9 Must-Do Things at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess This Summer
Charlene Rooke, Travel Writer
Combine an Indiana Jones-like spirit of exploration with the rugged landscape of the Sonoran Desert and you get Adventure Summer at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Among the dozens of cool ideas to inspire your Arizona-sunny summer vacation, the hotel has some unbeatable offers available. Here is our list of the can't-miss things to do at The Princess this summer.
The Legend Of The Lost Temple
This summer begins with an epic tale of an intrepid archaeologist, Sonoran Smith, and his protégé, Sam, who are trying to beat a band of mercenary fortune seekers believed to be looting an ancient lost temple in Arizona. Battling against a snake phobia and vengeful rival archaeologist, the Smiths are in constant peril, making hair-raising escapes at every turn while trying to save the ancient relics for their rightful owner, the people of the United States of America. Sonoran Smith and Sam recruit adventurers to join their journey to locate and save the lost treasures! Will you join them?
"Fortune And Glory, Kid. Fortune And Glory"
Your kids will love the fedora and snake bite antidote they receive at check-in, and you'll adore 50% off our lowest rates on all room types with our Early Bird Summer Package. From the Adventurer's breakfast buffet at Ironwood American Kitchen and daily archeological Kid's Club activities to taking on the challenges of the Lost Temple after the sun goes down, there's an entire ancient world of kids' activities to explore. The Relic Raiders laser tag, Leap of Faith zip line and fun Chalice Climb rock wall are among the highlights of the Lost Temple play zone for little voyagers.
Play-Cation Central
A family vacation at The Princess means you can play together all day long. Weekend mornings, you can enter Catch-and-Release Fishing Derbies on the Lagoon Lawn to win prizes. Trailblazers Kids Club & Family Recreation Center offers everything from basketball and table games to virtual reality and 3D simulators. Or you can practice your driving and putting at the Princess-adjacent Stadium or Champions golf courses, and improve your game with PGA Tour Academy lessons. The resort's dedicated golf concierge is your ticket to booking tee times and transportation to dozens of area courses.
Pool Time
With six pool options, you might need to extend your stay to enjoy all of them. Choose from a white-sand beach, private cabana, rooftop pool plunge or floating bean bags for a day of fun. The Sonoran Splash pool has water slides and covered sandboxes for the kids, while the adults-only Sonoran Landing has plush day beds and hammocks plus 25-meter lane swimming. On weekends, the Funventure pool team brings games— the Spider Shake and Water Jeep Races just to name two—music, and other surprises to the pool deck.
Indulgent Brunches
Whether it's a shady mountain-view patio or cool indoor bliss that you seek, a leisurely weekend brunch is a royal ritual at The Princess. Late risers flock to Ironwood American Kitchen until early afternoon. While favorites like the Ironwood Sammy, Farm Breakfast and apple-smoked pork burrito are organic and farm-fresh any day breakfast faves, a decadent donut wall is a brunch highlight. Early risers can brunch at Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar beginning at 7:30 am, noshing on Pan-Latin chilaquiles, churro French toast or tres papas hash.
Decadent Dinners
Your family will enjoy the wide array of dining options at the Princess after a day of play. From a juicy ribeye or Wagyu steak to Australian lamb, Bourbon Steak specializes in wood-grilled meats and fresh seafood. Chef Michael Mina's signature lobster pot pie and black truffle mac and cheese shouldn't be missed. In the recently renovated casita setting of La Hacienda, your squad can snack on guacamole and chips, explore a tequila flight with guidance from the "Tequila Goddesses" or indulge in upscale versions of classics like slow-braised carnitas or barbecued sea bass.
Desert Nights: Family Style
After dark, the Sonoran Splash pool morphs into the Volcano Glo Party, including a playground of lasers, fog, strobe lights, LED hula hoops, and techno beats by DJ Molten. Watch the water transform to lava right before your eyes, and take your turn on two rip-roaring lava slides! On Fridays and Saturdays, G-rated family Dive-In Movies light up a giant inflatable screen at the Sunset Beach pool. And you shouldn't miss the fireworks on Saturday evenings! A Fairmont Scottsdale Princess summer classic, they can be seen from Sunset Beach, Princess Pool, and Lagoon Lawn.
Desert Nights: Grown-Up Fun
Sundown Saturdays at the indoor/outdoor Plaza Bar are a chance to exhale and savor mixologist-crafted cocktails, craft beer, lovely wines by the glass and hand-rolled cigars for those who indulge. If you're hungry, try snacking on Plaza Bar menu favorites like a charcuterie board, crispy chicken sandwich or double stack burger. You and your honey can linger in a hot tub, celebrate with a Champagne toast or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment as part of the Couple's Celebration Package, which includes a $100 nightly spa or dining credit.
Escape To Wellness
When you could use a massage and more, sink into an experience at what is often called one of the world's best retreats, Well & Being Spa. Select from dozens of massages, body wraps and facials, or choose oxygen treatments and such healing therapies as acupuncture, reflexology, craniosacral or myofascial treatments. Salon hair, nail and waxing services are also available. The spa menu also offers personal training, assisted stretching and even nutrition counseling. For no-decisions wellness, book a Live it Well Spa 3-Day Retreat that includes daily breakfast and treatments or a Well & Being Spa Relaxation package that includes a $200 spa credit with each night's stay.
Retail Therapy
What's a vacation without a little shopping? Indulge with summer shopping essentials like pool gear at Reflections and fitness wear and body care at the Well & Being Lifestyle Boutique. Choose a special designer outfit at Anna J and check out the men's fashion at Maverick. Don't forget to pick up a few Southwestern-style souvenirs before treating your shopping squad with gelato at Provisions.
We hope to welcome you to everything summer has to offer at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. There's nothing quite like it!