Inspiring Travel and Wellness. Join me for adventures above and below the ocean, exploring nature, luxury travel experiences, spa and wellness activities.
The right food and drink not only provide nutritional substance, but cleanse & calm the mind. I drink a lot of tea of many different varieties. High quality Tea is a thing of beauty.
My friend and I often share Tea stories, varieties, recommendations, and have enjoyed Japanese Tea at Nobuo for lunch earlier this year. Looking for another great tea experience, we consulted TeaMap.com and started on the list. Some of these locations have closed, and others are quite a drive. Another Tea enthusiast friend just had Afternoon Tea at the Biltmore Resort last weekend, and it was the perfect choice.
Biltmore tea seating for 5 people
The Arizona Biltmore Resort is Waldorf-Astoria property built in 1929 in the art-deco style of design. The atmosphere is old Hollywood glamour. It was a stark contrast to Afternoon Tea at the American Girl Doll Cafe in Chicago last year, but both very enjoyable. Tea at the Biltmore is served in the main lobby, near the restaurant, by the front windows. Continue reading “Tea at Arizona Biltmore Resort”
Earlier this week we attended the Rush 40th anniversary concert at US Airways center arena in downtown Phoenix. Not wanting to miss a moment of the show, we called our Uber car and arrived almost 2 hours early. Our plan was to avoid traffic, and get a light snack & beverages at Cityscape before the show, since we had plenty of time. Great plan, except that every lounge and bar was packed! We could see the bar at the Blue Hound, but it was so crowded with people it was impossible to order a drink.
Bitter & Twisted bar and a few signature cocktails
Feeling frustrated and claustrophobic, we wandered toward Central Avenue and discovered the most delightful cocktail lounge. Bitter & Twisted is deceptively simple on the outside, and a wonder on the inside. Reclaimed red brick from Chicago and a massive bar, complete with old-tyme bar stools, greeted us on entry. There are luxurious golden upholstered booths along the outer wall and a stunning wall canvas. The atmosphere is glorious! There were only a few people, which we later learned is because B&T opened on their normal day off to serve the concert-goers (thank you, thank you!).
Fish & Chips
The drinks are exquisite. Each one is poured with skill and attention to detail. Average drink price was $12 and took a couple minutes to make – worth it. We ordered cocktails exclusively, but they do serve wine and other beverages. I shared the Fish & Chips with my friend, and it was the best that I have had in Phoenix! Next time I will not eat before going, so that I can try more menu items.
B&T are self-proclaimed “Purveyors of fine cocktails, spirits, and good times” and that is the honest truth. We had such a nice time before the concert that we all met back at B&T for a post-concert beverage before calling our car to take us home. Traffic and crowds were overwhelming after the concert, so it was a strategic withdrawal to B&T.
The bartenders are funny, charming and talented. Explaining each drink ingredient when we asked, and offering dead-on suggestions for the next delicious beverage to try. The staff is clearly having a good time, and they ensure that everyone around them has a pleasant evening, as well. The bartenders were telling us about the New Year’s Eve party, and a few other events that we need to attend. Turns out, B&T hosted a fabulous Villain’s Ball during Comicon – I missed out!
B&T is located at Central & Jefferson, close to US Airways arena, the Phoenix Symphony, Phoenix convention center, and many downtown events. Bitter & Twisted is my new top pick for Downtown refreshments!
I love a good spa experiance, and I am a sucker for a great pool. The promotional photo for Sanctuary Spa on Camelback is stunning and serene. Travel Zoo offered a fantastic deal, so I immediately bought a spa deal and booked an appointment.
Sanctuary Spa on Camelback is nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain. There is no indication of being in the middle of metro-Phoenix, it feels like you are far-far away.
Sanctuary Infinity Pool
This is what the pool really looks like, not as exactly the same as the promo photo using the super wide angle lens to make the pool look much, much bigger. The slate tile surrounding the pool is beautiful, but dark gray and horribly hot (not a good plan for a pool in Arizona). The only shade is from the few cabanas (in the photo) and the umbrellas for the majority of the lounge chairs to the left of the pictured pool. The pool was refreshing, but lacking any breeze or shade, I cut my time short. The pool is shared between the resort & the spa and was starting to get crowded when I left. The view is beautiful, just not quite as remote as the promo photo indicates.
Relaxation room
The spa front desk staff were polite and after a quick check-in and payment (the mandatory tip is applied before treatment when using a discount voucher), I was escorted to the Ladies locker area. I was not offered a tour of the spa facilities, even after I explained it was my first visit, and I had to ask for directions to the pool.
I purchased a voucher for the Sanctuary Jewel 60 minute facial. The aesthetician asked very few questions and really did not explain what products she was using or why. One of the masks smelled delicious and she confirmed my theory that is was indeed a Pumpkin mask. Everything felt really nice and smelled wonderful. I opted for the additional foot moisturizer and eye treatments. My face is soft and glowing, so whatever she did, it was a good treatment. Continue reading “Sanctuary Spa on Camelback Review and Spa Tour | Arizona Spas”
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!
Symphony Hall Balcony seating
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!
Symphony with soloist and choir
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.
Lobby
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!
Canyon Ranch Spa in the Venetian Resort of Las Vegas is a little slice of heaven. Full review of my experience and the incredible amenities in the spa.
Hidden between casinos and pools in the Venetian resort in Las Vegas, there is a magical place of beauty called the Canyon Ranch Spa. This little slice of heaven is world famous, but it was my first visit. On a recent girls trip, we scored spa credit as part of the reservation package. Any service was going to be a bit pricey, but the spa credit was a fantastic deal! Massages were booked for the group, and a full day pass to the spa was included for the day of service. Without a paid service, it is a $25 per day for hotel guests, and $40 for non-guests, to use the spa amenities (totally worth it, and here’s why).
