The brain has a unique ability to slow down time. You don’t notice it at the time, as your reality feels the same as it always does. But looking back, more details come to light. Things seem to have passed by more deliberately. Time itself becomes dilated.

 

I can remember very distinctly one of these moments as I’m walking up the long hill of grass near one of the many swimming pools at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona. Looking across the water and tracing the path of the building with my eyes, I can still in my head see the sun bouncing off of the mountains behind the architecture, rising above me and changing colors with the fading hours of the day.

 

I am reminded of this because of all the Arizona sunsets I’ve missed. My father passed away last year, and it was always his intent to retire in Scottsdale. One of the reasons was for these sunsets, lighting up the dust in the sky and separating the colors in some sort of soothing kaleidoscope. He would call my mother over to the window of their house, and they’d watch until the last bit of sunshine fell from the sky, and I’d continue with whatever I was doing. Oblivious. The sun wasn’t going anywhere, I thought, and I’d have plenty of opportunities for this in the future.

 

Then the realization that the time outside wasn’t just for watching the sun, but for time with my father that I’ll never get back.

 

But in this walk, these brief moments of sun, I can remember the evenings and the opportunities, and in this particular space in my memory, time seems slow and I can feel the details. I can see the towels being folded up for the day by the pool, I can smell cigars from a distant patio, and I can hear the music of a piano inside the lobby, dulled slightly by the glass between the notes and where I’m standing.

 

Earlier in the day, I had been to The Phoenician’s Centre for Well-Being, an amazing place to slide away the stresses of travel and work and just relax. 

 

"The staff includes an Intuitive Guide who offers a variety of services to relieve stress, relax the mind or gain insight and direction into one’s life.  These include Tarot Card Readings, Hypnotherapy and Astrology.  Personalized and duet meditation are also available.  The Centre for Well-Being is one of the only spas in Arizona to feature a Meditation Atrium, where group classes are also held,” said Denise Seomin.

Signature body treatments include:
 

Desert Serenity Scrub, Wrap and Massage -- A detoxifying and regenerating treatment. An application of mineral-rich clay, aloe vera and essential oils follows a gentle exfoliation. After showering, enjoy a full-body massage

Shea Butter Wrap with Honey Avocado Foot Therapy --100% pure shea butter is lightly massaged over the body. While wrapped, a gentle foot exfoliation prepares you for a revitalizing foot masque. A soothing scalp, neck and foot massage complete the service. Excellent for dry skin.

Papaya Quench Wrap -- Nourishing and repairing, this organic de-aging masque renews the skin. After light dry-brushing, a vitamin-rich papaya-pineapple based masque soothes and rejuvenates skin. This masque is paraben-free and boasts papain to diminish sensitivity and promote healing. While wrapped, enjoy a face and scalp massage. Finally, a light massage of matching lotion rehydrates and soothes.

 

Soon after, I’m swimming in bliss. I’m tempted to head right back to my casita to sleep, but there’s too much here to miss. 

 

The casitas line the back of the vast property, each featuring large, luxurious beds and oversized bathtubs. If the casita isn’t enough, Seomin has an option for the high-rolling jetsetter. 

 

“The Phoenician features four Presidential Suites,” she says. “They offer breathtaking views of tree-lined fairways, mountains and the city beyond. Each Presidential Suite features two bedrooms, two full baths, a half-bath, a service kitchen, dining room and two sitting areas. Guests can dine or entertain outdoors on the large furnished patio as well. Each Presidential Suite also features a Steinway baby grand piano and oversized bathrooms with Italian marble. Total space is 4,000 sq. ft.  A personal butler is available to assist with any need or request – from making resort dining or recreational reservations; to arranging transportation.”

When you’re not spending time in your room (or playing piano), the resort has enough amenities and attractions that you’ll be drawn in so deeply that you’ll forget about what lies beyond the boundaries.

 

“The Phoenician features a 27-hole championship golf course, offering three distinctive course profiles (aptly named the Oasis Nine; the Desert Nine and the Canyon Nine),” said Seomin, “The course was recently selected as one of the top five in the Valley for spectacular views by Phoenix magazine.  The Phoenician Tennis Garden is the largest resort complex in the Southwest, featuring four different playing surfaces – including a Wimbledon grass court.  The garden offers 11 courts in all.”

You’ll have to wake up early if you want to play in the summertime, but you can embrace your inner Agassi in the middle of the winter here. And even dress in white outfits and pretend you’re in England, surrounded by palm trees and desert sands. 

Speaking of the desert, “The Phoenician is also home to a 2-acre Cactus Garden, featuring 250 varieties of cacti along with resident desert creatures, at the base of Camelback Mountain,” she said. “Visitors may take self-guided tours; or arrange a complimentary guided tour with our resident horticulturist through the Concierge Desk.”

 

Since my last visit to the property a few years ago, many things have changed. One of which is a spectacular renovation to the restaurants. They’ve introduced three since 2008, including Il Terrazzo, J&G Steakhouse, and Relish Burger Bistro.

 

Arizona is undergoing a bit of a culinary Renaissance over the last few years, and with the addition of J&G, they have another artist on the landscape: Jean-Georges Vongerichten. 

 

“The restaurant provides stunning views of the surrounding resort landscape and Valley, features premium meats and fish, along with a distinctive selection of appetizers and side dishes, as well as sauces and condiments from around the world,” said Seomin.

 

For tequila lovers, the Burger Bistro is the home to the largest premium tequila collection in the state, including the resort’s own private label, El Tesoro Paradiso, of which 330 bottles were ever produced.

 

The real draw for me isn’t the $25 million dollar art collection. It isn’t the extensive, award-winning wine collection overseen by one of two Master Sommeliers in the state of Arizona. It’s the feel of the sunshine as it drops behind the mountain. It’s the smiles of the staff and the expert knowledge that each of them have in their respective fields. It’s the well-made Manhattan at the lobby bar.

 

It’s the moments that my brain has slowed down. 

 

Whether you spend hours here or days, it’ll happen to you too.