Before you read this article, check out my post about Vista Verde Ranch.

After a weekend at Vista Verde Ranch, my husband and I were already in a blissful honeymoon bubble. And we were ready for another taste of the Wild Wild West. So we decided to hop on a quick flight to experience the sizzle and spice of another exciting state: Arizona.

Our first stop in the ferociously arid destination: Scottsdale, luxurious land of spas, shops, and fine dining. Now this is what I call a honeymoon.

Check In, Check It Out
The iconic Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a palatial resort fit for, well, you know royalty. The AAA Five-Diamond property boasts breathtaking landscapes, 649 upscale guest rooms and suites, multiple pools (including one with two speedy waterslides), four phenomenal restaurants, two 18-hole championship golf courses, and the highly-acclaimed Willow Stream Spa.

Dan and I were looking forward to three hot days and breezy nights at this exquisite piece of paradise in the picture-perfect Valley of the Sun. We did have some awesome activities planned both on and off property (more on that later!), but first things first – cocktails. We needed to bake our pasty bodies in the blazing 105 degree heat with daiquiris in hand.

Our private poolside cabana, equipped with ceiling fan, stereo system, and flat-screen TV offered a shady retreat from the relentless heat, enabling us to lounge for hours on end. (I also read Rob Lowe’s autobiography in its entirety – OMG, so good!) By the time I dabbed the last tear from my eye (he’s got some stories), it was time to get ready for [more drinks] and dinner.

We decided to take advantage of the happiest of happy hour deals before our 7 pm reservation, because you just can’t beat $5 glasses of wine or $3 beers. So we headed to Bourbon Steak, the Fairmont’s swankiest spot for the upscale ambiance and generous pours of house Cabernet. We didn’t get to order off the monstrous menu, but we were able to spy a few fellow diners devouring their crab cakes and sliders.

The Fairmont’s newest restaurant just might be its most impressive. Richard Sandvoal has mastered modern Mexican cuisine at La Hacienda. Waiting to be seated, Dan and I grabbed a coveted spot at the bar and tried every type of margarita (in the name of the job) and grimaced as we sampled a handful of the over 110 available tequila varietals. There’s a Tequila Goddess on property – seriously that’s her title – and her job is to educate and enthuse guests about the art of sipping and savoring. No disrespect to the goddess, but I still don’t get it.

From chicken empanadas to spicy shrimp to seafood-stuffed chili rellenos, we feasted on traditional Mexican fare with a tasty twist. These delectable dishes were elevated by the use of simple ingredients and artful expression. The food was perfection on a plate, and I’m now launching a campaign to persuade Mr. Sandoval to open La Hacienda NYC. Manhattan could use a good authentic Mexican restaurant.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention the flaming coffees. Our waiter rolled a cart to our table and entertained us with his mixology skills. It rained cinnamon and erupted fire as he concocted a soul-warming boozy brew that ultimately tasted like a cozy autumn night – if that makes any sense.

Treatment for Two
Rising from the resort’s beautiful Hacienda Plaza is Willow Stream Spa. Inspired by a hidden oasis deep in the Grand Canyon called Havasupai, the design of this distinguished Scottsdale spa is drawn from nature’s primary elements: air, water, earth, wood and fire.

After steaming, soaking, and hot-tubbing in our respective locker rooms, Dan and I reunited at the Oasis rooftop pool, a sparkling sanctuary with stunning views of the majestic McDowell Mountains. Soon, our therapists lead us to a deluxe couple’s suite for our treatment for two.

The first thirty minutes of our  session was devoted to “fun,” as our therapist explained (wink-wink, nudge-nudge). Dan and I were left alone in the room with an oversize shower and gurgling Jacuzzi. We felt like little kids at summer camp when our counselors/technicians handed us bubbles, mud, and paintbrushes for some adult-only playtime. Messiness ensued. I spilled the mud… Get your minds of out the gutter, people.

The half an hour flew by and were interrupted by a gentle knock and a nervous inquiry, “Can we come back in?” The next 90 minutes were devoted to soothing side-by-side massages. Dan denies it, but I’m pretty sure I heard him snore.

I waved goodbye to the Fairmont like a princess on a float. The dreamy destination was something out of a fairy tale. But fortunately we were not yet done with Scottsdale. Stay tuned for my next honeymoon article. We’re trading our crowns for cactus, and heading to the nearby Phoenician Hotel. Not too shabby.