By Vince Bodiford

SCOTTSDALE, AZ. - Situated on perhaps the finest 250 picturesque acres at the base of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona rests The Phoenician Resort - the crown jewel of the Senora desert and an oasis of dreamland proportions.

Just nine miles - but seemingly a whole world - away from Phoenix and Sky Harbor International airport, the resort is close to world class shopping, entertainment, dining and golf - but all of those pursuits can be found within the grounds of the sprawling, luxurious resort should a guest choose never to leave the property.

The Phoencian is really a vast, self-contained resort complex. The Main Building is centrally located near pools, restaurants, and meeting rooms. The Canyon Building is nestled against Camelback Mountain, and is itself a boutique hotel within the resort and features its own secluded pool and cabanas. The Casitas are a short stroll from the Main Building and provide doorstep parking and private entrances. The Villa's - where we called home for nearly a week - offer residential privacy, and are secluded yet accessible to all resort amenities.

Each luxuriously appointed guestroom is an expansive 600 square feet. Every piece of art was hand-selected to blend with the property. The overall look and feel of the property is very upscale, modern and an artistic impression of the desert in which this magnificent resort resides.

Each room features Italian marble bathrooms, Terrycloth robes, Egyptian cotton linens, CD players, Sony Flat Screen televisions, DSL computer access, Lanai decks, 24-hour room service, and much more. The rooms are large, comfortable and well thought out. A notable feature of this resort is its world famous art collection - works displayed throughout the resort by European, Asian and American artists. The Phoenician houses a museum quality collection.

At the center of the resort is the Center for Well Being - a 22,000 square foot spa offering comprehensive programs and a la carte services ranging from herbal body treatments to energy therapies to fitness classes.

The Phoenician Golf Club includes a championship 27-hole golf course, driving range, putting green, Golf Shop and locker rooms for gentlemen and ladies. The Tennis Garden is equally inviting as the Golf facilities - as are the nature walks, stargazing, and all the amenities this resort offers up in grand proportions and elegant refinement.

Like any true desert oasis - the Phoenician is surrounded by water features - stunning and inviting pools with the clearest, coolest water in the desert - ponds, lagoons, and streams teaming with exotic Coy - some suites and Villa's enjoy the babble of a nearby brook or fountain. Even the Main Pool is lined with Mother of Pearl.

Blending nicely into the Scottsdale and desert landscape, yet rising far above our expectations, The Phoenician is without a doubt among the finest resorts to enjoy in the desert.

RESORT INFORMATION: The Phoenician is among the top resorts in the World. It is among the Luxury Collection of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

The Phoenician
6000 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ. 85251
Toll Free Reservations: 800-888-8234
Website: The Phoenician Resort