Phoenix Editor Picks

Occupying 250-plus acres (including a private cacti garden) at the foot of Camelback Mountain, a magnificent marble lounge, bubbling fountains, multi-million dollar art collection, and unforgettable valley views justify high rates.

Explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s genius at his winter home, studio, and architectural school, founded in 1932. Guided tours demonstrate his architectural philosophies and examples of their structural manifestations.

Situated among high-desert ravines and rolling foothills at the base of North Scottsdale’s Pinnacle Peak, the thrilling 130-slope-rated Monument and Pinnacle courses are worth the steep fees.

Thursdays from 7 to 9pm multiple galleries along Main Street and Marshall Way open their doors to the public with artist receptions and special exhibitions; the SMoCA also keeps late hours and offers free admission.

Old Town Scottsdale still retains some of its Western roots and it’s the place to find tokens of the Southwest: turquoise jewelry, cowboy paintings, Navajo rugs, and Mexican crafts. But the area is also known for its strong representation of art, with dozens of galleries and a smattering of antique shops found on Marshall Way and Main Street.

Phoenix has been a city of spas ever since new-agers starting flocking here in the 20th century in search of a little desert-inspired R&R. None, however, are as dedicated to their Arizona roots as the Biltmore, which goes the extra mile to incorporate local elements like revitalizing desert mud, healing rose quartz, and cactus flower into its treatments. The heavenly Sonoran Stone massage, which melts away stress with a combination of Swedish massage and warm basalt desert stones, is worth its weight in gold.

Opened in November 2008, Joya Spa is the new standard to beat for Scottsdale spas. The Moroccan-inspired design features candlelit corridors, a co-ed relaxation lounge fit for the King and Queen of Sheba, and the only Hammam bathing facility in Arizona. For pure indulgence, rent the Grand Palace Suite, complete with a $22,000 custom-made, king-size bed – pure joy!