The resort’s Babymoon Bliss Package provides romance, luxury, pampering, comfort and ease at a time when stress is often at its highest. For some couples, a babymoon getaway is a pre-partum lovers’ getaway; others prefer a post-partum vacation to bond with their newborn. The Babymoon Bliss Package is designed to provide either experience.

The resort partnered with Jennifer Bowen Photography and Moonbeams, an upscale maternity and baby store, to provide wonderful memories. The package includes:

• A two-night stay in luxurious, intimate accommodations
• “Baby Bump” pregnancy photos by Jennifer Bowen Photography at the resort; “Bundle of Joy” newborn photography; or an option for both if both a pre-pregnancy and post-partum packages are scheduled. Includes up to 60 fully edited, custom photos; online proofing and ordering; a slide show set to music of photographer favorites; and a $25 print credit.
• From Moonbeams, a Cleanwater bathtub filled with goodies: rubber ducky in stripes or polka dots, Erbaviva organic “Nighty-Night” lavender aromatherapy for baby’s bath, Under the Nile organic hooded towel and wash cloth, and Angel Dear baby slippers.
• A $50 gift certificate to shop at Moonbeams, just minutes from the resort
• “Whatever-your-craving” in-room amenity for mom
• Cigar and cognac for dad
• A pampering prenatal massage and pedicure at the Alvadora Spa to sooth mom’s backaches and tootsies
• A stress-reducing therapeutic massage for dad
• A candlelit bath for two, drawn by the resort’s caring staff upon request
• A selection of complimentary in-room movies such as “Expecting Moms,” “Look Who’s Talking,” “Three Men and a Baby,” plus a selection of gourmet popcorn, sparkling waters for mom and chilled beer for dad.

The Babymoon Bliss package starts at $1,129 through September 5, 2009; from $1,429

Fall September 20 through December 31, 2009; and from $1,649 January 1 through May 2, 2010. Rates include daily resort fee, but not taxes or gratuities.

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Several Scottsdale-area restaurants were recognized by The James Beard Foundation as semifinalists across several categories:

• Outstanding Restaurateur: Sam Fox, Fox Restaurant Concepts
• Best New Restaurant: NoCA
• Outstanding Wine Service: Kazimierz World Wine Bar
• Best Chef in the Southwest: Beau MacMillan, elements at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa

Golfweek magazine’s list of best public-access courses honored several local golf clubs:

• Troon North Golf Club’s Monument (No. 2) and Pinnacle (No. 8 )
• We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s Saguaro (No.1) and Cholla (No.3)
• Talking Stick Golf Club’s North Course (No. 4) and South Course (No. 14)
• TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium (No. 6) and Champions (No. 20)
• Boulders Golf Club’s North Course (No. 9) and South Course (No. 15)
• Grayhawk Golf Club’s Raptor (No. 13) and Talon (No. 23)
• SunRidge Canyon Golf Club (No. 12)
• Longbow Golf Club (No. 16)

TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice Award recognized Royal Palms Resort and Spa as No. 78 on its “Best Luxury Resorts in the World” list and as No. 7 on its “Top 10 Luxury Resorts in the United States” list.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch received Elite Certified Status by Elite Meetings International and also was honored with Meetings & Conventions’ 2009 Gold Tee Award and Successful Meetings’ Pinnacle Award.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was named No.1 on Health Magazine’s “America’s Healthiest Airports” list and No. 7 on Travel + Leisure’s “Best Airports of 2008” list.

Encore Creative was recognized by Event Solutions magazine as the “2009 Event Supplier of the Year.”

InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa was honored on Travel + Leisure’s “Top 45 New Hotels of the Year” list.

Chaparral Suites Resort Scottsdale was awarded Meeting & Conventions’  Gold Key award.

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Estate House celebrates the simple summer season with Arizona’s local fruits as Executive Chef Gio Osso grills up Arizona peaches with seared foie gras and strawberry balsamic barbeque pork belly. Accompanying the flavors of the ripe fruits is Brachetto, a sparkling summer wine with hints of strawberry from the Piemonte region in Northwestern Italy. These specialty items are available daily and will run through the summer months.

The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa heats up summer grilling with their new Southwestern eats at the Palo Verde Restaurant. Guests will feast on grilled offerings such as salmon with sun dried tomato and ancho chili sauce or tuna steak with lime mango cilantro salsa. And to finish off the regionally inspired feast, diners can order prickly pear and pepita crème brulee or margarita and chili poached pears. The seasonal menu runs thru the end of September.

After a day out on the town, unwind with a hearty meal and cool drink overlooking Camelback Mountain at J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician. The eatery’s daily Burger & Brew special serves up the American classic with all the fixings and is complemented with the restaurant’s homemade French fries and choice of cold beer. Imbibers can create the perfect pairing with J&G Steakhouse’s selection from breweries across the world including Belgium Ale’s, German Bock’s and Colorado IPA’s.

Hermosa Inn Creates a Dining Adventure With Impromptu Menus

Every Tuesday night, a group of up to 12 guests can enjoy a six-course dinner prepared especially to their taste at LON’s at the Hermosa Inn. Chef Michael Rusconimeets with guests at 6:30 p.m. to discuss their preferences and cravings for that evening and then creates an extensive menu for the group using seasonal ingredients from LON’s on-site organic garden. And to make the experience a true adventure, Chef Michael Rusconi serves the first course by 7 p.m. – within 30 minutes of the group’s arrival! Each of the evening’s six specialties is presented by the Chef in person and is enhanced by a sommelier-selected wine pairing. Cost is $120 per person.

Culinary Festivals Set to Make Their Second Showing This Fall

Taking place Sept. 19-26, Arizona Restaurant Week will offer patrons the chance to experience the state’s finest fare for seven days at a variety of high-quality restaurants. Sam Fox, a Scottsdale-based restaurateur known for his creative establishments in Arizona, Colorado, Texas and Kansas, is the catalyst behind this event where an estimated 100 restaurants, including many of Scottsdale’s finest, will offer a three-course menu for $29 per person or $58 per couple.

A month later, Crave Arizona (formerly Eats3) will invite visitors to “Taste the Desert.” The culinary festival, which focuses on independent restaurants in the Scottsdale area, will be held Oct. 22-24 in downtown and is presented by Savor Scottsdale and Food & Wine magazine. This year’s event will include in-gallery private dinners, the National Mix-It-Up Competition and kick-off party at the SouthBridge district, signature BBQ & Bubbles event, and Arizona Grand Tasting with more than 50 of the state’s top signature restaurants.

Tapino Kitchen Takes Locavore Show on the Road

Chef and Owner of Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar James Porter hosts a regular Locavore Dinner Series at his restaurant featuring a five-course dinner paired with wines with every bite and sip coming from an Arizona farmer, rancher, gardener, food producer or winemaker. This month, he took the show on the road with his first LocavoreAZ Dinner. Porter is selecting Arizona farms to host diners to wine and hors d’oeuvres as guests meet the farmers and tour the facilities to gain a better understanding of where the food is coming from. The evening continues with an outdoor picnic complete with white linens, china and a four-course dinner by Porter paired with Arizona wines. The inaugural dinner featured native tepary bean hummus with rustic grilled flat bread and Queen Creek Olive Oil; Seacat Gardens green salad with Italian heirloom tomatoes, glazed turnips, Superstition Farm farmer’s cheese, roasted maya’s farm beets and herb garden vinaigrette; and spit-roasted meat shop suckling pig and charbroiled double check ranch beef with Maya’s braised fennel, rosemary carrots, campfire One Mill creek potatoes and creamed spinach. Upcoming dinners are on May 16 at Ash Creek Ranch in Dewey, Ariz.; June 20 at Dos Cabezas Winery in Sonoita, Ariz.; and Sept. 12 at Apple Annie’s Orchard in Wilcox, Ariz. Dinner is $125 per person.

Travelers Cook With Their Favorite Culinary Pros in Scottsdale

Downtown Scottsdale’s Eddie’s House offers monthly, themed Lunch and Learns with Chef Eddie Matney that celebrate Arizona products and produce with a Matney twist. Next month’s Slim Down for Summer class will take place on May 7 and spotlight a heart and hip-healthy menu with Melon-Berry Martini Soup, Grilled Chermoula Sea Bass with Garlic Broccolini, and Schnepf Farm Peach Napoleon. Classes are $40 per session or $100 for a series of three and the price includes the meal.

A favorite of in-the-know locals for more than 20 years, Malee’s on Main teaches guests how to cook Thai food like a seasoned professional. On May 25 the downtown restaurant will teach guests the tricks to creating masterful dishes such Chili Reduction Sauce, Tom Ka Gai, Crispy Basil Chicken and Coco Chili Fish. The casual, wine-filled classes end with a luncheon where attendees can sample the fruits of their labor. Cost is $60 per person.

The Royal Palms Resort and Spa’s Sous Chef Bruce Patterson ignites palettes and minds with his Chef’s Luncheon programs at T. Cook’s. Reservations are required for the six front-row seats as Chef Patterson prepares a four-course lunch, sharing cooking tips and playful banter as he creates the dishes. The menu varies with seasonal availability, and the cost is $50 per person with an additional $20 for wine pairings.

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The Royal Palms Resort and Spa is offering major discounts on rejuvenating treatments like min-facials, classic massages and body wraps at the Alvadora Spa May 1 thru Sept. 13. The Premium Pamper Pass lets guests choose three 30-minute treatments for just $149 – an experience valued at $250. Or, for $285, spa-goers can delight in their pick of four 60-minute treatments for a savings of $150. For more information, visit www.royalpalmsresortandspa.com.

Pack up your clubs and heat up your game at TPC Scottsdale where you can play a round of golf on the Stadium Course, home to “The Greatest Party on Grass,” the FBR Open, for $99 June 1 thru Sept. 4. The rate includes one night’s accommodations at the Fairmont Scottsdale. In July, golf will be played on TPC Scottsdale’s Champions Course. For more information, visit www.tpc.com/scottsdale.

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Hotel Valley Ho’s Executive Chef Charles Wiley was named “Outstanding Manager of the Year for 2008” by the Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association.

GolfWorld Magazine recognized several Scottsdale golf courses on its lists of “Top 50 Public Courses” and “Top 50 Resort Courses” in the country:

• Public Courses: Grayhawk Golf Club (No. 21), SunRidge Canyon Golf Course (No. 26) and Eagle Mountain Golf Club (No. 43)
• Resort Courses: We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (No. 31), Boulders Golf Club (No. 40) and Ocotillo Golf Resort (No. 49)

Golfweek magazine honored local golf courses on its best resort and casino courses list:

• Resort Courses: We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s Saguaro Course (No. 16) and Cholla (No. 38), Boulders Golf Club’s North Course (No. 54) and South Course (No. 80) and Longbow Golf Club (No. 89)
• Casino Course: We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s Saguaro (No. 3) and Cholla (No. 8)

The 2009 Mobil Five-Star Awards were recently announced and several Scottsdale businesses were recognized:

• The Phoenician and Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North both received four-star ratings for the resorts category.
• Talavera at the Four Seasons was honored with the four-star designation in the restaurants category.
• In the spas category, Fairmont Scottsdale, Four Seasons, The Phoenician, Royal Palms Resort and Spa, and Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain all were honored with four-star ratings.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch was honored by Smart Meetings magazine with the “2008 Platinum Choice Award”, and with MeetingNews’ “2008 Planners’ Choice Award.” The resort also was named one of the best resorts for family trips in the Southwest region by Travel + Leisure Golf.

Hotel Valley Ho was honored with Spa Week’s Luxe Award for “Best $50 Treatment” for its hot shells massage treatment.

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Meetings & Conventions awarded the 2008 Gold Key Award to three Scottsdale resorts:

• The Scottsdale Plaza Resort
• Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
• Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center

The Scottsdale Plaza Resort was awarded the 2008 Corporate Meetings & Incentives’ Paragon Award and the Gold Tee Award from Meetings & Conventions.

Elite Traveler recognized two Scottsdale resorts in its July/August issue featuring the “101 Top Hotel and Resort Suites of the Year.”

• The Pinnacle Suite at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
• The Alvadora Villa at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa

Elite Meetings International named the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch one of the top five resort makeovers.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar was recognized by Wine Spectator magazine’s “Awards of Excellence.”

Successful Meetings’ 2008 Pinnacle Award was given to several Scottsdale resorts:

• The Scottsdale Plaza Resort
• Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa
• Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
• Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
• Royal Palms Resort and Spa
• Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center
• The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa
• The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The 15th Annual World Travel Awards honored two Scottsdale resorts:

• The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa was recognized as “North America’s Leading Spa Resort” and “Arizona’s Leading Spa Resort.”
• The Phoenician was named “Arizona’s Leading Hotel” and “Arizona’s Leading Resort.”

The Starfire Golf Club was selected for the 2008 “Best of Scottsdale Award” in the Golf Courses category by the United States Local Business Association.

Meetings & Conventions awarded the Gold Key Award to several Scottsdale resorts:

• Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
• Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center
• The Scottsdale Plaza Resort

Bourbon Steak was awarded the 2008 ”AAA Four Diamond Award.”

The International Special Events Society recognized Merestone with its Special Events Awards on the “Best Achievement in Logistics” and “Best Event Produced for A Corporation” lists.

The Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center was bestowed Corporate & Incentive Travel magazine’s “Greens of Distinction” award.

Insurance & Financial Meetings Management honored the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center with the World Class Award.

Travel + Leisure Golf recognized several Scottsdale golf resorts in its September/October issue:

• Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North ranked number 6 on the “U.S. Top 10 Golf Resorts” list, number 1 on the southwest region’s “Best For Buddy Trips” list, number 1 on the “Best Resort Course in the Southwest” list and number 1 on “Best Golf Resort in the Southwest.”
• The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa ranked number 7 on the “U.S. Top 10 Golf Resorts” list.
• The Phoenician scored number 3 on the southwest region’s “Best For Family Trips” list.

Carolyn Robbins of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art was honored by the American Institute of Architects for the “Non-architect Award of Distinction.”

Where Phoenix + Scottsdale honored local tourism employees for excellence in customer service:

• Jim Hollister of FireSky Resort & Spa was named “General Manager of the Year.”
• Hotel Valley Ho’s Rob Sembrat was honored as the “Up-and-Coming Concierge of the Year.”
• Jessica Hemauer of the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North was designated “Concierge of the Year.”

Incentive magazine gave the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch the 2008 Platinum Partner Award.

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