Scottsdale, Arizona has been a haven for snowbirds for years escaping polar vortexes and blizzards with year round sunshine, beautiful days and cool crisp nights. In recent years it has become equally famous for world class resorts and golf courses, that are on par with some of the best in Florida and the Caribbean. A 4 hour flight into Phoenix and you are on your way to a fabulous family vacation, girlfriend getaway, or a golf weekend with the boys.

The Fairmont Princess is truly a 5 star family resort with every amenity you may desire. There are five pools, one for kids, two jacuzzis and a water park with slides that are actually big enough for adults to enjoy with their kids. The laid back casual ambience and the ultra friendly staff will attend to all your needs, whether you need a cocktail by the pool or need snacks brought to the many relaxation spots surrounding the property that are great for relaxing on a star filled evening.

The resort offers a variety of accommodations ranging from the Classic Fairmont rooms that are quite luxurious with southwestern decor to the Casitas which are perfect for family or multi generational travel with lots of open space and separate living rooms and bedrooms. For the ultimate in luxury book the Fairmont Gold Suites, which offer the luxury of the Fairmont Gold Lounge with complimentary breakfast, light dinner, honor bar, separate check- in and the use of a private concierge throughout your stay.

The resort caters to families with The Trailblazers Family Adventures Center and a children’s club that offers themed daytime activities and in the summer offers supervised day and night entertainment. There is an on-site fishing pond with fishing poles supplied.

Dining at the Fairmont is an experience not to be missed. From the casual poolside grill to the Elegant Bourbon Steakhouse there is something for everyone. We had the chance to dine at Chef Pedro Sandoval’s new restaurant La Hacienda, which offers classic southwestern specialties infused with a modern twist and an out of this world tequila bar featuring every type of tequila concoction possible. Favorites were the freshly, made at the table guacamole, shrimp ceviche, fresh Maine lobster tacos, and the classic Mexican dish of skirt steak with rice and beans in a Poblano sauce. All topped of with flaming Mexican coffee!

For the ultimate in relaxation the Well & Being Spa is a haven for fitness enthusiasts with a state of the art fitness center, Aerial Hammock Yoga Classes, a rooftop tranquility pool with bar service, and spa services that are unique and tailored to enrich your experience. There are several types of massages on the spa menu. My travel companion experienced the deep tissue massage, and herself being, admittedly quite the massage snob thought it was the best she ever had. I decided to try the Hacienda Retreat with massage, which is a house specialty and it entails exfoliation using local yellow corn and lime scrub, a hydrating shea butter mask, and a massage using their signature mojito body butter. I highly recommend this treatment!

The resort also offers a pro- tennis center, golf, horseback riding close by and a variety of other activities year round. The hotel offers wedding packages, spring training specials, and much more.

Photos Courtesy of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Please visit http://www.fairmont.com/scottsdale/ for more info and to book your stay.