Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a famous city with its golf courses, but in recent years is associated less with massage therapists and outdoor sports. Wright’s influence can be seen in much of the architecture, though a lot of it sits in the shadows of the telltale cranes erecting condos in this ever-expanding region of the West. Golf, if you wish. Or eat, explore and then float in an infinity pool, contemplating your next cocktail. The ways to get pummeled, peeled and rubbed in Scottsdale are endless.
The Hotel Valley Ho is an inviting mid-20th-century hotel made chic by a 2004 renovation. It has a nice, low-key spa, a pool, a Trader Vic’s restaurant and the cute Cafe ZuZu. It’s within walking distance of Old Town Scottsdale. Rooms start at $259 at this time of year, excluding tax and parking.
The coffee is strong and the banana buttermilk pancakes yummy at Cafe ZuZu. At the Hotel Valley Ho, where the Back, Neck, Shoulders massage was heaven (45 minutes, $95, not counting an automatic 20 percent tip) and the Oh! So Cool Foot Refresher (30 minutes, $65) can literally put you to sleep. The spa even offers treatments for dog guests: a canine massage, 30 minutes for $85. Photos by: Jeff Topping
