Mother’s Day is on the way and there’s no better time to consider a Mother-Daughter getaway. Whether for a celebration, a spa day, a little shopping, some adventure, or all of the above, Arizona offers a myriad of experiences that are sure to create lasting memories.
SCOTTSDALE
Scottsdale is the perfect destination with something for every taste. With more resort spas per capita than any other city in the United States, all generations can connect with mind, body, spirit and each other on a mother-daughter visit to one of Scottsdale’s myriad spas.
• Fairmont Scottsdale Princess debuted Arizona’s first Sisley-Paris Spa – a “spa within a spa” in July 2021– which features a private, six-room treatment facility inside its Well & Being Spa. The international luxury beauty brand is the benchmark in phyto-cosmetology, sourcing the best natural plant extracts to obtain the most effective skincare results. As the first of its kind for Sisley Spa, this concept draws inspiration from the surrounding Sonoran Desert and delivers innovative treatments with ingredients sourced from plant leaves, seeds, flowers and more.
• CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa offers guests curated wellness experiences through their on-site programming. A 22,000-square-foot spa takes guests back to the origin of SPA – Salus Per Aquam (Health through Water) – by offering a choice of hydrotherapy immersions that include a tepidarium, hot/cold walking pool, cold plunge shower and sanarium.
• The Phoenician boasts a stunning three-story spa that brings a nurturing and contemporary approach to relaxation, fitness and beauty through a variety of facials, massages and bodywork therapies. Lounge at the rooftop pool or visit the aromatherapy blending bar, for ultimate relaxation.
An infinite number of other possibilities for family bonding and adventure also lie within Scottsdale.
• Parents and children alike can create their own scents and take home a little piece of Scottsdale at Light + Bark. The candle company hosts daily candle making sessions with quality scented soy candle wax, all while supporting rescue + shelter dogs.
• Find six tasting rooms serving Arizona wine downtown (Old Town). They’re casual and approachable, and wine tasting makes for a perfect pre-dinner activity for families with older children or those on a multi-generational trip!
• With over 800 restaurants in Scottsdale, we know good food. Can’t-miss restaurants include
• Diego Pops (IG-worthy nachos, tacos + margaritas)
• Prep & Pastry (morning coffee and pastry indulgence)
• Farm & Craft (for some healthy fare)
• Postino (bruschetta boards + wine)
• Hula’s Modern Tiki (all the cute tiki cocktails one can desire)
• For something upscale, handmade pasta and delicious steaks at Fat Ox
• New takes on classic comfort food and craft cocktails at Citizen Public House
• Incredible authentic Spanish-Sonoran style cuisine at The Mission
• Scottsdale is home to the fashion mecca Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, in addition to premier shopping centers Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons (across the street from each other) plus countless chic, locally owned boutiques in Old Town Scottsdale.
• For the active group, Scottsdale is also home to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve – more than 30,500 acres of untamed desert open for hiking, trail running and mountain biking of all skill levels.
Images of these activities can be found here.
GREATER PHOENIX
Offering bucket list experiences, outdoor adventure for any skill type and relaxing spa treatments, Greater Phoenix is the perfect destination for multi-generational travel and mother/daughter getaways.
Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass offers the best of both worlds with outdoor adventure at KOLI Equestrian Center and relaxation at Aji Spa. Experience Native American customs and traditions firsthand. Designed to be an authentic representation of the Gila River Indian Community’s heritage and culture, the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is a gorgeous and serene retreat juxtaposed against a breathtaking Arizona backdrop.
∙ The KOLI Equestrian Center is your pass to adventures, true to the west! With trail rides designed as “walking” rides to keep it simple and gentle on both riders and their horses, riders will learn the history of the Indigenous people and be on the lookout for wild animals.
∙ Named after the sacred Aji Mountain on the Gila River Indian Community, the full-service Forbes Five-Star Aji Spa is a therapeutic oasis with services that incorporate Indigenous treatments from the local Pima and Maricopa tribes. From oxygen infusions, exfoliating body treatments, facials and salon services, Aji offers unique services that revitalize and relax.
Wonderspaces Arizona presents extraordinary art installations to experience together with friends and family. The permanent show located inside Scottsdale Fashion Square features a 16,000 square foot exhibition space of an ever-changing lineup of artwork that are sure to inspire and excite. Some unique exhibits have included three robots who will draw participants portraits from different angles and a virtual reality experience through a black hole. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore new perspectives and bond over incredible shared experiences.
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) displays more than 8,000 instruments collected from around 200 of the world’s countries and territories. Most displays are enhanced by state-of-the-art audio and video technologies that allow guests to see the instruments, hear their sounds, and observe them being played in their original contexts—performances that are often as spectacular as the instruments themselves. What’s more, all guests are invited to play instruments from around the world in the Experience Gallery.
A high-octane activity that is widely popular for touring the Sonoran Desert are ATV/UTV/Hummer tours. Guides such as Stellar Adventures provide two-hour tours through rocky terrain, sandy washes and desert wildlife whilst strapped onto a fully automatic all-terrain vehicle. Explore the unique Sonoran Desert with the off-road tours in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
In 2001 Arizona helped start the dark-sky preservation movement. Now, the state has 19 dark-sky communities, places and parks with multiple experiences to enjoy the clear skies and bright stars in the Greater Phoenix area. Experience an unforgettable night of seeing the stars in stunning clarity from the Sonoran Desert on Stellar Adventures’ Arizona Stargazing Tour. This night-time tour into Arizona’s desert is led by an expert astronomer that will help guide observation of many celestial wonders including seeing the moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn and other sky phenomena through a high-powered telescope.
Breathtaking. Magical. Awe-inspiring. These are just a few words that have been used to describe Hot Air Expeditions’ ballooning experiences. The journey begins with the viewing of the inflation of the balloon, where participants will get a glimpse of how large the balloons are as they come to life. From there, the pilot whisks away in the basket for an approximately one-hour flight. During the journey, riders will enjoy floating at different elevations, from up to 5,000 feet in the air for a gorgeous overview of the Sonoran Desert, to within feet of the desert floor, to catch a glimpse of local wildlife, plant life and landmarks. It is common to see jackrabbits, quail, coyotes and even javelina.
The Spa at Talking Stick is a luxurious open-air space located on the 14th floor of Talking Stick Resort. Voted one of the 10 best spas in Scottsdale by USA Today, it features private rooms with unparalleled views of the Valley. Experience relaxation elevated and treat your mind, body, and spirit with therapeutic and beautifying treatments at a premier Arizona spa.
True to the heritage and traditions of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, we offer treatments inspired by products made with culturally significant ingredients.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, what better activity than Mom’s Night Out with a Mothers, Sip and Shop, or Thursday, May 11 with Limited Edition Mini Services, Raffle Entry Ticket for Grand Prize, Deluxe Spa Sample Bag, Signature Cocktail and a 20% Off Shopping Discount.
Learn to Fly! Experience the sensation of flying at iFly in their state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels. Safe for all ages, experience levels and abilities, indoor sky diving at iFLY is great for multi-generations, from 3 years old to 103 and for the adventurous at heart!
Game on at Mavrix! Arcades, bowling, amazing food, laser tag too. Reserve a VIP bowling night with an augmented reality bowling experience complimented with lounge seating and VIP service. Mavrix is a one stop shop for lots of fun.
Dinner at Tash- Take some time to bond at the newest restaurant at Talking Stick Resort with Mediterranean-inspired tapas, meats and seafood. The name comes from the O’odham language spoken by members of the Salt River Pima-Maricpa Indian Community and translates to the sun, day or time.
HIKING AROUND TEMPE
