Make the Best of 2025: Maximize Your Vacation Time
As we enter 2025, it’s time to make the most of your hard-earned vacation days. By planning strategically around federal holidays and using long weekends, you can create mini-getaways or full-length trips without burning through your PTO. And if you’re looking for the ultimate getaway destination, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers year-round opportunities to unwind and recharge. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you maximize your vacation time in 2025.
Winter Escapes: MLK Jr. Day and Beyond
Holiday: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 20, 2025)
Vacation Tip: Take Friday, January 17, off to enjoy a four-day weekend.
January in Scottsdale offers mild temperatures perfect for outdoor activities.
What to Do
Well & Being Spa: Start your year with a rejuvenating spa experience. Opt for a signature treatment, like the Havasupai Falls Rejuvenation, to refresh your body and mind.
Golf: Tee off at the award-winning TPC Scottsdale, located just steps away from the resort.
Seasonal Dining: Enjoy winter-inspired dishes at La Hacienda or Toro Scottsdale.
Desert Adventures: Explore the Sonoran Desert with guided hikes or hot air balloon rides for breathtaking views.
Bonus Tip: If you’re looking to extend your trip, use a few more vacation days and enjoy the resort’s activities leading up to the WM Phoenix Open in early February.
Spring Adventures: Presidents' Day and Seasonal Bliss
Holiday: Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 17, 2025)
Vacation Tip: Take Friday, February 14, off for a romantic four-day getaway over Valentine’s Day weekend.
Spring is one of the most beautiful times in Scottsdale, with blooming desert landscapes and perfect temperatures.
What to Do
Couples’ Spa Treatments: Treat your partner to a luxurious couple’s massage at the Sisley Paris Spa.
Outdoor Dining: Savor al fresco meals on the patio at Bourbon Steak, featuring exquisite steak and seafood dishes.
Spring Training: Baseball fans can catch MLB’s Cactus League Spring Training games nearby.
Family Fun: If you're traveling with kids, the resort’s Trailblazers Kids Club offers activities to keep them entertained while you relax.
Bonus Tip: Presidents’ Day weekend is a great time to explore Scottsdale’s art galleries and boutique shops or attend local festivals.
Summer Getaways: Memorial Day and Independence Day
Holiday: Memorial Day (Monday, May 26, 2025)
Vacation Tip: Take Friday, May 23, off to create a four-day weekend. Or, plan for a family vacation during Independence Day (Friday, July 4, 2025).
Summer is all about fun at the Princess, with family-friendly activities and poolside relaxation.
What to Do
Summer Splash Pool Parties: Cool off at one of six sparkling pools, including Sunset Beach with its 9,000 square feet of white sand.
Fourth of July Freedom Fest: Enjoy fireworks, live music, and patriotic celebrations during the resort’s signature Independence Day event.
Dive-In Movies: Watch family-friendly films under the stars while floating in the pool.
Kids’ Activities: From waterslides to a dedicated splash pad, the resort offers endless fun for kids of all ages.
Bonus Tip: Extend your stay into the week to take advantage of discounted summer rates and fewer crowds.
Fall Retreats: Labor Day and the Start of Autumn
Holiday: Labor Day (Monday, September 1, 2025)
Vacation Tip: Take Friday, August 29, off for a relaxing four-day weekend to close out the summer.
Fall brings cooler weather and the perfect chance to recharge before the busy holiday season.
What to Do
Golf Getaway: Fall is the ideal time to enjoy world-class golf courses in Scottsdale.
Seasonal Spa Treatments: Indulge in autumn-inspired treatments, such as pumpkin-infused facials or massages, at the Well & Being Spa.
Dining with a View: Enjoy seasonal ingredients and sweeping views of the desert sunset at Toro.
Desert Exploration: Take advantage of cooler mornings with guided nature walks or mountain biking adventures.
Bonus Tip: Plan your trip around Scottsdale’s fall festivals and farmers’ markets for a taste of local culture.
Winter Wonders: Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season
Holiday: Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 27, 2025)
Vacation Tip: Take Wednesday, November 26, off to enjoy a five-day weekend filled with holiday cheer.
The holiday season transforms the resort into a winter wonderland, making it the perfect place for festive celebrations.
What to Do
Christmas at the Princess: Experience dazzling holiday lights, ice skating, and a festive atmosphere perfect for families and couples alike.
Holiday Dining: Enjoy Thanksgiving feasts or Christmas dinners crafted by award-winning chefs.
Shopping: Find unique holiday gifts at the resort’s specialty boutiques or nearby luxury shops.
Relaxation: Unwind after the festivities with a soothing spa treatment or quiet time by the fire pits.
Bonus Tip: Book early, as the holiday season is a popular time for visitors and events at the resort.
Start planning now to make 2025 your most memorable travel year yet!