When it’s cold and foggy in San Francisco, I dream of being in the desert sunshine. The desert sunshine for me waits in Arizona. From the magic and mystic of Sedona, to the wide open spaces of Phoenix, and every bit in-between. So, I spent a long weekend visiting Mesa and Phoenix and discovered how incredible Spring is in the Southwest. This weekend getaway in Arizona delivered everything I needed; from delicious paddock-to-plate fare, hiking and yoga in the desert and many more wonderfully unique Arizona experiences.
Pat relaxes at one of the beautiful pools at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. Image © Ashley Drody
A Weekend Getaway in Arizona
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Getting to Phoenix
I flew directly from San Francisco International Airport into the Phoenix Airport, Phoenix is easily accessible from any direction and the airport is manageable and easy to navigate. Search flights to Phoenix. Depending on your itinerary and plans, I recommend renting a car. Some of my favourite places are on long stretches of desert road and the drive to them is part of the magic.
The perfectly palm-fringed Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. Image © Ashley Drody
Where to Stay in Phoenix
Scottsdale, one of the many suburbs of Phoenix, is a beautiful place to stay especially if you book a room at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. The hotel, set to the backdrop of the McDowell Mountains, is an impeccable example of modern Frank Lloyd Write inspired architecture juxtaposed with the desert flora of cacti, wild flowers, green lawns and palm trees. It is indeed a desert oasis.
Earthy tones are carried from the outside in at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. Image © Ashley Drody
My suite, one of 493 rooms, included a luxurious king-size bed, roomy and modern bathroom with rain shower, small sitting area, and a sunny balcony with a view of the property’s lake and palm trees to add privacy and dappled shade. I loved the sunrise light that filtered in and the sound of the Gondolero paddling by at night. It was also the perfect spot to sit and catch my breath each day.
The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale features an incredible ten pools. Image © Ashley Drody
The property boasts ten pools, several of which are for swimming, and it was fun to explore the personality of each. The two main pools sit side-by-side, separated into an adult-only experience with a pool bar and a more family friendly option with wading pools and even a water slide. There is a miniature golf area, a climbing wall and plenty of pool-side beach in the family pool area with plenty to do for each person in the family. From the adult pool you have a beautiful view of the lake that surrounds the property, and just beyond it is a 27-hole championship golf course.
Al fresco dining is the order of the day at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. Image © Ashley Drody
I loved the open-air courtyard joining the pools to the property, with tall palms and plenty of lounging and al fresco dining options. Foodies will not be disappointed with a stay or visit to this property, there are three restaurant experiences available. SWB has a menu full of authentic Southwest flavours, NOH serves Japanese dishes and Alto Ristorante is an Italian restaurant. The Center Stage Bar serves handcrafted cocktails and just beyond it you can catch local musicians almost nightly on stage adding to the cozy ambience of the grand space.
Related: 48 Hours in LA: Where to Stay, Eat and Explore
Spa Avania features a beautiful open fireplace to encourage guests to unwind. Image © Ashley Drody
Spa Avania is the spa located on property and it is a sanctuary of its own. I enjoyed a traditional massage and spent the afternoon lounging in the private pool areas complete with hot tub and cold dipping pool as well as a cozy fireplace and sauna. This oasis is tucked away from the main property and feels remote and intimate, it was the perfect spot to catch my breath.
A Gondolero takes Pat on a trip around the lake at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. Image © Ashley Drody
A total treat during my stay was the gondola ride. Professional gondola rowers and singers take guests around the lake a few times each day. I loved my ride and I also loved hearing the singers row past my balcony each night. I also wandered into the Native American Museum located just off the lobby, this museum is a collaboration and labor of love between the Hyatt Regency staff and local tribe members – the spirit of these people can be found here and it was a nice surprise to find their culture and history celebrated and honoured in this way.
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Visit Sloan Park, home of the Chicago Cubs spring training camp while in Mesa. Image © Ashley Drody
Things to do in Phoenix and Mesa
My Arizona itinerary for Mesa and Phoenix revolved around the Five C’s of Arizona: copper, cotton, citrus, cattle, and climate, and it included a few unique Arizona experiences.
Sloan Park
A trip to Mesa during spring time must include a visit to Sloan Park, home of the Chicago Cubs spring training camp. I was lucky to catch the Cubs play the Oakland A’s when I visited. This stadium, which opened in 2014, is the largest and newest Major League Baseball training stadium. Fans flock here to watch the Cubs, on average the park hosts more than 15,000 fans per game. And, because it’s the home of the Cubs, many iconic features have been added including Chicago Dogs and Deep-Dish Pizza. I was a happy Midwesterner in my element, and the Cubs won the game.
Related: 48 Hours in Chicago: A Local’s Guide on What to See and Do
Pat enjoying the spoils of a Cubs game at Sloan Park, Mesa. Image © Ashley Drody
Schnepf Farms
Schnepf Farms is a must-see if desert glamping and good old-fashion peach picking is on your list. This fourth-generation family owned homestead spans 5,000 acres and is dedicated to preserving the legacy of family farming in the area; it is the largest organic peach grower in Arizona celebrating over 50 years.