Escape to a Desert Oasis: Why Scottsdale is the Ultimate Couples Getaway

So why do we think Scottsdale is the ultimate couples getaway? This small town, adjacent to Arizona’s capital city, Phoenix, is the frequently sought after oasis in this otherwise vast desert. This popular paradise offers many luxurious accommodations, incredible restaurants, breathtaking scenery, and endless activities. That’s why we chose Scottsdale as our “Babymoon” destination.

So, are you considering a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We documented and compiled everything we learned from our trip and from all the research that went into planning our babymoon and put it here in this guide for you!

Getting To And Around Scottsdale

Getting to Scottsdale is very easy from just about anywhere due to its proximity to Phoenix International Airport. This major airport offers many non-stop flights from most major cities in the United States and Canada. We had an easy, 2.5-hour flight from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. From the airport, it’s a quick 20 minute drive to Scottsdale.

Once in Scottsdale, there are several options in which to get around.

• Rental Car – While we did not take advantage of a rental car this time, we would recommend one if you plan on doing a lot of exploring outside the main Scottsdale area.
• Uber – This is the option we chose. Scottsdale is small and easy to get around for the most part. Most of our Uber trips only cost us $5-10.
• Walk/Bike – If you are staying in a hotel in the downtown area, then you can get to all the major areas of Scottsdale via bike or on foot.

Where Should You Stay While In Scottsdale?

When picking a place to stay in Scottsdale, there are so many incredible options that it is hard to choose just one. Despite being in a large metropolitan area, Scottsdale is known for having many luxury resorts and spas to make you feel like you left the city far behind. That was the goal when we were deciding where to stay for our babymoon. We wanted somewhere quiet and relaxing, yet close enough to all the things Scottsdale has to offer. Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalows proved to be the perfect match for us.

Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalows: Perfect for Couples

As soon as our Uber driver drove onto the Andaz Scottsdale property, we were captivated. The resort’s property is pristine and blends the natural desert beauty with perfectly manicured landscaping. There are three pools on the property, each one lined by palm trees and shady cabanas that can be rented out for the day. Or if you are looking to get out of the hot desert sun, your private bungalow is the perfect spot. Each one is full of character, designed in the mid-century modern style, and includes the best amenities like front patios, large cozy beds, and a bright, beautiful bathroom.

When it comes to relaxation, the Andaz Scottsdale has all the bases covered and the Palo Verde Spa is the place to start. Make sure to make reservations in advance as they fill up fast. We recommend splurging on a couples massage. When you book a treatment, you get access to the spa for the entire day. This includes a steam room, showers, hot tub, relaxation room, and private, quiet pool. The resort also offers a long list of daily activities like sunset yoga, meditations, and sound healing. And if you need something a little more adventurous, then there are plenty of desert activities that The Andaz will help you coordinate.

Other Scottsdale Resorts To Consider For Your Couples Getaway

As we talked about at the beginning of this post, Scottsdale has many different luxurious resorts and spas perfect for the ultimate couples getaway. The options seem unlimited and overwhelming, so we compiled a list of some of our favorite resorts from our research.

• Royal Palms Resort and Spa – Part of the Hyatt group, this resort was once a 1920s-era, Spanish-style, winter home. It now hosts guests in Mediterranean suites and villas with world-class views of Camelback Mountain.
• The Phoenician – A luxury resort with all the amenities. It’s the perfect destination for an unforgettable, Scottsdale experience.
• The Scott Resort and Spa – An urban resort set in the center of historic downtown Scottsdale, The Scott has everything you would expect from a large resort.
• Four Seasons Resort at Troon North – A luxurious resort with Southwest vibes in a location with the best views of the Sonoran Desert.
• Boulders Resort and Spa – Deemed Best Hotel in Arizona by Travel + Leisure, Boulders is an incredible property that is the ultimate romantic escape.
• CIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa – This is the resort for a personalized wellness retreat and gorgeous desert views.
• Sanctuary Camelback Mountain – One of the best resorts in Arizona with an award-winning spa and stunning views of Camelback Mountain. A bucket-list resort!

Scottsdale Is For Foodies

If your ultimate couples getaway involves eating your way through many different fantastic restaurants with your choice of cuisine, then Scottsdale is the perfect destination for you. To make sure you aren’t completely overwhelmed when choosing where to eat, we created a list of the places we tried out and the most popular ones that we didn’t get to that are top of the list for next time.

Breakfast & Coffee

We didn’t adventure far when it came to breakfast since we had breakfast included with our stay at The Andaz because of our Amex card. But that didn’t stop us from doing our research and then sharing those results with you!

• Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen – Convenient for us, this amazing gem is located at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalows and was our go to spot. See the picture above? The food was that excellent! We tried many of the items on their menu and each one easily became our new favorite.
• Berdena’s – The cutest coffee shop in Old Town Scottsdale. We passed by while shopping one day, but unfortunately they had already closed for the day. It’s on our list for next time.
• Hash Kitchen – Over-the-top breakfast every day of the week and a build-you-own Bloody Mary bar. What more could you ask for?

Lunch and Dinner

Deciding on where to eat lunch/appetizers/dinner was the hardest thing we had to do each day during our babymoon. We tried to split up our meals, appetizers at one place, and dinner at another, to try as many of the incredible options that Scottsdale has to offer.

• Cala – This was hands down our favorite restaurant we ate at during our trip! Cala is Mediterranean-inspired in cuisine and decor and is located in the Senna House Hotel. The food was incredible! If you have to try just one thing, we recommend the flaming saganaki, a Greek cheese they set on fire at your table! We ate lunch during the middle of the week, so it was not too busy. To be honest, we have heard that it gets hectic during dinner and on the weekends, so we highly recommend making reservations.
• Alma – Alma brings the Southwest to Mexican food at this very lively restaurant with a massive patio. We enjoyed their queso appetizer and delicious tacos for dinner on our last night in Scottsdale, and it did not disappoint.
• Diego Pops – Diego Pops is a very popular restaurant in Scottsdale. They are known for serving great tacos and margaritas in a very Instagram photo-worthy building. We didn’t get around to trying their tacos, but can say the margaritas hit the spot!
• Outrider Rooftop – We added this place to the list for the views, not necessarily for the food. This is the best rooftop bar in all of Scottsdale and we highly recommend checking it out for sunset. We enjoyed pre-dinner custom drinks here and watched the sun sink behind Camelback Mountain. It was beautiful! The place gets really busy though, so make sure to make reservations!
• The Montauk – East Coast meets West Coast in this Hamptons-inspired restaurant. With live music and specials every day, this place is the perfect spot for a cute, upscale lunch.
• Canal Club – The Canal Club is another vibrant restaurant, but this time they are transporting you to 1930s Havana, Cuba. With delicious cocktails, a menu of fresh meals, and a fun ambiance, you will want to make this place a priority!
• The Sugar Bowl – The Sugar Bowl is a true classic Scottsdale establishment. Founded in 1958, the bubble gum pink diner hasn’t changed since and is still owned by the original founding family. We knew it was a must-visit spot, so we decided to try out one of their delicious chocolate milkshakes for dessert.

Unforgettable Activities For Couples in Scottsdale

There are so many activities in Scottsdale that any couple visiting would be able to find something to do. We wanted to find the perfect balance of exploring the area and relaxing at our resort. Scottsdale is perfect for that. All of the resorts in the area are close to downtown, making it easy to get places. We rounded up some of the best activities that Scottsdale has to offer.

For The Active Couple

• Hike Camelback Mountain – Camelback Mountain is one of the area’s most popular attractions for tourists and locals alike. It is located only 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix. There are two trails, one longer trail, and one shorter, steeper trail, however both are considered difficult. The summit provides 360-degree views of Phoenix and the surrounding desert for those who are up for the challenge. If you would rather go with a guide, check out this tour on Viator.
• Go on a Desert UTV Tour – Explore the desert on a guided off-road tour on a UTV. This thrilling adventure will take you through the mountains and across a river while learning about the area’s history and native wildlife.

For The Couple That Likes To Take It Slow

• Stroll around Old Town – Old Town is the hub of Scottsdale. It’s where you can find many of the best shops, art galleries, and restaurants in the city. It’s a mix of urban chic and Old Western charm.
• Visit the Desert Botanical Gardens – This 55-acre outdoor botanical garden is one of the best in the country. It is home to thousands of species of cacti, trees, and flowers from around the world. Many of them are native to the Sonoran Desert. If you plan on visiting during the warmer months, we would recommend starting as soon as it opens to avoid the midday sun. You can reserve your tickets and entrance time here.

For The Romantic Couple

• Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride – There’s nothing more romantic than floating over Phoenix and the surrounding desert. Choose between a morning or sunset ride and if you are looking for something a little extra, this tour includes champagne!
• Have a spa day – With all the resorts in the area, finding the perfect spa for you and your significant other is easy. Many of the resorts have spas that are available to the public. We suggest checking out Calla Spa at Andaz Scottsdale. Our couples massage was heavenly and we then had access to the entire spa and amenities (steam room, private hot tub) for the entire day.