A Scintillating Sanctuary in Phoenix

Sultry Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

Elements: Where the Quality of the Views Rival the Food

It has been cold, rainy, snowy and windy here in Telluride, Colorado all week. I don’t mind because we always need moisture in the West and it’s also good catch-up-at-my-desk weather. But still, I can’t help daydreaming about more sunny, hot-as-a-baked-potato-fresh-out-of-the-oven environs.

I’m letting my thoughts drift to the desert, the Sonoran Desert to be exact, which I’m sure is in glorious bloom right now. Heating up nicely, too. I enjoyed a terrific visit there–within greater Phoenix/Scottsdale/Carefree–last summer with my mom, my fourth trip to that part of Arizona since I was young. And each time, I love it even more. Yes, we went last summer. It was a sunbaked sojourn and we reveled in it. (You just have to make sure you’re not basking in the sun during the heat of the day.)

Elements Dining Room

One of our most memorable evenings out was at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, a longtime favorite establishment in this world-renowned land of resorts, centrally-located in Paradise Valley. We met up with an old friend, Margie, a gal my age that has lived in the area for a while. Since we were three ladies out on the town, we wanted to go someplace that had a real vibe. Well, we picked it right in meeting up at the Jade Bar at this swanky resort. Here we sipped handmade margaritas and honeydew cucumber sours in a style-y setting hopping with lots of smart-looking people, most of whom appeared to be locals. (Although many uber celebs like to retreat to the Sanctuary, too. It is after all just a short jaunt here from L.A.)

Honeydew Cucumber Sour

The Phoenix: Another Specialty Cocktail of Jade Bar

Jaded Wings: Elegant Bar Food

An authentic jade onyx drink rail serves as the showpiece of this stunning space, recently dialed in to the tune of $2.5 million dollars. Clearly their investment is reaping benefits because the décor, along with a superlative team of mixologists and an exciting lineup of local musicians has made the Jade Bar the “it” spot in Phoenix.

Jade Bar: A Real Gem

Jade Bar View

OK, now for the views, which surely present the most panoramic vistas within the greater Phoenix area. Thanks to floor to ceiling windows, you can take an expansive tableau of the iconic Camelback Mountain, skirted by swaying palm trees and other exotic vegetation from within the air conditioned comfort of the Elements restaurant and Jade Bar. Definitely plan to be here at sunset to witness the transformation of the pinky-blue sky at dusk into a twinkling wonderland beneath you at night.

Roasted Duck at Elements

Fire-Roasted Bone Marrow

Dinner is a showstopper, too, which comes as no surprise since Chef Beau MacMillan has enjoyed a significant presence on some of America’s top food shows in addition to having worked in some big-name resorts before landing at the Sanctuary in 1998. Mom and Marge raved about their soft-shell crabs, a menu item not often found in landlocked restaurants. At Elements, the offerings are diverse and innovative and also largely locally sourced. (Yes, many fine products, from produce to pork, hail from The Valley of the Sun.)

The three of us departed giddy with excitement from having marked a special reunion in a spectacular setting at the Sanctuary. (Or was it due to the cocktails and wine?) No matter, we were wooed. We did not tour the whole property despite the fact that the suites and casitas were vying for our attention. After experiencing such a Hollywood-esque atmosphere within the bar and restaurant, I’m sure the lodging merits top billing as well. Oh well, maybe next time.

Because Phoenix, Arizona is still calling my name and thankfully it’s just a short distance from Colorado.

The Infinity Pool at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

For another special outing with my mom in Phoenix , read Making Memories at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix.