Phoenix — By Heather Wright Schlichting on December 9, 2009 at 6:20 am
Filed under: Christmas trees, gingerbread house, Phoenix, resorts

Phoenix Resorts Shine During the Holidays

Lobby of The Camelback Inn

In Phoenix, it’s not easy to get in the holiday mood. One of America’s sunniest metropolises, snow rarely dares to fall. And instead of towering pines, there are Sonoran saguaros. But for holiday lovers, our magnificent hotels and resorts go all out this time of year to bring some magic to us desert dwellers.

To determine the best holiday décor, I had to painstakingly visit several Phoenix resorts, sip their specialty drinks, taste their cuisine and view their holiday displays. It was a tough assignment, but for my readers, I’m glad to do it!

Christmas tree in Prado at Montelucia

My first stop was to see the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, Scottsdale’s newest luxury resort. Delighted by the Moroccan-inspired décor, this resort takes advantages of open air spaces and the amazing backdrop of Camelback mountain. Magnificent holiday trees are located inside the Prado restaurant and in the main outdoor courtyard where the resorts hosts many events, like their Jazz n’ the Plaza music series.

Down the road is The Camelback Inn, one of only three resorts in the country to remain on AAA’s coveted Five Diamond list. I’m a big fan of this property and adore the Southwestern charm that oozes from the hacienda-style entry and lobby to the comfortable outdoor patio seating illuminated by fire pits. Enjoy a specialty margarita while sinking into the overstuffed leather furniture in the R Bar. They have a great Happy Hour every evening 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. with half off on drinks and small plates ranging from $2 – $6 each.

In the lobby, next to the R Bar is more like a sitting room with a territorial inspired decor, brick fireplaces and cast iron cowboy statues. The warm colors of this room make a very inviting setting and if you prefer, you can opt to have a cocktail around the Christmas tree.

Another stunner along the Camelback corridor, Sanctuary on Camelback is a unique Asian-inspired boutique resort with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Tranquil and very secluded, I recommend kicking back at Edge, their outdoor terrace perched high for perfect views of The Praying Monk. I was amazed by their massive poinsettia displays in the lobby and their inner courtyard is a sanctuary in of itself where a massive holiday tree gets you in the holiday spirit.

Gingerbread Village at The Four Seasons

For a more whimsical interpretation of the holidays, The Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North has created a massive Gingerbread Village made from more than 600 pounds of icing that took 250 hours to construct. It consists of almost 20 different houses, ranging in style from “Dr. Suess”- themed to the adobe-style indicative of the Southwest. Set on a mountain, the village is populated with little snowmen and elves scattered throughout. An electric train runs through the middle. Children will adore this village and parents will love the outdoor patio, another one of my favorite locations to watch an Arizona sunset.

InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa
4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley (map)
480 627-3200

The Camelback Inn
5402 East Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale (map)
480-948-1700

Sanctuary on Camelback
5700 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley (map)
480 948-2100

The Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North
10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale (map)
480 515-5700

Photos courtesy of The Four Seasons Scottsdale and from a private collection.