The Joy of Discovery is the newest book created by the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa that showcases the Spanish and Moroccan culture that has been such an inspiration to the luxury resort in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

More than just a beautiful lifestyle book, The Joy of Discovery will bring your senses to live while the colors, textures, tastes and smells of the Montelucia leap off the page to bring you face to face with the essence of the resort. Other than experiencing this luxury hotel in the Grand Canyon state first hand, this book is the next best thing.

This one of a kind book, can only be purchased exclusively through the resort at their fabulous Crave Café, the Joya Bazaar or though the resorts website.

And in the spirit of discovery, from now until April 30, 2010, the InterContinental Montelucia invites you to discover more with their Discover More Package. With expansive skies, mountain vistas and days of sunshine, the more nights you stay here the more you can discover.

When you stay for 3 nights you can enjoy a $300 resort credit, stay for 4 and get a $400 resort credit and if you stay for 5 or more nights you will receive a $500 resort credit.

When staying here put your resort credit to good use at their Joya Spa which offers an abundance of beauty and wellness treatments including a traditional Hammam! And when you book exclusively though Kiwi Collection, not only will you get the best rate available but you will also receive a complementary upgrade when available and a welcome fruit amenity.

Nestled at the foot of the picturesque Camelback Mountain in the Paradise Valley area of the Sonora Dessert in Arizona is the perfect spot to spend your holiday this Christmas; The Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa.

If you’re in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area this holiday season gather your family and friends and head over to this luxury hotel for Christmas Eve and dine on award-winning cuisine at their signature restaurant Prado. They’ll be offering a special evening of family prepared dishes helping create an intimate gathering around the table.

And while your there, why not spend the night in one of their spacious guest rooms full of modern comforts inspired by the whitewashed villages of Southern Spain. You can wake up Christmas morning with views of the mountains or sparkling pools from your private garden patio and know that this Christmas will truly be one to remember.

To top of a wonderful holiday, you’ll definitely need a great Christmas dinner. Prepared by the well known Chef Claudio Urciuoli who is an active member of the Slow Food Movement, this Christmas dinner will come with a touch of Europe and honor the timeless magic that the season holds while displaying his passion though fabulous cuisine.

What could be better than a perfect end to a perfect holiday? This season The Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa wishes you only the very best!

The Arizona Inn is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway! Steal away to Tucson to relax and unwind with someone special.

I had only been to Tucson once before, for about 6 hours for back to back meetings in November of 2008, so I didn’t have a chance to really explore or get a feel for the city.

I was surprised to learn that the population of Tucson was roughly a million people as it has such a calm laid back feel too it; a little different than Phoenix. The weather was on my side with an average of 25 degrees Celsius for my weekend adventure.

I stayed at the lovely Arizona Inn located in Central Tucson, although you would never know it, as it has such a private secluded feel to it nestled in a residential neighbourhood.

The entire property is surrounded by 15 foot walls of the most unique pink / peach colour and hedges just as tall, creating a cozy vibe. The feel is almost like home with understated but personalized service, you feel very welcome when you arrive.

My room at this gorgeous luxury Arizona hotel was stunning with a large private patio, a view of the courtyard and the lush gardens. The decor was simple and tasteful featuring a variety of antique furniture, likely from Isabella Greenway’s original furniture factory.

Dining at the Arizona Inn  was my favourite part of the evening. The service was impeccable and the food was spectacular – my absolute favourite is the seared scallops with cilantro ginger risotto.

I decided to try the breakfast buffet by the pool for a more casual setting the next morning and it was just as impressive.  An after breakfast ping pong game was in order in the main courtyard as well.

If you are planning a trip to Tucson I would highly recommend a visit to Sabino Canyon and the Desert Museum, both are on opposite ends of town from each other but well worth the drive.  The narrated tram tour in Sabino Canyon features some of the most spectacular views of the Santa Catalina Mountains,  you can also hop-off / hop-on the tram to stop and splash in the creeks or have an afternoon picnic.

The Desert Museum isn’t your typical museum; you will see a variety of wildlife, vegetation and caves featuring all that beauty that Arizona has to offer.

On the way back from the Desert Museum, Old Tucson Studios should not be missed; the number of movies and TV shows that were filmed there is astonishing.  Whether it’s to catch a gun fight at the OK Corral, ride on the stage coach through town or devour homemade fudge this attraction is well worth the visit.

If you are in the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine, the El Charro Cafe is a must try.  They are famous for their Carne Seca beef and of course their very generous portions.

The InterContinental Montelucia Resort and Spa is a perfect spa hotel for those who want to kick back and relax in the Phoenix desert. This hotel’s spa has it’s very own signature scent!

My first impression of the InterContinental Montelucia Resort and Spa?  Absolutely breathtaking.  I’d seen the images, but there is nothing like seeing this resort in person. Nestled in the heart of Paradise Valley, this Phoenix hotel has a Moroccan / Spanish / Italian design, which is beautifully complimented by a stunning view of Scottsdale’s treasured Camelback Mountain. Where was I? I felt as though I had entered a small European city boasting intricate architecture and dancing waterfalls (one of which is likened to Spain’s Alhambra fountain – no kidding).

I had that excited feeling you get when you know there is so much more to explore and experience.

What else did Montelucia have in store for me? Plenty. Beautiful swimming pools, luscious gardens, and something I’m not used to seeing: orange trees! In fact I was delighted to find one just outside my window, perched between my large patio and perfect view of Camelback Mountain.

I immediately found time to stretch out on my over sized lounge chair to take in the scenery.

James, the incredibly knowledgeable gentleman who escorted me to my room, had also pointed out that Paradise Valley had strict lighting regulations that would guard against anything taking away from the views of the Mountain at night. He was right. As the sun went down, the mountain appeared to glow. Wow. Now the name Montelucia made sense. (more…)

The W Scottsdale is perfect if you’re looking for a hotel with great nightlife and excitement! Enjoy this gorgeous hotel during your next stay in Arizona.

The moment I learned I’d be staying at the new W Scottsdale, I was excited! As we all know, the W concept is hip, cool and full of energy. Although the W hotels have the same backbone, each provides a unique experience. I wondered what kind of experience I could expect from this luxury Arizona hotel?

Well, energy is an understatement at W Scottsdale! The hotel is incredibly stylish and clearly a popular hot spot. I definitely was not disappointed.

At the end of an exhausting day of meetings, I headed back to the hotel for one last meeting with Leon Young, the hip General Manager of W Scottsdale. Leon knows W well; he’s opened many of them. We met in what is known as “The Living Room”. This uber modern, tastefully eclectic lounge is situated in the lobby of the hotel.

As our meeting wrapped up, I looked around me, and a party had started around us. Clearly The Living Room is the place to be. Locals were filling in as the business travelers around me began to put aside their laptops, iPhones and Blackberrys to mingle. Everyone at the W was having a fabulous time (and it was only Wednesday).

W Scottsdale also boasts one of the sexiest poolside bars I’ve seen. “Shade” is something you have to see for yourself. The massive shades hovering over the pool are nothing short of stunning. Hungry? Attached to the W Scottsdale is the already famous Sushi Roku. I highly recommend the Spanish Mackerel, and the fresh horseradish is a must.

As I strolled up to my room at the end of the night, I stopped by the lobby gift shop. Instead of local souvenirs, I was delighted to find funky clothing, jewelry and unique gift items – all things you would actually want to buy! Okay there was a Cardinals hat in the mix, but it had a rugged style to it; not the typical souvenir item you’ve seen a million times.

My room at the W was a wonderful room to return to. Style, style, style.

I would return to the W in a heartbeat. In fact, while entertaining guests elsewhere in Scottsdale a week later, I did!