The Phoenician: A Resort As Luxurious As It Sounds

Resting at the base of Camel back mountain, The Phoenician has served as a peaceful sanctuary to it’s patrons for 33 years.

In 1985, Charles Keating, founder, schemed grand plans for a multi-million dollar luxury resort to display only the finest of European sophistication and style – but in the middle of the Sonoran desert. In order to make the hotel not only a luxury resort but a work of art, he aspired to include only the finest materials in the building of The Phoenician.

White marble was imported from Carrera, Italy for the lobby, the ceiling was etched in 24-karat gold and 11 rare(and expensive) Steinway pianos were used to decorate the hallways, presidential suites and the Thirsty Camel Lounge. Mother-of-pearl tiles were imported from Italy as well to create the well-known serenity pool, The lush tropical landscape was designed by workers hired from the Polynesian kingdom of Tonga.

Despite Keatings’ intent to make the resort a unique European destination in a desert environment, it fits into its ecosystem quite naturally, due to its 254 acre location, name and logo that closely identify with the neighboring city of Phoenix.

But enough of the Phoenicians rich history – let’s delve into its current offerings.

You have three categories when choosing a room to reserve: The Main Building, the Casitas and the Canyon Suits.

The Main Building consists of six room types: a superior room, deluxe room, grand deluxe room, deluxe executive suite, the Phoenician suite and presidential suite.

When you stay at the Phoenician casitas you can take advantage of the privacy it offers families and couples alike. There are deluxe casita rooms, grand deluxe casita rooms, casita fire-table rooms, casita suite one-bedrooms and casita suite two-bedrooms.

The Canyon Suites building was built in 1996, and in 2007 came out as Arizona’s only boutique hotel within a resort! Benefits of staying in this building also include a private infinity pool and chauffer-driven luxury car. Room types here consist of canyon guest rooms, one bedroom canyon suites and two or three bedroom suites.

Dining Options, you ask? You will not go hungry here. An assortment of dining options are at your fingertips with these restaurants and assorted food locales: J&G Steakhouse, Mowry & Cotton, The Phoenician Tavern, Afternoon Tea, The Thirsty Camel, Kalio Kabobery, The Marketplace, the 19th Hole and Private Dining.

Activities at the Phoenician range from daily activities of Art History Walking Tour and Cactus Garden Tour, to Friday-Sunday activities of Golf Cart Safari tours and Camel Back Mountain Hikes.

Amenities at the Phoenician include some awesome things like room-service, valet and luxurious robes in rooms.

Some purchase-worthy options are their unique golf course of 18 holes incorporating the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, also managed by Troon Golf Management, the largest golf management company in the world. The Phoenician Spa is fantastic and highly symbolizes with the Phoenix in individual brightness and peace, where there also is a nail lounge, rooftop pool, fitness center and dry bar.

This location is also prime real estate for weddings – luxurious or otherwise!

Local experiences in Scottsdale range from things like the colorful art district, old-town Scottsdale, hot-air balloon rides, ATV and Hummer tours through the Desert, galleries and seasonal festivals celebrating local and historical culture.

And my personal favorite feature at this beautiful resort, is its rooftop views.

You’re not going to be let down when staying at the Phoenician. Only amazed.

Follow along for next weeks article on The McCormick Scottsdale.