Arizona Unplugged
Dreaming of a digital detox? Look no further than Miraval and Scottsdale (or both!).
As we gear up for the holidays and the start of 2025, Arizona’s ethereal desert landscapes set a dreamy scene for decadent downtime. Scottsdale, recently named the No. 1 Golf City in the U.S. by Galvin Green’s study, promises a perfect golf getaway at The Rocks Club, while Miraval Arizona offers a rejuvenating wellness reboot. There’s no time like the present to plan your warm-weather escape.
MIRAVAL ARIZONA
The Vibe: Tucked away in the Sonoran Desert, the famous Miraval flagship is known as a wellness pioneer. With “life in balance” as its north star, unplugging is easy: a “sleeping bag” for your phone is gifted upon arrival and the resort is cell-free except for designated mobile-friendly areas. Besides, after a day or two, your phone and any to-do list will be mere afterthoughts.
The Experience: Collaborate with your Ambassador and onsite Concierge to curate a personalized journey. With an exceptional and robust fitness and wellness menu (100+ choices a day), favorite classes and programming include equine therapy at Purple Sage Ranch, walking the resort’s gorgeous outdoor labyrinth, hiking the nearby Mt. Lemmon, and aerial yoga. Be sure to book ample downtime at The Life in Balance Spa. Standout treatments here include the Essence of Miraval Facial, the brand-new Energy of the Wolves treatment, and the Neuromuscular Massage. And remember: watching the sun rise and set from your large outdoor terrace at your Club residence is time well spent.
The Culinary Delights: Mindful eating is equally of note, and Miraval Arizona features chef-led culinary classes, and an onsite organic garden and farm. The resort’s Culinary and Nutrition highlights include Conscious Cooking, In the Spirit of Grapes wine class, plus an All the Buzz experience and honey tasting with the resort’s resident beekeeper.
The Stay: Three-bedroom residences at the Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa feature spacious living areas with retractable, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, fireplaces in the living room and primary bedroom, and expansive outdoor terraces with gas-fueled fire pits and views of the Sonoran Desert and Catalina Mountains. Watch the stars travel across the crisp desert night from two private in-ground hot tubs, located adjacent to each bedroom suite.
THE ROCKS CLUB
The Vibe: Scottsdale is both sassy and serene, with a playful personality as distinct as the desert skies. Discover the world-renowned golf scene or explore Old Town boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Fill each day with desert experiences or simply lounge poolside, knowing that your out-of-office auto-reply has secured your well-earned downtime.
The Experience: Tee off with preferred access to the nationally recognized Pinnacle Golf Course, a 72-par course celebrated for its tree-lined fairways and dramatic views of the McDowell Mountain Range. Fine-tune your game at the large practice range and putting-chipping facility or join a pro for a clinic. If outdoor adventure is more your speed, tackle nearby mountain biking and hiking trails or visit the city’s Desert Botanical Garden. Trek 3.5 miles round-trip to the famous Pinnacle Peak for amazing desert views or opt for a half-day horseback adventure on some of the area’s most scenic trails.
The Culinary Delights: Scottsdale has fast become Arizona’s dining capital, and Old Town is brimming with cowboy culture and top tables. Standouts include Beginner’s Luck (comfort food), Uchi (upscale sushi), and FnB (James Beard award-winning American cuisine). Back at the resort, The Rocks Clubhouse serves decadent breakfast, lunch, and a seasonal dinner menu.
The Stay: The Club’s three- and four-bedroom luxury homes are located in a gated, private canyon at The Rocks Club, with amenities including billiards, spa services, and relaxation pools. With Pinnacle Peak on one side of The Rocks Club and Troon Mountain on the other, your four-bedroom residence makes the most of the spectacular desert climate. This stay offers seamless indoor/outdoor living spaces and plenty of privacy. A sheltered outdoor entertainment space houses a built-in grill, wood-burning chiminea fireplace, and plunge pool that becomes a hot tub at the touch of a button.