GREAT SUMMERTIME GETAWAYS
Don't Let Romance Fizzle When Summertime Temperatures Sizzle

The Wedding Chronicle (The Insider's Guide to Arizona Weddings)
July/August 2003

While summertime temperatures are rising, resort rates are dropping. Right now Arizona's finest hotels are offering extraordinarily low rates. Escape to a world-class resort and find romance and luxury waiting for you!

Imagine soaking under the stars in your private Jacuzzi for two. Cooling off in pools that win soothe your soul. Getting wet and wild at one of the water parks that some of the resorts are home to. Indulging in a full day of pampering at the spa. Playing golf on one of the top-ranked courses in the country.

Here are some choices for your next romantic rendezvous.

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 has a two and one-half acre water playground that includes a beach! But don It stop there. You can tee off on a championship course. Bike or jog on miles of dedicated trails. Schedule a spa treatment. Dine at the Golden Swan for Sunday brunch -practically a requirement! Or be serenaded under the stars as you cruise the resort's waterways on a sandola (gondola-style boat).

Contact Info: Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort
480-991-3388
www.hyatt.com
Summer Rates begin at $145

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess helps you forget about the desert's relentless summertime heat. Set against the beauty of the McDowell Mountains there are cascading waterfalls, lush landscaping, and thousands of brilliant flowers covering its rambling grounds. A mix of tropical, southwestern, and Mediterranean influences is sure to help you feel transplanted to another part of the world. You will have plenty to do. Take a slippery ride on one of the longest resort waterslides in town, play golf, tennis, or even go fishing in the lagoon. The spa is the newest feature where you can give way to being pampered. Dine at Marquesa for that special occasion.

Contact Info: The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
480-585-4848
www.fairmont.com
Summer Rates begin at $139

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is one of the newest resorts in town. It is filled with magnificent paintings, sculptures, and vibrant colors that represent Arizona's cultural heritage. Luxurious rooms are spacious, many with private patios with views of the golf course or the McDowell's. There are separate "adults only" and children's pool allowing for maximum relaxation. Raft along the gently flowing river pool. Golf, tennis, and biking are at your doorstep. The magic of the spa will delight you. Dine at Deseo, where Chef Douglas Rodriguez describes the cuisine as "Spanish bar food with an upscale twist". Adjacent to Kierland Commons, it is actually walking distance to tbe trendy center filled with high-end specialty shops and restaurants.

Contact Info: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
480-624-1000
www.westin.com/kierlandresort
Summer Rates begin at $99.00

Pam Swartz is noted romance expert and author of Arizona Getaways for the Incurably Romantic. Her book is a leading resource for romantic couples everywhere. An authority on romantic getaways in Arizona, planning the perfect romantic getaway, tips on romantic travel, and keeping current with the latest travel trends for couples, Pam is available for speaking. She can be reached at 480-609-0426. Her book is available at your favorite local bookstore or online at www.arizonagetaways.com or www.amazon.com.