From luxury resorts to dude ranch stays – from Scottsdale to Mesa – Arizona is home to many faces that make this breathtaking state what it is; a place for you to discover the mysticism here. Plus the 300 days of sunshine a year doesn’t hurt. We spent time exploring the deserted lands of Arizona and are filled with nothing but good vibes, and unreal memories. With direct flights from Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal Arizona is a bucket-list must and here’s why …
Arizona’s Wild, Wild West
Photo via Rancho de los Caballeros
Travelling to the wild, wild west we explored the brilliance that is Rancho de los Caballeros and loved every minute of it. Located in historic Wickenburg, this dude ranch is rooted in true hospitality in all shapes and forms. With over 20,000 acres, the ranch is the perfect place to explore the Sonoran Desert on horseback. From beginner to intermediate trails, travel through the desert with your wrangler and enjoy the peaceful nature the landscape provides. Take to a morning or afternoon lesson, or venture off into the great world of riding by booking a private lesson with a wrangler to truly learn the ins and outs of riding. This luxurious ranch does things right; each casita is home to handcrafted furnishings, artisan decor, and secluded patios that give you the time to sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque views.
Photo via Rancho de los Caballeros
The ranch is home to traditional ranch activites that spark your inner Westerner vibe. From a hike through the desert with their expert Naturalist, skeet and trap shooting, ATV tours, guided bike tours and a crazy cool kids program, you and your family will love every second spent on here. Oh, and did we mention there’s a golf course and a healing spa; they’ve literally thought of everything to keep your days full here.
Photo via Rancho de los Caballeros
One of the most brilliant things about Rancho de los Caballeros is that it truly feels like home. Take to enjoying dinner as a family in the restaurant, spend the afternoon lounging by the pool, or watch as the sun sets in the warm desert air at their famous outdoor cookout. The owners of the ranch live on-site and are always around to share their story, and connect with the folks that travel here; because at it’s heart, Rancho de los Caballeros is about creating radical ranch-filled memories.
Luxury Wellness Retreat
Photo via Four Seasons Scottsdale
Surrounded by natural beauty, Arizona’s luxury wellness centres are designed for you to rest, relax, and restore while gazing at the cactus-filled landscape. We spent some time at the Four Seasons Scottsdale, a luxury 5-star resort and we’re transported to a backyard filled with saguaro cacti, dramatic valleys and picturesque Pinnacle Peak. The adobe-style casitas are home to balconies overlooking the desert, gas-burning kiva fireplaces and the plushest of beds.
Photo via Four Seasons Scottsdale
Take to spending time poolside before exploring the rugged terrain by going on a Desert Bathing experience, hiking through the Sonoran Desert, or joining in on a yoga class at the resort. Of course, every wellness filled vacation must be met with a day at the spa; from a Nopal massage to the Aromatherapy Body Polish, give your body all the nourishment it needs with delectable treatments at their spa. Then, take to an All-American dinner at Proof watching the sun cascade into the sky.
Photo via The Mission
While exploring Scottsdale, we were awe-struck by American archietct, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West and dinned at The Mission; a Modern Latin restaurant where Chef Matt Carter takes you on a culinary journey of his travels across Spain, Mexico, Central and South America. Each of his restaurants (one in Old Town and the other in Kierland), are an invitation to heighten your senses; with a bowl full of freshly made table-side guacamole, the finest ‘street food’ tacos, and lively modern and Latin influences, The Mission is our go-to Scottsdale restaurant.
Exploring the off-beaten Path of Mesa
Photo via Queen Creek Olive Mill
If you’re looking for a little bit of an adventure off the beaten path, take to spending some time in Mesa, the third largest city in Arizona. It is also the first-ever Autism Certified City in the U.S. designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). From Gilbert to Queen Creek and everywhere in between, there is so much to see in do in this neck of the desert. We enjoyed dinner in the eclectic downtown of Gilbert — with it’s high vibes and flashy lights enjoy dinner at some of the coolest restaurants in the town — to experiencing the flavours of Arizona’s olive oil farm, Queen Creek Olive Mill Estate. Talking to the team at the farm, we learned all about how the family has re-connected with the traditional way of living. From tasting olive oil, to enjoying an incredible lunch at the farm.
Photo via The Cozy Peach
Take to experiencing farm life while staying at in an epic airstream at The Cozy Peach on Schnepf Farms. The farm is a fourth generation family farm that creates experiences like no other. From the beginning the farm was known for its delicious peaches, and has expanded to include a country store (with the most delicious homemade cinnamon buns that you MUST try!), a you-pick garden, the opportunity to pick the best peaches, multiple wedding venues, and hosts yearly festivals that bring the community together to celebrate the seasons. With carnival rides, food vendors and miles to explore, staying at The Cozy Peach gave us the opportunity to kick back, relax and take in the rugged nature of farm-life.
Whether you choose to live the rugged lifestyle on the farm or take to exploring Arizona in a luxurious way, we can’t wait to get back to adventure across the cactus-filled unique landscape on this impeccable state.
Plan your Arizona getaway here.
