A First-Timer’s Guide to Experiencing a Desert City in Style

$1.5 trillion annually.

That’s Forbes’ estimate of the annual luxury travel market.

Driven by “revenge travel” following the pandemic and an increasing desire for unforgettable experiences over material goods, people cannot seem to get enough of high-end, bespoke experiences.

But can it be called “luxury” if it’s your very first time? Doesn’t the term entail an element of refined sophistication?

Luxury is all in your mindset.

How does the experience make you feel? Is it special and unforgettable?

For those first-timers traveling to Scottsdale, there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy the Sonoran landscape in style. Keep reading as we walk you though the small details that can take your Arizona escape from “ordinary” to “luxury.”

When to Travel

Four seasons?

Ha!

There are really only two when it comes to visiting Scottsdale.

Peak season runs from November through April. The heaviest influx of travelers starts in January. People from colder climes in need of a warm-weather escape. Expect the following during peak season:

• Brisk mornings and evenings with daytime highs peaking in the low 80’s
• Heavier traffic. Getting ideal tee times at golf courses or dinner/entertainment reservations may be more difficult (and costly)
• Higher prices on airfare and lodgings
• Major events happening in the city, such as MLB spring training and the Phoenix Arabian horse show

If you are an extrovert and draw your energy from bustling crowds, this is the ideal time to plan your Scottsdale getaway.

But maybe you prefer a little extra elbow room. Not having to stand in line to get a cocktail. Avoiding the hustle of trying to beat the crowd. Then the off-season (May through October) is the way to go. The slower pace comes with a drawback, though: the afternoon temperatures regularly reach triple digits during this time of year. 

Where to Stay

There is no shortage of places to stay in Scottsdale. All-inclusive resorts. Boutique hotels. Stay-and-play casinos/golf experiences. Each of these accommodation options has their unique appeal, depending on your group size. 

With that said, more and more travelers seeking a stylish stay are choosing private estate rentals. The best luxury vacation rental Scottsdale offers has numerous advantages over retail hotels:

• Vast dimensions to keep your entire travel under a single roof while guaranteeing each person their own slice of privacy.
• Resort-style backyards. Sprawling swimming pools. Lazy rivers. Swim-up bars. Water features are especially appealing to guests visiting during the warmer summer months. Private pool access is a game-changer for relaxing in the desert heat.
• Endless interior amenities (in-home theater, air-conditioned pickleball, multi-lane bowling), plush bedding, and designer-inspired furnishings.
• Luxury concierge partners to pamper yourself with comfort and convenience

What to Do

Figuring out what to exclude is the most difficult part of building a Scottsdale itinerary. There is so much to do that fitting every exciting thing into a single weekend is an unrealistic task. But for the highlights…

Outdoor activities are generally considered a must. A twilight hike through McDowell-Sonoran Preserve. A round of golf at one of the iconic courses in the area. A hot air balloon ride over The Valley. Twilights are the best time to schedule exterior ventures. Not only are the temperatures more manageable, but the sun peeking over the desert mountains is truly an unforgettable sight.

The spa and wellness scene in Scottsdale is considered second-to-none. Treat yourself. Of the dozens of options in the area, The Phoenician (warm spice rub & massage), Spa Avania (Himalayan salt room), and The Spa at Camelback Inn (adobe clay detox wrap) offer some of the most unique treatments with a luxury Southwest flair.

Shopping, dining, and nightlife are some of the other calling cards of a Scottsdale experience. North Scottsdale features more nationally-known brands and big-ticket attractions, whereas Old Town Scottsdale is renowned for its local artisans and Old West flair. 

Practical Tips

More on the whole North Scottsdale vs. Old Town debate.

These are the two distinct sections of Scottsdale, located about 17 miles apart. Each area is stylish and chic in its own right. 

North Scottsdale features more sprawling, modern architecture. It is well-known for its high-end shopping and spas. Because it is on the more spacious outskirts of Scottsdale, it will require a rental car or frequent rideshares to get around.

Old Town is the historic downtown district of Scottsdale. It is the place to be for those who want to feel “plugged in” to the rich Southwestern culture. It is the home to decadent cuisine and popping nightlife options. Most everything in Old Town is within walking distance. There are also transit and e-bike options for those wanting a bit more convenience when zipping around Old Town.

As far as packing, all of the usual suspects for warm-weather destinations are in play. Sun protection. Bathing suits. Shorts. Flip flops.

However, Scottsdale travelers also note some interesting, less-obvious items that are worth throwing in the suitcase:

• Lightweight scarf – sun protection during the day and a stylish accessory when going out in the evening
• Electrolyte packets – an easier hydration solution to get through security than beverage bottles
• Small clutch – hands-free carrying is essential for making the most of a busy Scottsdale itinerary

Get It Right the First Time When Traveling to Scottsdale

Luxury is a mindset. Even the greenest of travelers can leave Scottsdale feeling on top of the world when the small details are planned in advance. For more of the latest trends in travel, explore the content at Vagabond Journey for ideas and inspiration today!