Writer Shoshana Leon
Photography Courtesy of The Phoenician

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Phoenician was designed with luxury in mind more than 30 years ago. With its breathtaking mountain setting, upscale décor, posh amenities and acclaimed dining options, the resort has been a favorite destination for locals, visitors, celebrities and dignitaries for three decades.

The Phoenician has continued to meet the needs of its guests with several upgrades over the years. The resort started a multi-year renovation in 2016 with a refresh of its guest suites and casitas. It also remodeled its Canyon Suites, an upscale 60-room boutique “resort with a resort,” which has been awarded AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star status.

In 2017, several of the resort’s public areas were redesigned, including the lobby, the Thirsty Camel Lounge and Terrace, the tea room, pool area and retail shops.

In 2018, a new three-story Phoenician Spa with 24 treatment rooms, a blow dry bar, nail salon and rooftop pool debuted, along with the new Phoenician Athletic Club offering tennis, basketball and state-of-the-art fitness equipment. The golf course was transformed from three nine-hole courses to one 18-hole course.

“The property is nearing completion of the most massive renovation since opening its doors 30 years ago, transforming it with a more approachable, contemporary experience. The Phoenician redesign was imperative in order to meet the needs of today’s discerning travelers, who are looking for a more relaxed luxury experience in a comfortable, residential atmosphere within a truly indigenous Arizona setting,” said The Phoenician spokeswoman Denise Seomin.

The Phoenician has always been a fine dining destination and continues to refresh its culinary program to meet the needs of its guests. In 2017, the resort added poolside restaurant, Kalio Kabobery, featuring Mediterranean cuisine, and The Marketplace offering sandwiches, pastries and gelato.

In 2017, Mowry & Cotton restaurant opened at The Phoenician featuring seasonal and modern fare focused on bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Mowry & Cotton has become a local favorite, gathering numerous accolades for its food and Chef Tandy Peterson.

The resort’s award-winning J&G Steakhouse celebrated 10 years with a renovation in 2018, including an updated interior and expanded patio seating that allows diners to enjoy amazing views in a sophisticated setting. Open nightly for dinner, J&G Steakhouse’s menu includes fresh seafood, a variety of premium steaks, including a Wagyu tomahawk ribeye for two, and craft cocktails including the Saguaro Sour made with bourbon and prickly pear shrub, and the Mezcal Paloma.

This year, The Phoenician Tavern will replace Relish Burger Bistro with a modernized space, enhanced patio and a gastropub atmosphere featuring upscale bar food and Relish’s popular gourmet burgers.

“The Phoenician’s culinary program will continue to focus on providing distinctive experiences in all restaurant venues,” said Lisa Mercer, the resort’s food and beverage director. “By staying true to the ‘brand’ of each space, The Phoenician provides a diverse offering for resort guests and local diners alike. From the pure, bold flavors and communal service style at Mowry & Cotton and the elegant sophistication of J&G Steakhouse, to the Sonoran-Desert-inspired Thirsty Camel, diners will explore a variety of tastes and textures in each venue.”

The Phoenician isn’t just popular with visitors. It’s a favorite spot for locals to enjoy delicious dining, recreation and relaxation. It’s all part of why locals and visitors have been making memories at The Phoenician for more than 30 years.

“The Phoenician offers incredible amenities, dining and accommodations, but it’s the personalized and memorable experiences that guests love the most,” said Seomin. “It’s what brings them back again and again.

“Whether celebrating a festive birthday dinner at J&G Steakhouse, enjoying a family vacation while lounging alongside the pools, or unwinding after a business meeting with a signature cocktail and a beautiful sunset at the Thirsty Camel, The Phoenician provides the perfect combination of setting and service that makes our guests feel like they belong.”

If you haven’t visited The Phoenician in a while, it would be a worth the trip to experience some of the resort’s new and refreshed public areas, restaurants and amenities that stay true to their roots in luxury.

The Phoenician
6000 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale
480-941-8200
thephoenician.com