Itinerary Snapshot

Sunrise         Hold hands on a sunrise hot air balloon flight followed by a
                     gourmet champagne breakfast


10:30 a.m.   Head back to your resort for some R&R or sunning by the pool

12:30 p.m.   Relax over a sumptuous lunch delivered right to your room

2:00 p.m.     Pamper yourselves with spa treatments in a private couple’s suite

7:00 p.m.     Savor a gourmet dinner al fresco

9:00 p.m.     Explore Scottsdale after dark

Whenever    Return to your resort where a rose petal turn-down, chilled 
                     champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries await

Ah, romance . . . the word alone can make your skin tingle! Begin your romantic Scottsdale day soaring high above the desert floor on a sunrise hot air balloon flight. As the sun tugs at the horizon and the Sonoran Desert comes to life in morning’s golden glow, you’ll float silently above it all through the clear desert sky. When you glide back to earth, you’ll be greeted with a flute of champagne and a delicious gourmet breakfast.

After such an early start, a nap will certainly be in order. Head back to your resort for a little rest and relaxation or, if you’re feeling ambitious, some sunning by the pool. When hunger calls, order a noontime repast from room service. Scottsdale’s resort chefs are world-renowned for their culinary creations, and cuisines range from Southwestern specialties and international fusion to mouthwatering American favorites. So, sit back, relax and let your taste buds delight in a gourmet treat from one of the world’s best chefs.

Spend the afternoon enjoying spa treatments au deux. Many of Scottsdale’s resort spas offer private couple’s suites where you can enjoy tandem massages and a host of other pampering treatments. For example, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa offers Sanctum, an outdoor treatment suite for two that features its own deluge shower, fire pit and vitality pool. Spa Avania at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch pampers couples in the Avania Suite, which includes its own private garden and is just steps away from the spa’s heated mineral pool. And the Golden Door Spa at The Boulders Resort offers a lovely spa suite equipped with private steam, shower, whirlpool, and patio with an outdoor fireplace.

There are few things as romantic as a Sonoran Desert sunset. Expansive skies drenched with vibrant hues and light-washed mountains provide a stunning backdrop for al fresco dining. Many of Scottsdale’s award-winning restaurants boast beautiful outdoor patios that provide breathtaking views of nature’s end-of-day celebration. Among your choices for a special dinner for two are elements at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. In addition to the fabulous culinary creations of Chef Beau MacMillan, you’ll enjoy expansive city and desert vistas from the restaurant’s perch high on the side of Camelback Mountain. At the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch, savor the cuisine of award-winning Chef de Cuisine William Bradley at the resort’s highly acclaimed new restaurant, Vu, then stroll through the Hyatt’s beautiful gardens to the water’s edge where your Sandolo (a gondola-style boat) awaits. Snuggle up for a star-lit ride through the resort’s waterway as you Sandolier provides a romantic serenade. And, if you both have a passion for golf, The Phoenician and The Boulders resorts offer tee box dinners, a romantic sunset dinner set out on the green of one of the resort golf course’s signature holes. Flowers, fine china, crystal and candles set the stage for a dreamy dining experience. Music also can be arranged, as well as lounge chairs to relax in over after-dinner cordials.

The night is young, the stars are out and more romantic adventures await! The after-dark scene in downtown Scottsdale pulses with the energy of hip nightclubs, sophisticated lounges and cozy wine bars. Lovers of art and lovers in general will enjoy the Scottsdale ArtWalk, a free event held every Thursday evening in historic downtown Scottsdale. Scottsdale’s finest art galleries open their doors to the public for a special nighttime viewing of their beautiful collections and offer artists’ receptions, live music and refreshments. And, if you haven’t soaked up enough of the night sky, the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North offers guests the use of powerful telescopes for star gazing (be sure to keep the star chart that comes with turn-down service).

Now, this last special touch will take a little planning ahead, but imagine your partner’s delight when you return to your resort room to find candles lit, rose petals scattered on your freshly turned-down bed, and champagne chilling next to a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries. It’s the perfect ending to a romantic Scottsdale day!

Click on these links for more information on Scottsdale’s romantic resorts, spas and restaurants.