Soaking in the natural beauty of the Desert Botanical Garden.
Living in the concrete jungle of New York City, daily Central Park walks provide a much-needed refuge for a yoga teacher like me. Lately, though, feelings of depletion had set in, and the need for an effortless travel getaway to reset became clear. Researching destinations for a mindful refresh, Arizona’s connection to the natural and spiritual worlds stood out as the perfect choice.
- Elizabeth Allerton
Vice President, Publications
Preferred Travel Group
Journaling amid the area’s positive energies.
The front of The Global Ambassador hotel.
The journey to Arizona began with a view-laden flight showcasing the state’s mesmerizing topography. After an easy arrival in Phoenix, I stepped outside the airport and basked in the warmth of the Arizona sun, taking that moment to revel in a healing dose of Vitamin D before a Waymo self-driving white Jaguar swiftly arrived and smoothly delivered me to The Global Ambassador hotel. There I was immediately smitten with a beautiful suite that would serve as a nurturing home base for the next several days.
After settling in, my immersion into the natural beauty of Arizona started with a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden. Wandering through tranquil pathways, each turn revealed towering cacti and the beauty of five unique trails filled with 50,000 desert plants. This moment surrounded by nature was the perfect opportunity for a pause, and an inviting wooden bench was just the right spot for a meditation with the mantra, “I have arrived.” My shoulders softened while my breath grew calm and centered as I inhaled the sweet scent of the Arizona landscape.
Not wanting to leave the enchanting landscape, a visit to the adjacent Papago Park, a hilly desert park with captivating geological formations, offered a mid-afternoon hike filled with thoughtful pauses to take in the serene surroundings and journal.
After a day of abundant travel and exercise, I enjoyed a 45-minute infrared sauna session at The Global Ambassador, which proved to be both healing and rejuvenating. An early dinner in a popular, no fuss, Latin-American establishment, The Mission, nicely capped off a replenishing Day One in Arizona.
A meditative sunrise yoga moment.
Day two in Arizona began with a gentle sunrise yoga practice followed by a spirited vinyasa yoga class that connected me with a like-minded community. After enjoying a curative blue spirulina skin smoothie from Le Market, I explored Old Town Scottsdale where my first stop, the Scottsdale Historical Museum offered a historic perspective of the district and its nine walkable neighborhoods filled with Native American galleries; authentic turquoise jewelry; the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West; and the first and only Indigenous-owned restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale, The Frybread Lounge, which served a nourishing and delicious lunch of mushroom tacos, a Three Sisters Salad, and frybread with a variety of dips.
With body and spirit recharged, exploration took on new energy with an e-bike tour of the Scottsdale park system, led by Greenbelt Bike Tours. Traveling along the Greenbelt Wash, a sustainable canal system, the ride was both invigorating and informative, thanks to my wonderful guide Todd Davis. Along the 12-mile journey, numerous stops allowed for moments of reflection, meditation, and journaling amidst the beauty of the parks. Having built a formidable appetite, I ended my day with an early dinner at Fat Ox, where I savored inventive Italian comfort food.
An oasis of calm at The Japanese Friendship Garden.
A proud peacock mural adorns the walls of Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row Arts District.
The first half of my third day began in Roosevelt Row Arts District with a velvety matcha topped with a vanilla sweet cream from Futuro coffee shop. This bright, walkable part of downtown offers vibrant, colorful art murals by local artists at every turn. I came upon the enticing PHX General store and scored the last two bundles of creosote to hang in my shower to relive the unique fresh scent of desert rain with every steam.
I naturally gravitated into the numerous co-op and creative spaces like The Churchill and Kahva, where dining, drinking, and shopping comingle. I was thrilled to find the Stardust & Sage Crystal shop and its curated array of ethically sourced crystals (and an apothecary!). Another local spot, Taco Chelo, a scrumptious taqueria, fit the bill for a tasty, wholesome lunch.
Craving movement, an e-scooter provided the perfect way to pick up the pace and glide through neighboring streets en route to the Japanese Friendship Garden. This three-acre paradise, a tribute to the friendship between Phoenix and its sister city, Himeji, Japan, offered peaceful winding paths that inspired moments of reflection and filled my heart and mind with gratitude.
With March marking the start of Arizona’s wildflower season, it felt like the perfect time to explore the intriguing world of flower elixirs. Flower Alchemist Katie Hess, founder of Lotus Wei and San Center, guided a transformative flower card reading and shared personal insights, making the experience deeply enriching.
That night, I enjoyed my final Arizona dinner at the rooftop Thea restaurant, before attending the lively I Am AZ Music® series, which hit all the right notes by showcasing the talent of local Arizona artists at the versatile Musical Instrument Museum.
On my day of departure, I had a light breakfast at the popular restaurant, The Henry, and picked up a fresh garden salad from Flower Child for my flight home.
As my tireless Waymo expertly whisked me to the airport and my self-care journey came to a close, I realized the true benefit of travel, more than anything, is the succession of moments available to revisit at will.
Plan your visit today at HereYouAreAZ.com
