Travel has been idealized in the era of social media.
We constantly see influencers and idols passing their days in lavish retreats and dream of doing so ourselves.
Sadly, when the time comes for our own getaway, the result can be decidedly underwhelming.
To help avoid this pitfall and ensure that your next vacation meets the mark, keep reading as we explore ways to make any desert retreat truly memorable!
Book Luxury Accommodations
The choice of accommodations can make or break any retreat.
The property must expertly blend the lines between something new and “home away from home.”
As such, many travelers are bypassing traditional hotels–known for inconsiderate guests and crowded amenities–in favor of exclusive luxury home rentals.
While there are several options throughout The Valley, there is one name that stands out from the crowd when it comes to luxury vacation rental Scottsdale: HÓZHÓ.
HÓZHÓ Scottsdale offers stunning estates with spacious dimensions. No matter how big your travel party, the properties will give each guest their own slice of privacy and tranquility.
In addition to the dimensions, the amenities are second-to-none. The resort-style backyards come with every water feature imaginable, from twin water slides to lazy rivers, swim-up bars to hidden grottos. Inside, the chef’s kitchens, designer-inspired furnishings, air conditioned pickleball courts, and private theaters offer endless options for relaxation and entertainment. For further convenience, HÓZHÓ Scottsdale has numerous luxury concierge partners that offer everything from custom refrigerator stocking to chauffeured transportation to make your retreat less hassle, more relaxation.
Treat Yourself to a Spa Session
It would be remiss to discuss a trip to the desert without touching on the award-winning spa scene. The warm weather and soothing desert landscape are the perfect recipe to get right in mind, body, and spirit. From deep tissue massages to rooftop yoga classes, there is something for everyone’s wellness goals. If you are looking for a place to start, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, and The Phoenician are some top options among travelers that are known for their comprehensive selection of spa services.
If you aren’t able to fit a trip to the spa into your itinerary, it is worthwhile to consider booking a mobile IV therapy session. This innovative treatment is popular among travelers looking to avoid jet lag and replenish their bodies when on the go. It is particularly impactful during a desert retreat, as the warm weather and opportunity for outdoor activities can put a person’s hydration to the test. Completely mobile, the IV drip is brought directly to your vacation rental for seamless integration into your daily schedule, offering the ultimate in on-the-go wellness.
Get in Touch with Nature
There are countless studies that acknowledge the positive impact nature can have on health.
Boosts mood. Reduces stress. Triggers positive endorphins.
Fortunately, Arizona is tailor-made to get outside and leverage all of these benefits to the fullest.
While the state is famous for its golf courses and poolside hangouts, there are plenty of other ways to get outside and enjoy the stunning Scottsdale scenery. A hike through one of the dozens of trails at the McDowell-Sonoran Preserve, hot air tour over The Valley, and a horseback ride at MacDonald’s Ranch are a few favorite outdoor activities.
Pro tip: try to get out at dawn or dusk. Not only will this help you beat the triple-digit summer temperatures, but the sun peaking over the desert mountains is the stuff viral Instagram photos–ahem, memories–are made of.
Try Some Healthy Local Cuisine
Food is often the hang-up when on vacation, especially when it is meant to be wellness-focused. It is just so easy to let your health and fitness goals go off the rails as you chow down on the savory cuisine.
The good news is that there are a variety of Scottsdale restaurants that offer all of the decadence of a dietary splurge with none of the ensuing guilt. Farm & Craft, True Food Kitchen, and Grassroots Kitchen & Tap are some of the premier names for ensuring an upscale, memorable dining experience while also offering a healthy selection of vegan, free-range, and locally-sourced entrees.
Make Some Time for Some Down Time
When visiting Scottsdale, there is clearly no shortage of things to do.
With that said, one of the most memorable things to do is, well, nothing at all.
It can be extremely tempting to let your eyes get bigger than your bandwidth and try to stuff everything Scottsdale has to offer into a single trip. The result is that you won’t be able to appreciate any experience for a fraction of what it is actually worth. And you will get burned out in the process.
Therefore, it is important to leave chunks of your itinerary open to just relax and go with the flow. Not only will this give you the opportunity to truly soak in the sights and sounds of the area and reflect on the fun things you’ve done so far, but it will provide much-needed flexibility to partake in the spontaneous adventures that will inevitably arise.
Head to Scottsdale Today for an Unforgettable Desert Retreat
For all of the buildup, many getaways have a way of falling flat when all is said and done. From booking the appropriate accommodations to intentionally planning for down time, explore any of the ideas listed above to make your next desert retreat truly memorable. For more of the latest trends in travel, lifestyle, and healthy living, explore the content at The Healthy Voyager for ideas and inspiration!
