Last week I hopped on a flight to Arizona to check out the best spas in Phoenix, and fell in love with the local restaurants, giant cacti, jaw-dropping pools, and lush farms in the desert. The weather may have hit the triple digits during the visit but it was surprisingly cool in the shade versus the hot humidity in Austin. If you don’t already follow me on Instagram, #kokovisitsphoenix has all the live coverage.
SEE ALSO: 9 Top Things To Do In New Orleans During Mardi Gras
Check out my city guide to Phoenix on the best restaurants to eat at, resorts to stay at, and spas to indulge in.
Where to Stay in Phoenix
If you’re looking for options on where to stay in Phoenix, I highly recommend checking out the resorts!
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Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
Bedroom view from Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass in the Sonoran Desert. This luxury resort is built on an Indian reservation reflecting the traditions of the Pima and Maricopa people. Conveniently located 11 miles from the Sky Harbor International Airport, the Sheraton Grand has 500 rooms, 36 holes of Troon golf, Forbes Four-Star Aji Spa offering Native treatments, AAA Five-Diamond & Forbes Five-Star Award-winning Kai, onsite horseback adventures at Koli Equestrian Center, and a boat cruise to Rawhide Western Theme Town.
5594 West Wild Horse Pass Road, Chandler, AZ, wildhorsepassresort.com
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort
For those wanting an upscale resort filled with plenty of activities for everyone, stay at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale on Gainey Ranch. The property has 10 swimming pools, 20 fountains, 45 waterfalls, 27 holes of championship golf on three distinctively designed courses, world-class tennis, spa, fitness center, Regency Club, and even a 30′, 3-story, high speed waterslide. The resort also offering programs for adults and children to explore the people, food and environment of the Sonoran Southwest.
I loved waking up to a private patio overlooking the beautiful pools, and then grabbing breakfast at the Regency Club before a morning swim. Dinner at SWC, the Hyatt’s southwest bistro, is served both indoors and alfresco nestled around terrace fire pits. We went on a Venetian gandola ride around the property after dinner.
7500 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, scottsdale.regency.hyatt.com
Where to Eat in Phoenix
When I travel, I prioritize my schedule by how many restaurants I can fit into each day. If you ever travel with me, be prepare to have at least 3 dinners in one night!
True Food Kitchen
Healthy lunch at True Food Kitchen. True Food Kitchen just opened in Austin earlier this year at the Seaholm Project. The original Phoenix location offering a different menu with ingredients local to the area. I discovered some new favorites like the spring bruschetta, kale & avocado dip, and sustainable seabass.
2502 E Camelback Road, Suite 135 Phoenix, Arizona, truefoodkitchen.com/locations/phoenix/
Joyride Taco
Prickly pear margarita and Mexican street corn at Joyride Taco. Arizona’s own La Sonorense Tortilla Factory prepares the flour tortillas, corn masa and cochitos fresh daily.
5202 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ, joyridetacohouse.com
Morning Glory Cafe
Relaxing over lunch on the farm at the Morning Glory Cafe, a signature Arizona breakfast spot since 2001. The local menu features the market’s finest ingredients featuring house-baked muffins and pastries, locally made sausages, and seasonal omelets.
85042, 6106 S 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ, thefarmatsouthmountain.com
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co
Crowned the “World’s Best Beer” status by nationwide aficionados, Arizona Wilderness Co is a must for beer lovers with more than 65 beers created with local ingredients. I also had the biggest burger of my life here.
721 N Arizona Ave, Gilbert, AZ, azwbeer.com
Kai
I had an incredible dinner at Kai, the only Forbes Five Star restaurant in Arizona and just named one of Open Table’s 10 Best Restaurants in America for 2015, that not only showcased Native American cuisine but also a sensory experience. Chef de Cuisine, Ryan Swanson, incorporates the essence of the Pima and Maricopa tribes and locally farmed ingredients from the Gila River Indian Community to create unforgettable masterpieces. I loved the Potage of Roasted Yellow Creamer & Truffles, Coriander Sumac Spiced Lamb Loin, and Tribute to Chocolate dessert.
5594 Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, wildhorsepassresort.com/kai
Proof Canteen at Four Seasons
Four Season’s Proof Canteen serves up American home-style comfort food with gorgeous views of Pinnacle Peak on their patio. Be sure to order the fish & chips, and pretzel knots with spicy cheese sauce!
10600 E Crescent Moon Dr, Scottsdale, AZ, proofcanteen.com
Churn
I couldn’t visit Phoenix without trying at least one ice cream shop so we stopped by Churn. The ice cream is churned fresh every day with all natural ingredients. The coconut was my fav!
5223 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ, churnaz.com
Mary Coyle Ol’ Fashion Ice Cream
And you have to try the classic ice cream parlor, Mary Coyle. We opted for the 7 scoop ice cream sundae. If you’re feeling daring, Mary Coyle has a 11-lb ice cream mountain.
5823 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ, marycoyle.net
Where To Spa in Phoenix
For those looking for relax, Phoenix has some of the best spas in the nation with incredible views and treatments.
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North’s 12,000 square-foot, full-service, spa features 14 treatment rooms with two private spa suites. You can choose form an extensive array of seasonal, indigenous skin and body treatments, scrubs, clay wraps, facials, and massages. I had my first facial and learned how to take better care of my skin.
10600 E Crescent Moon Dr, Scottsdale, AZ, fourseasons.com/scottsdale
Aji Spa at Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass
Loved the hot rock massage at the Aji Spa, they offer the only authentic Native American spa menu in existence! Aji means “sanctuary” is Arizona’s only Native American-owned spa and features indigenous treatments based on the ancient legends of the Pima and Maricopa Indians. There’s 17 different treatment rooms, salon, fitness center, and relaxing watsu pool offering treatments developed from ancient rituals.
5594 West Wild Horse Pass Road, Chandler, AZ, wildhorsepassresort.com
Spa Avania at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort
Swimming in the French Celtic Mineral Pool after my desert essence body wrap with trehalose extract (a special ingredient found within desert cactus) treatment at Spa Avania. The pool supplies all 82 trace minerals needed by our bodies for optimal health and longevity!
7500 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, scottsdale.regency.hyatt.com
True REST Float Spa
My first time trying float therapy in a sensory deprivation tank. True Rest Float Therapy offers relief from stress, tension, and pain have which formed over time and continue to offer cumulative effects even 24 hours after a session. Float therapy has been reposted to speed healing times by 20-50%, relieve chronic pain by 70% and provide a “reset” for those suffering form stress, fatigue and jet lag. True REST is opening 5 locations in Austin in the next year.
1525 N Gilbert Rd #109, Gilbert, AZ, truerest.com
Where To Play in Phoenix
Hole in the Rock at Papago Park
One of the top Instagram worthy spots in Phoenix, Hole in the Rock has the best view of the city. It’s a short 5 minute hike up the hill. We also hiked around the Papago Park – watch out for tarantulas and jumping cactus!
625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
Music lovers and non-music lovers will spend hours at the Musical Instrument Museum exploring their expansive display of instruments from roughly 200 countries.
Queen Creek Olive Mill
Located just on the outskirts of Phoenix, Mesa is home to many neighboring farms and Agritourism attractions. Arizona’s only family-owned and operated working olive mill and farm, Queen Creek Olive Mill grows olives for the production of high quality extra virgin olive oil. Stop in the Mill’s Tuscan-inspired eatery for gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads, gelato, and fresh roasted espresso. The Olive Oil 101 tour (offered hourly) offers complimentary tastings of oils, olives, and vinegars.
25062 S Meridian Rd, Queen Creek, AZ, queencreekolivemill.com
Schnepf Farms
Peach picking at Schnepf Farms was so much fun! This fourth-generation working family farm lets guests pick their own from the 7 acre pesticide free organic gardens and peaches. Be sure to stop at the Country Store Bakery & Cafe and indulge in fresh baked pies and cinnamon rolls. The farm hosts seasonal events year-round!
24610 S Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek, AZ, schnepffarms.com
True Garden Urban Farm
I’ve seen the future and it looks very lush. Being at the True Garden Urban Farm was almost therapeutic and a spa experience in itself. This 5,000-square-foot vertical urban farm is an educational center that demonstrates how to produce healthy and nutritious food using no soil. It’s incredible to learn how restaurants and communities across the nation could become self-sustaining and grow their own produce.
5949 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ, truegarden.com
The Farm at South Mountain
Established in the early 1920, The Farm at South Mountain is a evovling and organic property featuring three restaurants (Morning Glory cafe, The Farm Kitchen, and Quiessence), Botanica (modern market with locally sourced items), Succulentia (rare and exotic succulents), Utopic (healing arts center offering self-awareness classes), and Maya’s Garden (vegetables, herbs, flowers and eggs). Popular location for photography sessions, weddings, and events.
6106 S 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ, thefarmatsouthmountain.com
