Scottsdale – the jewel of the Sonoran Desert – is the perfect hideaway for honeymooners looking to jumpstart their union with a touch of luxury, a bit of excitement and a whole lot of romance. With an unparalleled array of lavish resorts, luxurious spas, thrilling outdoor adventures, fine dining and fabulous shopping, Scottsdale is truly a honeymoon oasis!

Day One

As anyone who has planned a wedding knows, getting married is hard work. So be sure to enjoy your post-wedding glow by sleeping in late and by taking advantage of one of the resort’s most useful amenities – room service breakfast!

After a leisurely morning, head out to get up-close and personal with the rugged beauty of Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert on a romantic horseback ride or exciting Jeep or Hummer tour.* Led by expert guides, you will be amazed at their wealth of knowledge about the area, as well as sweeping vistas, fascinating desert flora and maybe even a curious desert critter or two. Enjoy a picnic in the desert or hearty lunch at a Western outpost before returning back to the resort for some well-deserved pampering.

Fresh from the trail you’re ready to restore, and serenity awaits at your resort spa in the form of a couple’s spa suite where you will both enjoy treatments specially designed to help you relax and rejuvenate. Your treatment choices may include exotic bath soaks with herb- and oil-infused water, botanical body masks, warm stone massages, or even an interactive treatment where your therapist shows you how to give each other a spa treatment with a variety of muds, masques and baths before treating you both to an aromatherapy massage. No matter what your preference, you are sure to leave feeling a deep sense of relaxation and connectedness to one another.

To round out a perfect day, make reservations for dinner at one of Scottsdale’s many award-winning restaurants. With cuisines ranging from classic French to authentic Mexican, Mediterranean to Southwestern, it’s certain you’ll find just what you’re in the mood for. And for dessert, return to your room and experience a romantic turn-down service complete with rose petals adorning the bed, chocolate-covered strawberries and chilled champagne.

Day Two

Start your day with a delicious breakfast on the patio at one of Scottsdale’s downtown bistros. The great weather and peaceful atmosphere provide the perfect setting to start your morning explorations.

After breakfast, drop in and check out SMoCA, what the locals call the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Located on downtown’s Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, this former movie theater has been ingeniously renovated into a modern and minimalist museum that features compelling modern and contemporary art from around the world. Before you leave, be sure to check out The Store @ SMoCA which features a variety of interesting gifts full of artistic flair and high-style. It’s the perfect place to find a unique memento of your visit to SMoCA.

Next, you’re off for some shopping in downtown where you will find an eclectic mix of stores and boutiques featuring Western apparel and accessories, Native American jewelry and crafts, fine contemporary and traditional art galleries, high-fashion clothing and upscale jewelers, just to name a few. And if you’re more of a brand name power-shopper, Scottsdale Fashion Square beckons with more than 225 retailers including premier shops such as Burberry, Dana Buchman, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton and more. Or, stroll along the Waterfront and enjoy all of the distinctive retailers at this exciting new development. When you’re ready to give your feet a break, get a taste of Scottsdale’s culinary delights with lunch at one of downtown’s unique and delicious restaurants.

After lunch, drop off your shopping bags at the hotel before driving out to Deer Valley Airport to board a plane headed to the Grand Canyon. On this three-hour aerial tour, you will be treated to the magnificent scenery of the Tonto National Forest, the beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona, the Painted Desert and Navajo Indian Reservation, and finally the breathtaking majesty of the Grand Canyon. As you soar high above the canyon (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), you will witness first-hand the magnificent power and beauty of nature!

Upon your return to Scottsdale, wind down with a delectable dinner under the stars on your private patio or balcony before retiring for the night.

Day Three

Today, grab a quick breakfast to go as you venture out for an early morning hike in the McDowell Mountain Preserve or a less strenuous hike along one of the trails at the Desert Botanical Garden. Enjoy the beauty of the morning desert as the sun moves across the sky, painting the landscape with soft hues of green, red, yellow and orange. See the desert come to life as you walk along the trails and hike among the unique trees, plants and shrubs. You now see why the Sonoran Desert is the richest, most biologically diverse desert in the Americas.

Head back to your resort before lunch and slip into “something more comfortable” for your afternoon of shameless relaxation lounging at the resort’s turquoise shimmering pool. Dive in to the latest best-selling novel as you lay comfortably in a chaise lounge, bask in the warmth of the sun’s rays, or take a deep-end plunge to awaken your senses. And to complete your poolside activities, sip on a chilled mojito or margarita and savor lunch outside while you lounge.

Before going out tonight, take your time getting ready because Scottsdale sizzles after dark and you’re about to experience a sophisticated evening, Scottsdale style! Start your night with an enchanting dinner and concert under the stars – perfect for a fun-filled and romantic evening out. After the concert, make your way to one of Scottsdale’s cozy wine bars and indulge in wine flights, tasty tapas and lively conversation. And if you’re both feeling adventurous, check out one of Scottsdale’s many night spots and dance the night away or simply revel in the high-energy atmosphere that is so distinctively “Scottsdale by night.”

Once back at your resort (surely in the wee hours of the morning), kick off your shoes and smile as you both talk about your amazing Scottsdale honeymoon. But before you drift off to sleep – remember to call the front desk and let them know you’ll definitely need a late check-out tomorrow!

* Insider’s Tip: Scottsdale boasts a temperate climate which allows visitors to enjoy open-air excursions throughout the year. However, during the warmer summer months, visitors can best experience the desert by planning early-morning outings or tours in air-conditioned vehicles.