Anne Travous

Situated among Sedona's iconic red rock formations, Ambiente stands as North America's first landscape hotel, redefining luxury travel in Arizona's high desert. Since its groundbreaking opening in February 2023, this architectural marvel has captured the imagination of travelers seeking an elevated escape from Phoenix and Scottsdale's desert heat. Just a two-hour drive from the Valley, Ambiente transforms the traditional romantic Sedona getaway into an immersive experience where nature and modern luxury converge.

As a lifelong Arizonan with deep roots in Scottsdale, I recently experienced this revolutionary property firsthand, discovering why it has quickly become one of the most sought-after destinations in the Southwest. This comprehensive review explores how Ambiente has masterfully integrated sustainable design, panoramic views, and unparalleled amenities to create an unforgettable Sedona sanctuary.

I first visited Belize in March 2016 on a girls trip. I absolutely fell in love with the country's beautiful mix of exotic, lush jungles, crystal clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. I've since been back to visit many times, and it never ceases to lose its magic. The people are friendly, the cuisine is delicious, the landscape pristine, the wildlife abundant and there's an activity to please everyone. Whether you're an adventure seeker ready to scuba dive the Blue Hole and swim with sharks, or you're simply looking for an idyllic place to lounge in a hammock and read a good book, Belize has you covered. Located just south of Cancun, Mexico, it's an easy flight (only 2 hours from Houston, Atlanta or Miami). You don't have to worry about jet lag because you're on Central time. The only thing you need to worry about is what you'll do first in this exotic yet approachable destination.

While summer may be the slow season for resorts in the desert, it was the perfect time for me to visit the Mountain Shadows Resort in Scottsdale and experience all that this stunning property has to offer. The staff were incredible, providing access to areas not always seen by guests unless they are in-the-know and showcasing all of the amenities that guests can enjoy at this world-class resort. I would absolutely recommend a stay here to even my most discerning clients.

As a Scottsdale native, one of the things that I took for granted growing up was our close proximity and easy access to Mexico. But while it’s true that you can head south across the border and be at the beaches of Puerto Penasco in a little over four hours (closer even than San Diego!), I didn’t truly realize the rest of what Mexico had to offer until I was much older.

My first trip outside of my beloved Rocky Point was a trip to Puerto Vallarta with my sister and some friends when I was in my early 20s. I was AMAZED at the beauty of the lush green jungles and rocky coves, delighted by the friendliness of the locals and in absolute heaven when it came to the delicious food. I was hooked and I promised myself that I’d make an effort to explore as many unique destinations within Mexico that I could.

After much exploration (I take my research VERY seriously), I’m excited to share my curated list of the country’s top five destinations. From tropical allure to cultural richness, each locale offers a unique blend of experiences. While many of these destinations may seem obvious, there are perhaps one (or maybe two?) hidden gems that might surprise you! Let’s explore these must-visit Mexico destinations together!

Calling all sunshine seekers and lovers of luxury!

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate getaway in the heart of the desert! When comparing destinations for opulent escapes for fun in the sun, look no further than Scottsdale, Arizona – a sun-soaked paradise boasting 333 days of glorious sunshine each year. This vibrant city is bursting with luxurious experiences waiting to be explored.

As a Scottsdale native, one might say I'm biased when I declare Scottsdale my #1 destination for first-class resort stays. The facts speak for themselves - with more than 70 resorts (ranging from luxurious five-star resorts to charming boutique hotels), 200+ golf courses, nearly 50 luxury spas and a plethora of art galleries. There are exclusive high-end shopping opportunities and an insane number of fine dining options. I'm here to tell you that Scottsdale is the place to be.

Allow me to share with you my top five favorite five-star resorts in Scottsdale, handpicked for their opulent amenities, impeccable service and stunning surroundings. With an abundance of luxurious properties to choose from, Scottsdale truly stands out as a premier destination for travelers seeking the crème de la crème of accommodations.

So let's dive into why Scottsdale is the ultimate destination for luxury travelers — and why these five-star resorts are absolute must-visits on your next getaway. Get ready to elevate your vacation experience to new heights as we explore the best of the best in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale is renowned as a top-notch vacation destination for many reasons. Five-star resorts are in abundance, which means that the spa scene here is also unmatched. World class golf courses can be found in every direction. Spring is host to an insane number of events and festivals that bring tourists to Arizona from around the world (events such as Barrett Jackson, Spring Training, the US Open, and even this year’s Super Bowl!). But what is often overlooked and frequently underrated is the incredible food, wine and cocktail scene that Scottsdale has to offer. It’s a foodie’s paradise! Check out my guide for some of the best places to wine and dine your way through a weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona’s desert gem.