Inspiring Travel and Wellness. Join me for adventures above and below the ocean, exploring nature, luxury travel experiences, spa and wellness activities.
Just like reading, the more your spa the more you know. So, if I had little less spa experience, I would probably like the Revive spa at JW Marriott Desert Ridge in north Phoenix more. Perhaps ignorance is bliss.
Continue reading “Revive Spa JW Marriott Desert Ridge | Spa Review and Tour”
ASU’s Gammage Theatre hosts Broadway Across America productions, Awards ceremonies, Dance Troupes, and Musicians.
Gammage has a seating capacity of over 3,000 spread over lower level Orchestra and two balconies, referred to as Grand Tier (lower balcony) and Balcony (bring binoculars, it is nosebleed).
Seating is Continental style, with no center aisle. Lower seat numbers are closer to center, and the higher the number the more people will climb over you to get to their seats. There are very few seats that can clearly see the stage and hear the show thanks to poor acoustics.
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the exterior resembles a fancy decorated cake from the side, and toilet bowl from overhead. Next time you fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) airport, look for the toilet bowl shape near the Giant A near ASU campus.
Continue reading “ASU Gammage Theatre”The summer heat in Phoenix is legendary. Everyone is aware that it is a dry heat, not many realize that we also suffer a cultural drought all summer. As it cools off, everything starts to bloom. Symphony season is here to quench our thirst!
The 2014-2015 Symphony season is going strong at the Phoenix Symphony Hall. The remodel in 2005 brought us excellent acoustics, upgraded lighting, and extra leg-room seating. There really are no bad seats. The first performance that I attended after the remodel, my seats were lower level third row from the back and still sounded amazing. Previous seasons, I have sat in the balcony for a few shows. The last couple years, we are now season ticket holders with premium lower level seats. Every year as a season ticket holder leads to better seats. Last week we even traded our Saturday night tickets for the same performance on Friday night, and managed to get tickets very close to our usual season ticket seating!
The Phoenix Symphony has a wide range of performances with special guest conductors, featured musicians, and something for every taste. Some performances feature a full choir, a solo singer, and even “theme” events.
The seats offer great leg room and are extra wide. However, there is a coat check for large or bulky coats, for the few weeks it is actually “chilly” in Phoenix.
Drinks are allowed in the Symphony Hall, so no need to rush to finish or go thirsty during a performance. Intermission drinks can be pre-paid before the show to avoid a long line at “half-time”. The drinks are prepared and placed on a table near the bar ordered with your name on it. Hot and cold drinks are available, which is also nice for those chilly evenings or warm nights respectively.
There are many great restaurants downtown for dinner before the show, or drinks after. Pedicabs (bicycle powered carts) are easily found downtown and cover a good distance to quickly take you to the show, dinner, or back to your car. Drivers work off of tips, so bring cash. We usually park near Symphony Hall and walk or take a pedicab to a nearby restaurant, then get another ride back to the show.
Phoenix Symphony has tickets available for a wide range of budgets of preferences. Find a show, get your tickets, and have an enjoyable evening out supporting the arts!
Aji spa and salon tour, plus review. Spoiler Alert: This is my favorite spa in Phoenix, Arizona.
Aji Spa is the best kept secret of Sheraton’s Wild Horse Pass Casino and Resort. The spa is positioned away from the cars, crowds, and casino, hidden behind the edge of the golf course and tennis center. Little did I know that Aji spa would be such a hidden oasis and my new favorite spa, but it almost wasn’t.
Continue reading “Aji Spa & Salon Tour and Review | Sheraton Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Arizona”A friend of mine won tickets for a Production at Tempe Center for the Arts and was kind enough to invite me. I watched this beautiful facility built several years ago (2007 was just a few years ago, okay) and this was my first visit.
Sunday afternoon offered a ChildsPlay production, with shows ideally suited for young people. This is a great opportunity to introduce children to the arts and etiquette of live performance. The show included intermission and a Q&A session with the audience after the show. Such a great event for children!
The center has ample parking and a nice view of Tempe Town Lake. The refreshment bar offers snacks, drinks (including adult beverages), and outside patio seating.
The center has ample parking and a nice view of Tempe Town Lake. The refreshment bar offers snacks, drinks (including adult beverages), and outside patio seating.
There are multiple auditoriums for shows, gift shop, and gallery. I am very glad that I have finally been inside Tempe Center for the Arts and I look forward to future events there.
