‘I went on a wellness trip to Arizona but this activity made my heart race'

Daily Mirror

14 hours ago

When you think about wellness, pristine white spas and fluffy towels likely come to mind. However, the mountains, cacti and desert plains of Arizona probably don't. Yet that's exactly what I discovered on my trip to Scottsdale – dubbed 'The West's Most Western Town'.
Less than an hour from the city in any direction, there are serene deserts where you can engage in activities ranging from mountain climbing and horse riding to calming sound baths and spa treatments. I concluded my visit feeling as rejuvenated as I would after a weekend at a luxury spa.
The first half of my journey was spent at the stunning Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, where I was immediately calmed by the peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. Despite its size, the resort's architecture and flora allow it to blend seamlessly into the stunning backdrop of Pinnacle Peak, reports the Mirror.
Given Arizona's proximity to Mexico, the resort's four restaurants serve Mexican-inspired dishes alongside American classics, with a focus on authentic local flavours. For carnivores, a steak from Talavera restaurant is essential, while those who prefer something lighter shouldn't miss the avocado toast from Proof's breakfast menu. I'd also suggest ordering breakfast to your room at least once, so you can watch the sunrise over the mountains.
The spa treatments at the hotel are as luxurious as you'd anticipate from a Four Seasons resort. My top pick was the nopal massage, which utilises prickly pear cactus leaves (no sharp bits, I assure you) to apply the antioxidant-rich cactus gel directly onto your skin. It's simply heavenly in the warm weather.
I also gave desert bathing a go, which takes you into the nearby Sonoran desert for breathwork and grounding practices amidst towering cacti. Afterwards, I felt incredibly calm and relaxed. This is an absolute must for anyone who feels like they're constantly running at a hundred miles per hour.
If you fancy a slightly livelier atmosphere, book a stay at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale's Old Town. With modern facilities and a mid-century design, it's the perfect blend of past and present, and it's situated right in the heart of the Old Town, surrounded by shops, art galleries, bars and restaurants.
When hunger strikes, make your way to The Mission for contemporary Latin cuisine in cosy candlelight or FnB for its scrumptious seasonal menu. For a nightcap, the Rusty Spur Saloon should be your first choice – the drinks are reasonably priced, there's almost always a live country singer performing, and it's so renowned that everyone from Clint Eastwood and John Wayne to Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston have popped in for a drink.
Scottsdale is part of the Blue Zones project, which aims to make healthy living and wellness a priority and means certain restaurants have Blue Zone-approved dishes, centred around healthier eating habits. Everything I tried was nutritious and full of flavour.
I tried out a sound bath at the Shanti Sound meditation centre, and although I was a bit sceptical about the benefits beforehand, I came away feeling like I'd just done three rounds of therapy and a spa treatment all at once.
For outdoorsy types, a kayaking trip through the lower Salt River with Cliff Creek Outfitters is a must-do. You'll be fully immersed in the Arizonian landscape, as well as getting the chance to spot wildlife such as bald eagles and wild horses.
In terms of bucket-list activities, there were two absolute standouts that I managed to tick off on my trip. The first was a hot air balloon ride with Hot Air Expeditions, which took us out over the desert, including over the famous Happy Valley neighbourhood. Hitting heights of 4,400 feet in just a basket may sound scary, but it was so unexpectedly peaceful and the incredible views are worth every heart palpitation.
The second was a guided horse ride through Tonto National Park with Windwalker Expeditions. As an avid equestrian back home, this was particularly thrilling for me, but you don't need to be familiar with a saddle to enjoy it. There's something incredibly soothing about riding past towering eight-feet-tall cacti, desert landscapes and rugged rock faces on horseback. It's an experience that will forever remain etched in my memory.
To plan your visit to Arizona, visit Experience Scottsdale.