ROMANCE SIZZLES WITH FABULOUS SUMMER RATES

Ahwatukee Monthly
May 2003

Put a romantic weekend on your calendar this summer. While summertime temperatures are rising, resort rates are dropping. Romance and luxury are waiting for you. You can experience once-in-a-lifetime getaways at affordable rates in your own backyard! There has never been a better time than now to run away together. You have NO excuses!

You can cool off in pools that will soothe your soul. Laze on your sundeck while sipping a pina colada. Or get wet and wild at one of the water parks that some of the resorts are home to. There's no better way to beat the heat! Any outdoor activity is possible during the summer, if you plan it at the right time of day. You can play golf on a cham-pionship course, tennis when the sun goes down on lighted courts, or take an early morning hot air balloon ride. Get a taste of the Wild West by enjoying an old-fashioned cowboy cookout or ride bareback on private trails!

For couples seeking romance, all you have to do is imagine watching the famous Arizona sunsets that spread pink, purple, and orange hues across the vast desert sky, from the privacy of your own patio; or soaking under the stars in a Jacuzzi for two, sleeping in late, and ordering room service. Imagine intimate candlelight dinners for two, or having decadent chocolate truffles left on your pillow at night.

Hotels are dedicating more and more of their efforts to accommodate romantic rendezvous. From carefully trained staff whose goal is to meet your every need, to elaborate amenities aimed at making you feel as if you are royalty, to guestrooms that abound in luxury.

Keep in mind, that although some resorts cater to couples, many are chil-dren friendly. So, if you have to bring the kids along, or want to bring them along, choose a property that is appropriate for you. Some even offer kids' camps. There's no reason that everyone can't enjoy the lazy days of summer!

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will help you forget about the desert's relentless summertime heat. It is set against the beauty of the McDowell Mountains with cascading waterfalls and lush landscaping amidst thousands of dazzling flowers covering its rambling grounds. A mix of tropical, southwestern, and Mediterranean influences is sure to help you feel trans-planted to another part of the world and tickle your romantic fancy. You will have plenty to do. Take a slippery ride on one of the longest resort waterslides in town, play golf or tennis, or even go fishing in the lagoon. The spa is the newest feature where you can give way to being pampered. When you get hungry; satisfy your appetite at one of several restaurants. For that special romantic occasion, dine at Marquesa. This fascinating cuisine is a blend of Catalan, Italian, French, Greek, and Moroccan flavors.

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
480.585.4848
www.fairmont.com
Summer Rates begin at $139

Do you daydream about sunbathing on a white sand beach this summer? You don't have to go to California or Hawaii. The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch may be the perfect spot for you. This world-class resort has a two and one-half acre water playground that includes a beach! But don't stop there. If golf is your game, play 27 holes, ranked as one of the top courses in the country. You can bike or jog on miles of dedicated trails. Treat yourself to a massage. The Sunday brunch at the Golden Swan is practically a requirement! Listen to spir-ited flamenco music and dance the night away. You and your love can even feel as if you've been transported to a seaport in Italy when you are serenaded under the stars as you cruise the resort's waterways on a sandola (gondola-style boat).

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
480.991.3388
www.hyatt.com
Summer Rates begin at $145

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, one of the newest resorts in town, will allure you to experience its luxury while being captivated by Arizona's natural beauty and rich history. The magnificent paint-ings, sculptures, and vibrant colors that define the character and spirit of this property are all representative of Arizona's cultural heritage. The rooms are spacious, many with private patios with views of the golf course or the majestic McDowell's. You can do almost anything here. There are separate adults only and children's pool allowing for maximum relaxation. Experience the child within as you raft along the gently flowing river pool. You have access to golf, tennis, hiking, and biking at your doorstep. The magic of the spa will delight you. For your romantic getaway, schedule a couple's massage. For your culinary pleasure, try Deseo. Acclaimed Chef Douglas Rodriguez has established himself as the inventor of Neuvo Latino cuisine, which he describes as "Spanish bar food with an upscale twist". You cannot leave the resort without trying Cerviche! And you know what they say about "Location." This property is screaming "LOCATION!" It is adjacent to Kierland Commons, actually walking distance to the outdoor center filled with high-end shops and restaurants.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
6902 E. Greenway Parkway
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
480.624.1000
www.westin.com/kieriandresort
Summer Rates begin at $99.00

If you are looking to indulge yourself this summer, then the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale is just the place. Set high in the Sonoran Desert at Pinnacle Peak, at an elevation of more than 2500 feet above sea level, you can experience temperatures slightly below the rest of the valley. The Four Seasons has earned a world-renowned reputation for providing a distinguished level of service, lavish amenities, and a staff that knows how to cater to the incurably romantic. You'll enjoy panoramic views of the distant city lights and desert from your patio, championship golf, fine dining, lagoon style pool and separate children's pool, and a spa that discerning vacationers will truly relish. If you're enchanted by a chance to "cocoon" for this getaway, you'll want to choose a casita. An intimate, private, outdoor garden shower! Your own private plunge pool with an outdoor fireplace! Does it get any better? The rate for the casita will be higher than the standard room. Although it should be noted, no room is considered "standard" here.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
10600 East Crescent Moon Drive
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
480.515.5700
www.fourseasons.com
Summer Rates begin at $145.00

If you choose the ,Sheraton Wild Horse Pass for your getaway, be prepared to enjoy a wide range of activities, because this resort has it all. Owned by the Gila Indian River Indian Community, it is located on 1000 acres of their reserva-tion. Schedule a sunset horseback ride at their equestrian center. Tee off on two IS-hole golf courses! If gambling is your thing, take a relaxing boat ride along a winding river that brings you to the Wild Horse Pass Casino. There is tennis, jogging trails, tempting pools with a waterslide, and more! When you are ready to collapse from all of this fun, treat yourself to a little pampering at the Aji spa, where you can re-energize! Then enjoy stunning views of the surrounding desert and mountains from the terrace of Kai, the resort's signature restaurant. You may even get a glimpse in the distance of the wild horses that still roam the land today. In addition to all that this property has to offer, guests get an additional benefit. The Pima and Maricopa tribes that comprise the Gila Indian River Community share their heritage and culture by way of furnish-ings, textiles, paintings, basketry, and pottery throughout the resort.

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa
5594 West Wild Horse Pass Boulevard
Phoenix, Arizona 85070
602.225.0100
www.sheratonwildhorsepass.com
Summer Rates begin at $89.00

Please note that rates are subject to availability and dates. Make sure to ask about rates and special packages when making your reservation.