Sunshine in Arizona!

Arrived at the Canyon Suites at the Phoenician around noon. We were greeted by Q who made us feel like family and gave us an extensive explanation of the amenities, and showed us to our room. Chase was up quickly with our bags, and we changed quickly into our suits. I immediately ordered the 1988 (world's best Pina Colada) which set me straight from a morning of travel. It's time to relax and let it all go!! We loved our lunch and the quiet pool at Canyons! FYI, Canyons is a part of the phoenician, located on the property but in it's own separate section, footsteps from the fun, bars, restaurants and shops at the Phonecian. It's a bit more pricey, but as we were traveling with 4 (one kiddo on college spring break!), our single room accommodated us well. And...what you get at the Canyons, makes it well worth it!! We had dinner at Mowry and Cotton at the resort. Food was top notch. Best flatbread pizza I've ever had-

The next morning we enjoyed the included breakfast in the lobby of the Canyons. It was a huge spread, with freshly squeezed juice (they had a killer green juice), waffles, eggs, bacon, lox, pastries, and fresh fruit at an elevated level. We enjoyed the views of Camelback mountain (the resort is situated at the base of the mountain) as we began our day. The guys went to the Cubs vs Cardinals spring training game, and Jeannie and I played tennis at the Phonecian Athletic Club. We met up later and took a Waymo to Uchi Sushi in Scottsdale–we loved the fun staff there and the incredible sushi–just go!!

Pool Day, followed by another wonderful breakfast! I met Buzz this morning, the handsome older gentleman who works for the Phoenician and shares his love for Scottsdale with all of the guests. He's a snowbird from Wisconsin and has been spending winters in Arizona since he was a child. He gave us great advice about hiking Camelback, and some cool history on the area. I loved meeting him–he is a gem, and Canyons is lucky to have him! More pool time and enjoyed the fresh ahi tuna for a poolside lunch today. Kids loved their quesadillas and playing in the pool. Awesome steak and lobster dinner at J&G Steakhouse at the Phoenician, followed by enjoying live music and a cocktail at The Thirsty Camel, the beautiful lounge in the lobby of the Phoenician.

After breakfast, we headed to the Phoencian Athletic club and tennis center again to rent a paddle court. We had tons of fun, and general fighting that comes with a competitive family 😂 After lazying at the pool for a few hours, the guys went off to play golf, and my daughter and I went shopping for much-needed Easter outfits. We were perfectly happy to go our own way, ha! This mall may be as upscale at the mall in San Jose, CA–beautiful and while we passed those luxe shops by, it's always fun to look! We both found some great deals and I did spring for a pair of cool Easter pants at Maje, one of my favorite designers. After shopping, we walked over to Old Town Scottsdale and were so happy to see this part of town! Loved the low roof, adobe style architecture. We stumbled upon one of the tougest restaurants to get a table–the eclectic, inviting James Beard winning "FnB." They just so happened to have room at the bar (and I was surprised they were OK with my tween and I sitting there) which we were happy with. I loved the bartender and her samples of new, innovative cocktails she was experimenting with very appreciated! The food was unreal–beautiful, every color of the rainbow plates.

I woke up at 6:30 am and ubered to the Cholla trailhead at Camelback Mountian. I had no takers, so I went on my own. I started hiking solo in college in Fort Collins, CO–so I really enjoy the solitude of hiking on my own. The views were gorgeous, and I was thinking about how much I love the desert landscape and vegetation. I made it to the peak, and continued on and went down the other side to the Echo entrance. It took me 90 minutes, as I was on my own, and began early when it was cool. I arrived back to the hotel as the family was enjoying breakfast. Another pool day, with a walk over to The Marketplace, the breakfast/coffee shop at The Phoenician. We had a super fun dinner at The Phoenician Tavern. It was Good Friday, so we enjoyed shrimp, veggie pasta, and fish and chips. It was their dueling piano night, which is a blast!!! Don't miss this if you stay here!!!

On our last morning, we rented bikes and ventured over to the Paradise Valley side of Camelback. This area is gorgeous!!! We decided to check out the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort as we had heard it was spectacular. It didn't disappoint! The architecture is classic adobe with low roofs. The property has been kept up well by the Marriott family, who bought it in 1968 when the Lincoln family was considering closing its doors. We will definitely stay here in the future, along with another visit to the Canyons!!! We also rode our bikes through the beautiful neighborhoods and up to the Echo trailhead for Camelback, so I could show the family how beautiful the area is. We decided to rent a cabana on our final day, since they have a private bathroom and shower–and our flight was at midnight! We loved having college basketball on and rotating to our lounge chairs. Arizona didn't disappoint over spring break...I highly recommend it!!!