photo by Ariel Miles
Weddings
12 of Scottsdale’s Hottest Spots for Chilled Out Bachelorette Parties
For many, when thinking about a bachelorette party, the dusty rose skies of the southwest can only be lit up by the neon lights of Las Vegas. But continue on south down a dark desert highway, cool wind in your hair, you’ll discover...
photo by Ariel Miles
For many, when thinking about a bachelorette party, the dusty rose skies of the southwest can only be lit up by the neon lights of Las Vegas. But continue on south down a dark desert highway, cool wind in your hair, you’ll discover a divine alternative to the glitz and glam of Sin City in Scottsdale. This dreamy, candy-colored alternative to Vegas is chock full of chic hotels, beautiful restaurants, timeless bars and plenty of seriously cool experiences no matter the season. If you’re thinking of Scottsdale before the veil, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Reporter: Katie Bush | Location: The Saguaro Scottsdale | Photo Source: Sand and Sequins
Reporter: Katie Bush | Location: The Saguaro Scottsdale | Photo Source: Sand and Sequins
The Saguaro Scottsdale is the perfect bachelorette party pad, awash in a variety of bright Pantone colors, just steps from the shopping, dining and imbibing of Old Town. Pop your pals into a couple of the pool view king suites with walk-out patios and on demand movies and music to get the party started properly. Inflate a few colorful floats and jump in the “see and be seen” pool or opt for a more relaxing day and peruse the soothing spa menu and relaxation pool. With a delicious onsite restaurant including an all-day menu, poolside snacks and a coffee + juice bar, you’ll have all the makings of the most wonderful pre-“marry” making spot.
Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride With Hot Air Expeditions
Scottsdale, Arizona
Photo by John Philp Thompson III
If you’re a bird, I’m a bird. Soar over the Sonoran desert while nestled within the basket of a colorful hot air balloon with your bests. Hot Air Expeditions has been providing upscale ballooning experiences as a family-owned business for 27 years. Float up to 3,000 feet and glide back down to 400 feet to experience the flora and fauna magic of the desert. Once you’re back on terra firma, tuck into a gourmet breakfast or evening hors d’oeuvres, depending on the time of day you’ve chosen your flight.
The Scott Resort & Spa is an upscale spot with an ideal downtown location, wrapped in the casual elegance of a high desert retreat. Pack up your pals and head for the main pool, stopping by the Canal Club Poolside for a few refreshing and spirited elixirs. For a truly memorable girls-only night, book an exquisite private dining space lit by firelight, candlelight or starlight - your choice.
The Canal Club at the Scott Resort & Spa serves up traditional American cuisine with a Cuban twist inside a jewel box of a restaurant. Meant to evoke a 1930’s Havana aesthetic, it accomplishes its goal with tufted caramel colored banquettes, cerulean blue walls, vintage wicker chairs and pops of pink pillows accented by floral greens. If you loathe to leave the pool, simply pop over to The Canal Club Poolside, located at the Main Pool where you’ll find an outdoor patio, lounge and bar set amidst gardens and offering an ample list of refreshing craft cocktails, local beers and more – as well as a selection of appetizers, salads and sandwiches.
Debuting in late March, the three-story Spa at The Phoenician is worthy of a bachelorette bucket list, with vitality pools featuring stunning views of Camelback Mountain. Spend an entire day (or the weekend) indulging in signature spa treatments or lounging at the rooftop pool with 360 degree views of the resort. Enjoy yoga, meditation and cardio classes in the Movement Studio, or techno-circuit training in the Fitness Center. When it’s time to primp and polish before your dinner, visit the Drybar, nail salon and retail boutique.
For the adventurous, outdoorsy group, head to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to peep stunning geography, lush cacti forests and diverse wildlife. The preserve includes the beautiful McDowell Mountains, more than 30,500 acres and over 180 miles of trails while being home to a variety of species of plants, animals and birds. Choose from horseback riding, guided and self-guided hiking tours as well as biking, rock climbing and running trails.
Treat your entire crew to this hip hotel boasting plenty of southwest cool. From the property’s guestrooms and café to the restaurant and pool area, every corner has been thoughtfully curated. Hang by the fire with a glass of wine, lounge poolside or boozy brunch it up for the laid back bachelorette party of your dreams.
For a sweet, immersive summer treat, head to the pop-up Art of Ice Cream Experience running through the end of June in Scottsdale only. You’ll find photo opportunities in the eight individually themed exhibit rooms, each paying tribute to a favorite ice cream flavor or frozen treat. Each room allows for guests to engage with the exhibit through colorful and interactive art, like ball pits and giant candy-colored ice cream cones. The best part? Ice Cream treats and samples are provided throughout the experience.
For the most perfect Sunday brunch, reserve a spot in the unique glass-enclosed living room with one-of-a-kind-views of Camelback Mountain at Weft & Warp Art Bar & Kitchen at the Andaz Scottsdale. Fusing Sonoran tradition and modern innovation, choose everything from chilaquiles to lavender caramelized croissants accompanied by handcrafted cocktails. Take it a step further and book “The Kitchen Table,” where up to 10 guests get the chance for a one-of-a-kind vantage point into the preparation of their meal in the glass-box, plancha-style kitchen.
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For the stylish and storied group, a stay at ultra-private and exclusive The Brexley is a perfect pre-wedding anecdote for eight. There is no detail too small or left undone, from the complimentary caramels made by The Simple Farm to the hand-picked record selection provided in "The Brexley Den,” there are surprises and delights around every turn. Relax by the sparkling lagoon pool that twinkles at night or sit around the cozy fire pit and take in an epic Arizona sunset, either way the beautifully designed indoor/outdoor space is a bachelorette oasis.
For a true Wild West adventure, book a “city slicker” cattle drive with Fort McDowell Adventures, on over 25,000 private acres of guided, spectacular desert to traverse. Sit atop a majestic horse for a two hour ride through the serene Sonoran desert and participate in a true cattle drive with real cowboys. Sit towards the back of the pack and take in the scenery or ride up front with the cowboys and keep the cows on the straight and narrow.
After a long and lively day by a perfect pool, if your group is looking for an elegant, upscale spot, plan on dinner and drinks at Olive & Ivy. Feeling far more like the South of France than Scottsdale, park your crew under one of the shady trees on the patio or into a vibrant red floral banquette underneath glittering chandeliers. Dig into fresh Mediterranean fare as you sip sweet Sangria and swap “remember when stories.” If you’re looking for a bit of nightlife, simply head to the outdoor bar and lounge.
For a true southwest driven cocktail bar, belly up to Counter Intuitive for a variety of intoxicating elixirs mixed in a timeless dive bar setting. Order up a “Beet It Punk!” cocktail, as refreshing as it is beautiful, made with London dry gin, Falernum, Yuzu, yellow beet, watermelon, tarragon and lemon, while surrounded by southwest relics like cow skulls and a taxidermied jackalope.
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