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The Perfect Romantic Weekend
Author points E.V. couples to lovers' retreats
BY AMANDA KINGSBURY
TRIBUNE
February 8, 2002
Scottsdale resident Pamela Swartz has spent more than 25 years planning
romantic getaways with her husband. So other couples can benefit from her
research and resourcefulness, she has written "Arizona Getaways for the
Incurably Romantic." The book ($16.95, Cloud Nine Press) offers hundreds
of ideas for scheduling lovers' retreats, from building the anticipation to
keeping the romance alive after the trip ends. Swartz also gives detailed
descriptions of 45 romantic properties in Arizona, from quaint B&Bs to palatial
resorts "(My husband and I) have learned that is it extremely important
for us to escape our daily routines periodically and focus only on each
other," she said. "we find that when we do, our relationship and our
whole life is richer." "Arizona Getaways for the Incurably
Romantic" is available at www.arizonagetaways.com
or at local bookstores. Here, Swartz shares her ideas for the perfect romantic
Valentine's Day weekend.
It's the weekend before Valentine's Day, and a couple want to plan a romantic
Arizona getaway. What two places would you suggest?
Across the Creek at Aravaipa Farms is truly a hidden treasure in one of the
best hiking and bird-watching destinations in the state. Located two hours
southeast of Phoenix and five miles from Aravaipa Canyon, five casitas sit on
300 acres with fruit orchards, a gently flowing creek and a privately owned
mountain in the background. Owner Carol Steele has added her personal touches
to each casita, filling them with colorful artwork, kilim rugs, fresh flowers,
cozy down comforters, brightly colored ceramic bowls, fireplaces (inside and
out) and rustic furniture. Each has a private porch, allowing guests to relax
and take in the incredible scenery. Not a typical B&B, breakfast in on your
own, with each casita having a stocked fridge, while a gourmet dinner is served
to all guests each evening. There are no TVs, telephones or even clocks, so
couples can really escape the rigors of everyday life. Although many readers
might already know of L'Auberge in Sedona, it deserves to be mentioned. By
driving two hours north of Phoenix to Sedona, you'll feel as if you've been
transported to the French countryside, with winding paths through lush gardens
and green lawns leading to your cottage. You'll be lulled to sleep by the
sounds of the creek flowing gently nearby. Each features handcrafted canopied
beds, imported linens, real wood-burning fireplaces and private porches, with
view of the magnificent red rocks and the canyon walls around you. Cottages No.
2 and 5 are the most spacious — you may want to try one of these.
For the time-crunched couple who'd prefer to stay close to home, but would still
like to escape for a night, what East Valley resorts would you recommend?
For those where there is no limit to the spending or pampering that you can
indulge in, make a reservation at Scottsdale's Four Seasons Resort, which is
world-renowned for catering to the incurably romantic couple. Set high in the
Sonoran Desert at Pinnacle Peak, this territorial-style resort offers panoramic
views of the distant city lights, nearby mountains and the desert lofty saguaro
cactuses. Enjoy these views from the privacy of your own patio. Make sure to
use the large telescope provided in each room to gaze at the stars each
evening. For the ultimate in romantic getaways, you will definitely want to
reserve a casita with an indoor gas fireplace in your own living room and a
wood-burning fireplace on your patio. Off the spacious bedroom is one of two
bathrooms. This one is to die for, with a separate shower and lovely soaking
tub. If that's not enough, you can unwind in your private outdoor garden shower
or relax in your own heated pool plunge pool off the bedroom. You may never
want to leave your room, but if you do, there are fabulous restaurants, a spa
and fitness center, tennis courts, and golf at nearby Troon. Bargains can be
found throughout the summer season in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, as well as
Tucson. But for a real value offered year-round, try the Renaissance Scottsdale
Resort (formerly know as the Cottonwoods). It sits right in the heart of
Scottsdale (next to the Borgata), but you'll forget the city is right outside
your door. This property has been around for a while, but is a well-kept
secret. It features plush lawns, large trees, hammocks scattered throughout,
tennis courts and views of Camelback Mummy mountains. Single-story buildings
combined with their settings, allow for privacy, peace and tranquility. The
rooms are actually suites with separate living rooms and bedrooms, spacious
bathrooms, fireplaces and patios. But the real treat here is that 100 of the
rooms offer private outdoor hot tubs.
What are some romantic essentials and/or surprises a couple should pack for a
getaway?
You may not need much at all on your romantic getaway, but don't get caught
without a few romantic essentials that will really help set the mood:
- A CD player with a few of your favorite CDs.
- Massage oils and bath salts (a nice massage followed by a relaxing bubble bath for two will only help set the stage for pure bliss!)
- Candles (the right lighting can enhance any setting; place them in the bedroom, around the bath, or even on your private patio).
- Video, digital or disposable camera (you will want to have lasting memories from your getaway).
- A few snacks (just in case you don't want to leave the room!).
- A bottle of champagne or wine that you've been saving for that special occasion (make a toast to your love!).
- A handwritten note to give to your partner while away contains a heartfelt message (a line shared at your wedding or a personalized message shared only by the two of you).
- A cooler to pack what you need for a picnic.
Now is the time to make reservations for a romantic Valentine's dinner. What two
East Valley restaurants would you suggest?
La Locanda, tucked away in a little strip plaza in Scottsdale, is know to
locals as a "hidden delight." With some of the best Italian food to
be found anywhere in the Valley, combined with an intimate atmosphere, this is
a true find. D'Atri's is another great option. Many of you may see Jan D'Atri
on TV on Saturday mornings. She recently opened a restaurant right on the
runway of the Scottsdale Airpark. Request a table a the window, near the
roaring fireplace, while you watch the private jets taxi. It is truly a
romantic setting. There is a patio for outdoor dining where you can take in
great sunsets. The menu is quite varied — from delicious salads to wood-fired
pizzas to an array of entrees.
What are some ways a couple can make their restaurant dinning experience more
personal?
Most people, when they think of romance, imagine a candlelight dinner for two.
But with a little forethought and planning, there are many ways to enhance your
dinning experience. When dinning at a restaurant, request a corner table or one
with a terrific view; order one decadent dessert to share; place a rose across
your lover's plate, tuck a small gift into the basket of rolls; ask to be
seated near the piano and request your favorite song, or sit on the patio under
the moonlight. Of course, some of these ideas can be used at home as well.
Order takeout or pick up your favorites from a gourmet grocery store, as well
as flowers and champagne. Have music playing in the background and make dinner
for two at home an evening to remember.
What are some creative, romantic ways to celebrate Valentine's Day for the
couple on a tight budget? Or for the couple who want to avoid crowded
restaurants and do something more unusual?
A picnic for two under the stars is always romantic. Include some of her
favorite treats, a couple of candles, a portable CD player, a single
long-stemmed rose — and don't forget to pact the blanket! For the more
adventures, take an early morning hike, watch the sunrise together and have a
picnic breakfast. Other ideas:
- Scottsdale Art Walk is free and coincidentally takes place 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. Stroll through the galleries in downtown Scottsdale, along Main Street and Marshall Way, enjoying the exhibits and live entertainment.
- Surprise her with a "Do Not Disturb" kit. You can make it yourself. Include massage oils, bath salts, candles, a CD of her favorite music, rose petals, a "Do Not Disturb" sign and watch how the evening unfolds!
- Go to Farrelli's Cinema Supper Club in Scottsdale and enjoy dinner and a movie.
- Get tickets to a comedy club and have a good belly laugh.
- There's always a hot air balloon ride with champagne toasts!
For the couple who just want to relax and talk over a drink at a cozy local
lounge, where would you suggest?
The Velvet Room in Scottsdale allows a couple to return to days gone by, a time
of glamour and elegance. Art Deco decor, plush velvet draperies, a dance floor
and tables for two allow a couple to relax and cherish each other's company for
the evening. You can dine in the supper club and dance the evening away or
simply enjoy a drink at the bar listening to the vocalist on Valentine's Day
paying tribute to Frank Sinatra.
For the woman who knows her partner has no clue that Valentine's Day is
approaching, how do you suggest she drop a couple of hints without seeming
manipulative?
When you and your partner are headed out to dinner or the movies, tell him that
you need to run an errand first. You need to stop at a Hallmark store to pick
something up (a card, anything). Bring him into the store with you. There will
most likely be a huge Valentine's Day display as soon as you enter. He'd have
to be blind not to notice! Or have a cappuccino at your favorite bookstore with
your partner. Lead him to the travel section. Pull some magazines and books
from the shelf, spread them out on the table, and talk about how much fun
you've had traveling together or how great it would be to get away together
soon for a special occasion. This may stimulate some interesting ideas and
plans.
Are there some ways to extend the romance of Valentine's Day, so it doesn't end
when the restaurant check or the hotel bill is paid?
When you get home from your getaway, don't unpack right away. Put on some music
that you played while away, sit down, have a drink and reminisce. Of have
flowers or a note waiting for your partner upon return, thanking him or her for
the wonderful time. Schedule a night soon after you've returned for a
candlelight dinner for two. Keep the romance alive by holding hands a little
more often, taking time during the day to tell each other you love each other,
schedule a regular "date" night each week that belongs just to the
two of you, have flowers delivered for no reason at all, have breakfast in bed
or watch the sunset together. Pamper each other. Give each other a massage or
take a trip to the spa — together! It's amazing how just making sure that you
make time for each other helps to rejuvenate the romance in your relationship.
ROMANTIC PICKS
Across the Creek at Aravaipa Farms
(502) 357-6901
www.aravaipafarms.com
L'Auberge de Sedona
(800) 272-6777
www.lauberge.com
Four Seasons Resort
(480) 515-5700
www.fourseasons.com
Renaissance Scottsdale Resort
(480) 991-1414
www.renaissancehotels.com
La Locanda Restaurant
10201 N. Scottsdale Road
(480) 998-2822
D'Atri's Restaurant
15000 N. Airport Drive (in the Scottsdale Terminal)
(480) 948-8585
Scottsdale Art Walk
7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays Main Street and Marshall Way
(480) 390-3939
Farrelli's Cinema Supper Club
14202 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 14
(480) 905-7200
www.farrellis.com
The Velvet Room
7111 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale
(480) 941-6000
