Spring is almost around the corner and vacation is on most people’s mind to getaway from the winter blues. I know that it’s on mine and I wanted to share a girls trip I had last September with my cousins to Scottsdale, AZ. I had never been to Arizona but kept seeing billboards to Visit Scottsdale for your next holiday, so I was thrilled when everyone chose this as our next destination that I got to check off on my travel bucket list. First off, we stayed at an amazing Airbnb instead of a hotel which is the best way to stay when traveling from my personal experience and saving a ton on expensive hotels. This picture was taken in our Airbnb mansion’s backyard pool.
The first thing us ladies did once we all arrived to Scottsdale after checking into our Airbnb was go to brunch at Arizona’s largest bloody mary bar Hash Kitchen. We were all hangry from the time zone difference and early flights into Scottsdale. But before we ate brunch, we filled up on loaded blood mary’s as you can see in this picture, it was so delish! I put bacon, salami, cheese olives and ever fried ravioli…this literally was a ridiculous bloody mary and there were so many other item options you could keep adding to this drink if you wanted haha. After our drinks, we had a delicious brunch which I ordered the Chicken Tinga Frittata that was spicy and tangy, it hit the spot from the jetlag. I definitely recommend coming here when you visit Scottsdale.
The first night we headed to Old Town for dinner in Scottsdale. Who doesn’t love tacos, right?! We found this gem…Diego Pops. I highly advise to make reservations since tables book up fast, it’s definitely worth the wait! I ordered the Grilled Adobe Chicken tacos and if you also love cocktails, you must try the Gauva Coconut which literally comes in a baby coconut. It has Ciroc Coconut, Coconut Water, Gauva, House Made Sweet and Sour, it’s the BEST cocktail I’ve ever had since it’s so fresh and light!
We walked around Old Town and took pictures on the street because it was too pretty lit up at night and the perfect summer weather end of September. Old Town is where all the restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, and boutiques are located. It’s the spot to be if your interested in the nightlife experience.
After exploring for a bit from walking around Old Town, we found this quaint little bar Scape Goat to grab more drinks. We enjoyed some craft beers and wine while playing jenga. It was truly a relaxing and chill first night in Scottsdale. Afterwards we headed back to our Airbnb to play some fun adult games.
Our second day, we enjoyed some breakfast delivered to the Airbnb in the morning and poolside photo-sessions before heading to the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. The moment we walked out of the rental cars, we were taken away by the extraordinary property, felt zen already just from the views. The gorgeous palm trees, ambiance, grand archways, huge fountains and spectacular mountains. It was absolutely breathtaking and surreal since we’ve never experienced high end posh resort spa life.
This view doesn’t even do justice, you just have to visit this resort to see the beauty of it in person! The sun shining over the property just adds sparkle everywhere and prepare to wear you sunnies because what your eyes behold will be blinded by how uber exquisite the resort is in its natural state.
The entrance into the Joya Spa was marvelous, gorgeous doorway that was too pretty and then marvelous Moroccan lanterns hanging above in the ceiling from the reception desk with a grand-stair case on your way up to the spa area. The entire spa is decorated with the Moroccan theme, so exotic and the most beautiful spa I’ve ever been to thus far.
After we checked into Joya Spa, we had a private table by the pool for lunch with a stunning view of the mountains, how fancy! I had the gourmet Caesar Salad and Brut champagne with raspberries, so fresh, clean and healthy…perfect spa meal before a massage.
After lunch, we had a grand tour of the entire spa and all of the services available to us during our afternoon stay at Joya Spa. Before our massage and other service appointments, we all gathered around this enchanting crystal to absorb it’s natural energy by placing our hands on it and closing our eyes to get into the right state of mind of peace and clarity. It truly felt serene especially as the crystal changed colors, brilliant!
I by far had the BEST EVER deep tissue massage because Joya Spa only has the best people to give an experience of a lifetime. I felt so incredibly rejuvenated after all of the knots were loosened up and inhaling the intoxicating lavender aromatherapy essential oil during the massage. After the massage, I unwind-ed further in the nap room to recover. Once I felt refreshed from the nap, I enjoyed the whirlpool where my muscles got a chance to recoup from the intense massage. The whirlpool was so relaxing as the warm water hit my back, I honestly felt I could I could fall asleep in there haha.
Once I left the whirlpool, I wanted to cool off in the outdoor pool while taking in the amazing resort spa view. There is just something so serene about enjoying the view of nature like the clouds in the sky, mountains and palm trees, you feel so at peace.
Our last night in Scottsdale, we had a fancy Roman Italian feast at Tomaso’s. The ambiance was romantic and atmosphere was warm with fabulous company to enjoy the experience with together.
With my Pinot Noir, I had ordered the Chicken Parmasana which was cooked al dente and was really scrumptious! If you’re looking a low-key and posh dinner, add Tomaso’s to your list!
We had ended the night partying in Old Town hitting up almost every bar and club in sight; and the next morning had a yummy brunch before heading back home. I had a blast in Scottsdale on our girls trip because it’s like a mini-Vegas without the casinos and tourists. If you love food, hiking, spa resorts, sports and partying…Scottsdale has something to adhere to everyone’s interests. The heat is dry not humid which was perfect for us ladies so we didn’t have to worry about our hair dos being ruined or sweating grotesquely. I’m so thrilled to be coming back to Scottsdale for the second time for a bachelorette getaway with a new group of ladies and creating new memorable experiences. For your next vacay, grab your favorite ladies and Visit Scottsdale, AZ!