< Previous68 AZFOOTHILLS.COM @azfoothills #azfoothills 6970 AZFOOTHILLS.COM Style: Bijoux Queen Green Shining the spotlight on the May birthstone, the VIER EMERALD EARRINGS ($22,500) feature pear- shaped emeralds surrounded by 1.03-carat VS diamonds and white gold. Timeless and also on-trend, these head-turners are wearable works of art. “Emeralds, rubies and sapphires are resonating with customers today because these are the most precious and rare of the colored gemstones,” says designer Heena Shah. “If you look at any of the red carpet events, emeralds were the dominant gemstone.” valani.com. –Melissa LarsenReal Estate In Mexico INMEXICO.COM/REALESTATE play † live † invest † dream72 AZFOOTHILLS.COM SummE EScape @azfoothills #azfoothills 73 mmEro capes 201974 AZFOOTHILLS.COM I t is no secret among Phoenicians that the summer is the best time to get your fill of local staying and playing, thanks to killer resort rates, endless poolside activities, inventive dining series, refreshing spa treatments and much more. Whether you’re looking for romantic moments and hand- crafted cocktails or waterslides and kid’s clubs, these resorts in the Valley and beyond are proving that a staycation might be the best “cation” of them all. By Melissa Larsen The Phoenician Poolside cocktail: Lava Flow (Cruzan Light Rum, strawberry purée and piña colada, served frozen). Dish to order after a fun-filled day at the pool: Smoked wagyu tri tip “French dip” at the new Phoenician Tavern. Spot to check out with kiddos in tow: Kids Zone, with a 197-ft. waterslide, a splash pad and children’s treehouse. Spot to share a romantic moment: The waterfall below the Orchid Lawn, accessed by a small bridge over Necklace Lake. “Do it for the ‘gram” locale: Casita Lawn with a view of Necklace Lake, The Phoenician pools and Main Building, with Camelback Mountain as the backdrop. Most summery spa treatment: Kalahari Hydration Wrap. Spot to watch the summer sunset: From the terrace of the Thirsty Camel Lounge. Something new to experience: Dueling Pianos every Saturday night from 8 to 11 p.m. at The Phoenician Tavern. Fave tip for a summertime visitor: Not only are the best room rates of the year found during the summer months, but resort amenities like spa, golf and dining also feature unique specials/savings not available any other time of year. 2019 summer staycation special: Take advantage of rates from $179 and enjoy “Fire & Ice” at The Phoenician, with special poolside activities, amenities from the resort’s Chill Squad, complimentary family game room, supervised child care and much more from May 28 to August 30. thephoenician.com/summer. local lovE @azfoothills #azfoothills 75Westin Kierland Resort & Spa Cabana/cabana package to reserve: While cabanas are fun, why not enjoy your very own private island? Relax the day away on Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef, a one-of-a-kind private island experience that features exclusive access to an in-water cove situated along the 900-ft. lazy river, shaded lounge seating, a daybed and more. Spot to check out with kiddos in tow: Young minds love meeting and learning about the reptiles living in the resort lobby’s specially created habitats. Enjoy fun facts and feeding sessions curated by the Phoenix Herpetological Society. Spot to share a romantic moment: Enjoy PlayDateNight! As parents wine and dine at deseo or Nellie Cashman’s Monday Club Cafe, kiddos enjoy a Kid’s Club pajama party play date with the resort’s dedicated FUN team. (Families pay $120 for two kids in the Kid’s Club Pajama Party and will receive $100 in dining credit at Nellie Cashman’s or deseo.) Most summery spa treatment: Agave, The Arizona Spa & Salon’s recently debuted a series of Mary’s Nutritionals CBD remedies. Spot to watch the summer sunset: At Dreamweavers Canyon courtyard, enjoying the evening’s sunset serenade of Master Bagpiper Michael McClanathan. Something new to experience: Camp Kierland, a modern take on classic, family-friendly adventure. The summer-long exploration series includes river rafting and kayaking, stargazing, Kierland FlowRider Surf Camp, scout-inspired cuisine, unlimited campfire s’mores and more. Fave tip for a summertime visitor: Don’t miss out on The Scotch Library, providing more than 300 different labels. 2019 summer staycation special: The Camp Kierland package has rates from $169 with a $50 per room, per night resort credit. Upgrades include a VIP Camp Kierland pass and a take-home teepee tent amenity. Booking code: MAJ. marriott.com/PHXWS. >>Mountain Shadows Poolside cocktail: Prickly pear spritzer (Maschio Prosecco, St. Germain and prickly pear syrup). Dish to order after a fun-filled day at the pool: Spring pea tortellini at Hearth ’61. Cabana/cabana package to reserve: The Signature Citizens Club Pool Cabana includes a house bottle of rosé or a six-pack of beer, a fresh fruit platter or bottled waters. Spot to share a romantic moment: With a glass of wine in the Citizens Club Lounge or in the lounge seating area at the Citizens Club Pool overlooking the pool at night. “Do it for the ‘gram” locale: In front of the signature white breezeblock or on the lawn overlooking Camelback Mountain. Spot to watch the summer sunset: From Rusty’s patio by The Short Course. Something new to experience: Free Flow Nights every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. 2019 summer staycation special:: Arizona residents can book a fee-free stay starting at $119 nightly on select dates, with a waived resort fee and complimentary parking. Applicable to stays between May 27 and Sept. 30. mountainshadows.com. @azfoothills #azfoothills 77 The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain Poolside cocktail: Hibiscus margarita (hibiscus, tequila, triple sec and lime). Dish to order after a fun- filled day at the pool: Gourmet burger and milkshake at Cayton’s. Spot to check out with kiddos in tow: Join the rangers for a Family Nature Walk and discover the beauty of the Sonoran desert. This light hike is suitable for all ages and takes place at 10:30 a.m. daily. Then, head to the Ranger Station from 1 to 3 p.m. daily for a firsthand experience with desert critters. Spot to share a romantic moment: Enjoy a Together Massage in the SkyStone Suite at the spa. “Do it for the ‘gram” locale: Challenge a friend to a foosball or air hockey match at the newly opened Roadrunner Arcade open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most summery spa treatment: Desert Morning Dew body treatment. A blend of mineral-rich clay, pumice and lavender will gently refine and hydrate the skin, leaving you rejuvenated, mentally clear and refreshed on a hot summer day. Spot to watch the summer sunset: Take a sunset hike along the Wild Burro Trail. Venture out on your own or on a guided hike with a resort ranger. Something new to experience: Did you know that Southern Arizona is the astronomy capital of the world? Join the resort’s astronomer for an educational and interactive sky tour offered complimentary to hotel guests every Saturday from 8 to 10 p.m. 2019 summer staycation special: During the first week of June, the resort is offering a special starting rate of $189. Even better—for those with timing flexibility—there are several dates in July and August when rates start at $149. Tip: when asked for dates on the reservation widget, indicate that your dates are flexible. Then, a grid will show what starting dates look like for every night in a single month. ritzcarlton.com/ dovemountain.Next >