A Week of Luxurious Adventure in Arizona
Arizona’s Luxurious Adventure
Start / End
Phoenix, Arizona
States Covered
AZ
Total Distance
400 miles / 644 km
Suggested Days
At least five
Suggested Seasons
Year-round
#ThisIsMyRoute
Overview
Designed specifically for the traveler who wants to do it all, this week-long journey doesn’t hold back. Discover some of the best accommodations between Prescott and Phoenix with the most exclusive stays and guided experiences. We peppered in art, craft cocktails, and a healthy amount of outdoor fun to balance out the itinerary. Whether this serves as an inspiration for future travels or a blueprint for your next visit to Arizona, we hope you enjoy learning about the possibilities within.
Preparation
The majority of this trip will be based at boutique-style accommodations where every creature comfort is met. However, as with any trip to the American Southwest, it is important to be aware of changing weather conditions. June through September is monsoon season in Arizona and can present hidden dangers when hiking or driving in canyon areas. Stay alert to changing conditions and remember to drink lots of water while exercising in dry desert climates!
Itinerary
ARRIVE IN SCOTTSDALE
Begin your upscale journey through the heart of Arizona in Scottsdale. Your home base for the beginning of the trip is Andaz—a beautiful boutique property that is part wellness center, part adventure concierge.
Get settled into your desert bungalow, then take a dip in one of the onsite pools to stave off any jet lag. Then, prepare for an evening out in Old Town Scottsdale. The options are endless! You might choose to experience a series of 14 interactive art installations at Wonderspaces. Or, head straight for cocktails and appetizers at one of Scottsdale’s delectable restaurants. An after-dinner stroll along the Arizona Canal is a great way to see the city lights.
ADVENTURE & ART IN SCOTTSDALE
The following day, embrace a dose of adventure in the Sonoran Desert. Again, there are several unique options to get outside. (You can always spend a day at the spa at Andaz, instead.) Start with a hike in a very special natural feature in the area: McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The largest urban park in the United states has a number of beautiful trails, including the Gateway and Tom’s Thumb routes. Either way you’ll get your heart rate up and burn off brunch in a hurry!
That afternoon, take respite from the elements at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Their rotating exhibits of western history are both educational and thought provoking. Then, peruse the Native Art Market for a souvenir. If you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by Little Rituals Bar for a bite to eat and a signature cocktail.
For more fresh air that evening, return to Scottsdale for a guided 4×4 Jeep tour in nearby Tonto National Forest. You’ll be treated to an epic Arizona sunset with silhouettes of saguaro cacti and the occasional coyote in the foreground.
LIFE ON THE FARM IN WINKELMAN
Photo courtesy of VisitTucson
2 HOURS AND 6 MINUTES – 112 MILES / 180 KM
On day three, continue southwards to the small community of Winkelman. Your destination is Aravaipa Orchard and Inn, a working farm with over 900 fruit trees currently in production. Don’t despair—this bed and breakfast is anything but rustic. Each of the casitas is beautifully appointed and the central swimming pool looks like it could grace the cover of a design magazine.
Because Aravaipa Orchard and Inn is far from the comforts of the city, meal packages must be ordered in advance and breakfast and lunch are presented picnic-style. This translates to the ultimate in quiet luxury, as you can choose to enjoy them from anywhere on the property. Dinner is a three-course meal prepared by an on-site chef.
UNWIND IN NATURE AT ARAVAIPA ORCHARDS AND INN
Photo courtesy of VisitTucson
Spend the day at the farm. If it’s harvest season, lend a hand by picking peaches, pears, lemons, and more. Guests can also partake in a yoga class, or take a self-led hike up nearby Brandenburg Mountain for a view of the farm from above. Adventurous types won’t want to miss the beautiful Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness area, only five minutes down the road. Permits are required to hike here, but are worth the extra effort! No matter how you occupy your time, you’re sure to appreciate your time in the country.
TERRA FARM + MANOR IN PRESCOTT
3 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES – 214 MILES / 344 KM
The following morning, it’s time to journey northwards for the finale of your stay at TERRA Farm + Manor. This historic ranch set on 100,000 acres in the Prescott National Forest feels a world away. With only eight rooms, it is an elegant and extravagant way to experience Arizona.
While TERRA is primarily a cooking intensive with hands-on educational training from top chefs and wine makers, there is much more to see and do on the property. Outdoor exploration, like private horseback rides, guided hikes, kayaking, and fly-fishing abound. Guests can also take a helicopter tour of nearby Sedona. Topped off with wine tasting in the evening and beyond luxurious accommodations, this is truly a dream destination for the discerning traveler. Minimum stays are three nights, so no matter how you design your time at TERRA, you will leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
