When seeking a travel destination for the perfect vacation we decided to head to Scottsdale, Arizona. We never realized this trip would be a such a nurturing retreat, filled with natural beauty and arts, and much needed pampering. We found all this and more in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Artistic Adventures In Scottsdale

It is well known that prominent architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Paolo Soleri have embraced the Southwest. The serenity and solitude of the Sonoran Desert have drawn artist to this area since the turn of the last century. Travel through Scottsdale and you'll discover the works of artists who have capture the essence of the region.

The heart of the art action is Scottsdale's Downtown Art and Shopping Districts. Comprised of Main Street, Marshall Way, Old Town and Fifth Avenue, each area is unique and possesses its own personality, offering distinctive galleries and studios complemented by restaurants and shops. Here, everything from unrivalled collections of Western and Native American art to contemporary collectibles can be enjoyed.

For those seeking the very best in world-class art, Marshall Way is the place offering an exceptional collection of galleries and shops specializing in contemporary art and jewelry. Main Street is the core of Scottsdale's famed art district, where more than 50 galleries and studios showcase something for everyone, from museum-quality Remington bronzes to cutting-edge art and sculpture. Fifth Avenue’s shopping district boasts more than 80 upscale shops, restaurants and salons. And quirky, eclectic Old Town, where it all began more than 100 years ago, is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind collectibles and gifts.

Scottsdale ArtWalk

The Scottsdale Gallery Association has drawn together area artists for a weekly event called ArtWalk, that highlights the exceptional talent of local artisans. The weekly event is the country's longest-running art walk, and takes place every Thursday evening. Whether you're casual art collector or aficionado of great work, the ArtWalk is the perfect opportunity to explore the more than 100 galleries found in the Scottsdale Arts Districts in an entirely novel way. During the ArtWalk, visitors are invited back at 7:00 p.m., when galleries reopen and cooler temperatures and starlit evenings set a picture-perfect backdrop for strolling. For the next two hours, pedestrians are encouraged to chat with owners and artists, perhaps catching a live demonstration on brush technique while enjoying a glass of wine.

Quarterly themed ArtWalks match important works from various genres with special extras, such as live bands and regional food sampling. Some of the Scottsdale area's biggest events are incorporated into these anticipated themed ArtWalks, including the Fiesta Bowl ArtWalk (January), the Bon Appetit ArtWalk, the Summer Spectacular ArtWalk (July) and the Western ArtWalk (October).

T’ai Chi And Nature Unite At The Desert Botanical Gardens

While in Scottsdale we discovered the beautiful Desert Botanical Gardens nestled amid the red buttes of Papago Park. The Desert Botanical Garden features one of the world’s finest collections of desert plants, in addition to rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world. The tranquil setting of the Desert Botanical Garden is also a wonderful place for anyone seeking a perfect setting for relaxation where you are surrounded by natural beauty. Have you ever wondered if you can really drink water from a cactus or whether “century plants” really live 100 years? During the Garden Tours you'll find out the answers to these questions and discover how plants survive, and even thrive, under the extreme conditions of the Sonoran Desert. Don't forget to bring your camera and water, and wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes for the guided tours.

For those interested in a bit of exercise, the Desert Botanical Garden offers a T’ai Chi program. Instructors Elizabeth Keith and Ray Sol blend art and science in the teaching of T’ai Chi, an ancient Chinese practice of effortless balance, awareness, timing and breath. Each class involves a warm-up with 64 movements of the Kuang Ping Yang style of T’ai Chi and then moves through the basics of this technique, teaching participants to find the elements in their personal environment. This is truly a unique experience that makes your visit to Scottsdale a memorable one.

Refreshing Spa Treatments At The Mondrian Scottsdale

Sometimes we just need to escape and seek a soothing retreat from our everyday lives. We've discovered the ideal destination for relaxation at the Mondrian Scottsdale, which has a world-class spa to renew your spirit.

The Mondrian Scottsdale, located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, is a unique resort set in a sheltered oasis. For travelers seeking a refuge in paradise the Mondrian Scottsdale is a ideal retreat offering rest, rejuvenation, fun and entertainment in a vibrantly pleasure-driven environment. At the Mondrian Scottsdale’s Agua spa guests can indulge in the D-Age Arizona Skin Repair to relieve the effects of the summer sun. The Mondrian Scottsdale’s Agua spa uses kamani oil from the sacred asian tree to repair and soothe over-exposed skin. The oil, walnut and bitter extracts provide damage reversing cellular renewal and intensive anti-oxidant protection, rendering the skin silky, firmed and restored.

Dining at the Mondrian is an experience in its self for those with a cultured palate and a love of flavorful variety. At Asia de Cuba, you can savor a mixture of Asian and Cuban cuisine served sharing-style in a high energy, sophisticated, yet relaxed environment. Asia de Cuba's sleek-designed surroundings adds a special touch to your dining experience. After dinner escape step outside and lounge around the Mondrian Scottsdale's two beautiful pools, the Main Pool and the Serenity Pool, which are the perfect spots for hanging out and enjoying the desert surroundings while enjoying a drink from the Blue, the pool bar and grill.

Among the amenities guests enjoy at the Mondrian Scottsdale, that features 194 beautiful guests Rooms, Suites, and Apartments, are a State-of-the-Art Fitness Center with Private Physical Trainers Available Upon Request, Open-Air Treatment Cabanas Featuring a Variety of Body Treatments, a Multilingual Staff and 24-Hour Concierge and Room Services. The Mondrian Scottsdale also offers Private Catering and Dinner Parties Available in All Rooms, Unique Banquet Facilities, Catering for Meetings, Luncheons, Dinner Parties and Receptions, and Childcare Services are available upon request. The world-class amenities are many, and for that special occasion the Mondrian Scottsdale has seasonal packages and special offers including spa, business, and breakfast and parking packages, which are exclusive to the resort and are available for a wide variety of room types and size.