A Sensual weekend in Phoenix

Description:

The Zagat Restaurant Survey called this eatery one of the Southwest's Top Breakfast Restaurants, and with one visit, you will understand why. This is the perfect place to start any day. The menu offers all of your traditional breakfast favorites, plus some interesting alternatives. Try the Wildcat Scramble of eggs, sliced corn tortillas, chorizo sausage, green chiles and onions, topped with refried beans, melted cheese and salsa. You will also find sandwiches and light lunch fare.

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Luxuriate in the pleasures of this world-class destination spa, offering unique treatments for the body and soul. The facility includes 14 indoor treatment rooms, two outdoor treatment rooms, three spa pools with warm cascading water and a hydrotherapy tub. This state-of-the-art facility encompasses more than 20,000 square feet at the Biltmore complex. Treat yourself to the full-service beauty salon or work out that stress in the aerobic room with cardiovascular and weight training equipment. Private sauna, steam and whirlpools round out the men's and women's locker and grooming facilities. Reservations are highly recommended for the spa and a credit card is required to secure the appointment.

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For a taste of the Islands most flavorful cuisine, try Bahama Breeze. One of the nation's leading Caribbean-inspired restaurants, Bahama Breeze has tropical atmosphere, high ceilings, rich woods and palm tree decor. Its relaxing Island getaway with innovative foods and exotic drinks freshly confected and made to order. You can expect bold and spicy flavors with each meal presented in a way that is as eye-catching as it is appetizing. Whether it's oak-grilled sirloin palomilla or the chicken santiago or any one of countless other entrees - and desserts - you will always be satisfied at Bahama Breeze. With more than 50 brands of beer by the bottle, island-style drinks with plenty of fresh squeezed juice, you will be sure to slake your thirst. The Bahamarita, Bahama's signature frozen margarita, is a must. Whenever you are in the mood for good food that is reasonably priced with quality service, Bahama Breeze is just the ticket for singles, couples, families or even a business lunch.

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Arizona's world-class shopping experience is found at this destination mall near the Biltmore Resort. Setting this facility aside from the mundane is the exquisite garden, which is utilitarian as well as beautiful. Culinary herbs, grown in the garden, are harvested and utilized by chefs from Biltmore's award-winning restaurants. Renowned names such as Neiman Marcus, Gucci and Sak's Fifth Avenue are cornerstones of this center. Fine eating establishments include Christopher's Fermier Brasserie and Ayako of Tokyo.

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National-award-winning celebrity chef Christopher Gross operates this fine eatery, a country-French bistro, on the upper level of the Biltmore Fashion Park. Chef Gross' wife and partner, Paola, operates Paola's Wine Bar within the restaurant, offering a nearly unmatchable selection of fine wines available by both the bottle and glass. An exhibition kitchen sits behind windows. Among the Chef's specialties are Terrine de Volaille and Foie Gras, roasted sweetbreads, several mussel preparations and hand-made ravioli of potato and Gruyere cheese.

Description:

In the very heart of North Central Phoenix, a few minutes from Central and Camelback, Uptown Plaza Shopping Center and many of the finest shops and restaurants in Phoenix, Maricopa Manor stands like an oasis. Palm trees and flowers abound in this garden like setting. The Spanish styled manor house was built in 1928 on a quiet, country road five miles from the bustling center of downtown Phoenix. Today seven luxurious suites, just renovated, "Breakfast in a Basket" delivered to your door at the time you request and the "Resort Style" setting make the Manor a favorite of business travelers and vacation guests. In the company of Phoenix's finest resorts, Maricopa Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn was noted by The New York Times, 11.26.04, travel section, "36 Hours in Phoenix", as a "pick" for Arizona visitors. USA Weekend Magazine - TravelSmart, 2.13.2005, called Maricopa Manor " a big-city B & B with personality and charm and a great value!"

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Description:

The Phoenix Art Museum received a multimillion dollar expansion a few years ago, making a great museum even better. This has been Phoenix's main cultural hub since its founding in 1959, and the Museum shows no signs of slowing down, with high-profile exhibitions making a stop here on a regular basis. The impressive permanent collection includes works by Rembrandt, Frida Kahlo, and other art greats. The Museum also regularly hosts special film screenings, lectures, and other cultural events.

Our Local Expert Says:

A classic Phoenix restaurant that marries French and Southwestern flavors to perfection.

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This local institution is known for its successful fusion of French technique and Southwestern flavors. Chef Vincent Guerithault became the face of fine dining in the Valley in the 1980s when he pioneered his brand of French-Southwestern cuisine. Try the duck tamale as an appetizer, the lobster chimichangas, duck confit with candied citrus, salmon with chipotle buerre blanc, and for dessert, a decadent assortment of creme brulee and souffles. The inviting, Porvencal ambiance make for a perfect night out.

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Encanto, which means "enchanted" in Spanish, is one of the largest and oldest municipal parks in the Phoenix area. The lush green environs are a welcome respite for visitors looking for a bit of shade, especially during warm weather days. Here you'll find joggers, central district employees having lunch, and families enjoying the on-site amusement park, Enchanted Island. At over 200 acres, the city park is well-equipped with amenities, including handball and racquet ball courts, lighted basketball courts, a softball field, and a large man-made lake featuring urban fishing, paddleboats, and canoes. The nearby Encanto municipal golf course is one of the oldest and most popular public courses in the area.

Our Local Expert Says:

A Cosanti Windbell is the best and most unique souvenir to take home from your Scottsdale/Phoenix vacation. The hand-made earthen stone cast bells have a beautiful tone, and each is made in a limited run, making them collectible and rare.

Description:

This boutique features handcrafted wind-bells and sculptures by artist Paolo Soleri. All purchases go to fund the ongoing development of Soleri's famous Arcosanti, his version of the merging of architecture and ecology. The ceramic is blended from Arizona clay, stoneware and water. Pieces are cast-molded from a "slip," hand carved with designs, and then kiln fired. Bronze bells have also been produced since 1959, using a sand-casting method. The purchase of any of these unusual and beautiful gift items supports important artistic work.

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Located at the posh Royal Palms Resort and Spa, T. Cook's has earned a reputation as one of the finest restaurants in Phoenix. The ambiance is excellent, with floor-to-ceiling windows affording great views of Camelback Mountain. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is always changing, but reliably excellent. If you order one of the restaurant's famous desserts, you may find it too beautiful to eat.

Description:

In the very heart of North Central Phoenix, a few minutes from Central and Camelback, Uptown Plaza Shopping Center and many of the finest shops and restaurants in Phoenix, Maricopa Manor stands like an oasis. Palm trees and flowers abound in this garden like setting. The Spanish styled manor house was built in 1928 on a quiet, country road five miles from the bustling center of downtown Phoenix. Today seven luxurious suites, just renovated, "Breakfast in a Basket" delivered to your door at the time you request and the "Resort Style" setting make the Manor a favorite of business travelers and vacation guests. In the company of Phoenix's finest resorts, Maricopa Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn was noted by The New York Times, 11.26.04, travel section, "36 Hours in Phoenix", as a "pick" for Arizona visitors. USA Weekend Magazine - TravelSmart, 2.13.2005, called Maricopa Manor " a big-city B & B with personality and charm and a great value!"

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