From the first moment of meeting Jerry, our driver, we received a taste of remarkable and friendly hospitality. Jerry is a driver for the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Our twenty-minute drive to the resort from the airport was no less than an enthusiastic commentary of the area and its many interesting developments. We felt we had our own private tour guide. It was obvious Jerry was doing, what he loved the most and appears to be a great ambassador for the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

Upon our arrival we were most impressed with the exquisite beauty of the property. The Scottsdale Princess has an abundant array of flowers beds, flowing water channels, fountains, ponds and waterfalls. All of which are maintained to immaculate perfection. Even with the heat of summer on us, we always felt refreshed with the ever-presence of flowing water landscapes, not to mention five swimming pools each surrounded by tropical greenery and beautiful mature palm trees. Clearly, we had arrived at the desert oasis of unparalleled beauty.

During the walk to our room our bellman pointed out the various restaurants, hotel features and other points of interests. His genuine enthusiasm gave a feeling as if this were old friend receiving you with a very warm welcome. This theme carried on throughout our stay. Every staff member we met was genuinely thankful to be working in such a beautiful environment. It definitely showed! When it comes to hospitality,The Fairmont Princess truly receives the highest possible marks from us.

The views form the rooms are scenic with the Arizona McDowell Mountains in the distance, The Princess reflects the beauty of the Southwest with its Spanish / Colonial style architecture and terra cotta colors. The buildings are positioned to capture the feeling of wide-open spaces and the watered themed landscaping.

Each of the 650 oversized guestrooms offers a blend of comfort and style capturing the charm and grace of the Southwest. All guest rooms have well-defined living and work areas, wet bars, refrigerators and enormous luxury bathrooms. The Princess also offers two Presidential Suites, 27 suites and 50 private “Casita” suites.

Every room has a private terrace or balcony with a view of the scenic mountains, courtyards, golf course, swimming pool, or in our case, a "fishing pond" surrounded by a "lagoon lawn."

Onward to the Spa!

New this year, the resort has introduced Willow Stream - The Spa at Fairmont. This magnificent new 44,000 square foot spa is where "awe inspiring surroundings and nature's tranquility combine for rejuvenation”, as claimed by brochures. But we can assure you this isn't just a lofty marketing slogan. Truly this was one of the most beautifully well-designed spas we have ever visited. The combination of open space, materials, colors and of course an abundance of flowing water created an instant feeling of peace and well-being. The spa also includes a top fitness facility, salon services, 25 treatment rooms, meditation gardens, lounge areas, and a very beautiful private roof top oasis pool complete with... you guessed it. More flowing water and waterfalls!

Our male writer received the "East meets West La Stone Massage" from Kathy and commented that it was one of the most wonderful massages he had ever received. "The level of personal care was truly outstanding. It was like receiving a gift from a great friend who really cared for my well-being. There was nothing mechanical or rote about it." Our reviewer, who claims to be a steam room connoisseur, stated, “it was the most beautiful steam room I have ever been in.”

The following day he received the gentleman's facial and again he gave it his personal five gold leaf rating stating the level of personal care (not to mention expertise) was quite impressive. He said he left the spa feeling like he was floating on clouds. By the way, for any of you gentlemen who have never had a facial, it is far more rejuvenating and deeply relaxing than you can ever imagine. After your first one, you will kick yourself for not trying one sooner and you will want for more on a regular basis!

I chose the “Desert Moon” designed for deep relaxation and rest. This must have been a magical combination, as I was amazed at how very quickly I eased into a deep state of being that can only be described as “heavenly”.

After I came “back to earth”, I took a leisurely swim in the roof top oasis spa pool while my partner did a work out in the extensive gym which is conveniently situated in the Spa at Willow Stream. After that we luxuriated in the “waterfall therapy pool”. But before we left we had to enjoy the “inhalation room” and one last steam in the privacy of the men’s and woman’s dressing rooms respectively. Personally, it was like being a kid in a candy store, or should I say like walking around Tiffany’s with an unlimited budget!

The next day we toured the grounds taking in the natural beauty everywhere we went. Besides the five swimming pools and the Willow Stream Spa, guests at the Fairmont Princess will also enjoy seven tennis courts and two Tournament Player's Club golf courses (home of the Phoenix Open), five boutique shops and a variety of award winning restaurants.

We made sure to save some time to experience two of the longest water slides in all of Arizona. They were a blast! It must have been quite a sight to see us running up the steps time and time again with the other “kids” to get in one more laugh filled splash! Another must while at the Princess!

After another exquisite day of treatments and workouts we prepared to go out for a spectacular dinner off site at Michael’s. This restaurant was chosen as everyone told us it was the one restaurant NOT to miss when in the area.

8700 E. Pinnacle Peak Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Web: www.michaelsrestaurant.com

Michael’s definitely lived up to its reputation. We had a deliciously unique experience feasting on a variety of foods prepared in combinations we would never have thought of. Each course was truly a work of art causing us to pause and appreciate the beautiful presentation before we allowed our palates to join in the feast.

A Fabulous Summer Offer:
The Sonoran Splash Package from May 23 to September 7, 2003 with rates starting at $139 per night ($159 on weekends) with a maximum of four per room complete with complimentary breakfast for kids, children's admission to Kid's Club, and Dive-In Movies at the South Pool (Fri and Sat evenings). For Sonoran Splash details and reservations call (800) 344-4758.

From a Fairmont Princess Brochure:
" We will earn the loyalty of our guests by exceeding their expectations and providing warm and personal service in distinctive surroundings."

We can honestly say they did earn our highest compliments and they did indeed exceed our expectations! All in all, we can't say enough about the beauty of this resort and spa. For a destination to visit for rejuvenation, healing or just a luxurious getaway, it would be hard to find another spa as wonderful. Did we mention how impressed we were with the use of all the Pools, Ponds and Flowing Water?