantage of the climate. These are my recommendations:

• La Mission in Scottsdale and Kierland: Mexican cuisine with a beautiful decor.

• La Cala in Scottsdale: In Spain, the word 'cala' refers to a small bay or cove. In this case, the owners were inspired by a tiny beach cove street in Mallorca with a view of the Mediterranean Sea. That's why La Cala's cuisine is inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle. It offers a modern and pleasant atmosphere.

• Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix and Scottsdale: I couldn't miss mentioning the famous Bianco Pizzeria, which gained fame through the Netflix Chef's Table documentary. I have tried the pizza and the homemade mozzarella, and I can assure you it's worth it.

• Molé in Sedona: High-quality Mexican cuisine and a very pleasant atmosphere.

• The Hudsons in Sedona: American cuisine and industrial decor. Something truly remarkable about this restaurant is the mountain views—it's absolutely breathtaking.