Even among the most diehard powder hounds, by the time midwinter rolls around, we could all use a break from our icy surroundings. A sure-fire remedy for a case of seasonal blues? Take a cue from the birds and fly south: Hop a quick flight from Salt Lake City to Phoenix for a much-needed dose of vitamin D. With average temps in the high 60s and 70s throughout most of winter and spring, Arizona is the ideal destination to decamp and de-thaw for a few days. 

WHAT TO DO 

Take in stunning 360-degree views of the Phoenix metro area by hiking Camelback Mountain. The city’s signature landmark—named for its resemblance to a camel’s humps—is accessed via two steep and difficult trails that ascend 1,420 feet. If you’re not up for the challenge, you can enjoy beautiful views of Camelback without breaking a sweat from many local restaurants.    

Experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert at the Desert Botanical Garden, home to thousands of species of cactus, trees, and flowers on display via five thematic trails. 

Explore local shops, restaurants, bars, galleries, and more in Old Town Scottsdale. This walkable, car-free zone is always buzzing with events, exhibitions, art walks, and a weekly farmers market.

View traditional and contemporary American Indian art at the Heard Museum, which features 12 galleries, an outdoor sculpture gallery, a café, and a museum shop. Check the museum’s website for a list of current exhibits. 

Architecture fans will love touring Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s former winter home and desert laboratory where he and his apprentices lived and worked. The historic property is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.   

WHERE TO STAY

Since opening in 2023, the Global Ambassador—a Michelin Key hotel—has become the place to see and be seen in Phoenix, thanks to its stylish design, elevated hospitality, and delectable cuisine. 

The property’s lively Lobby Bar is popular among locals on weekends thanks to live jazz and an ambient patio; pull up a chair and enjoy the people watching and an Adult Happy Meal, your choice of a vodka or gin martini paired with truffle frites. But this hotel is also prime for relaxation thanks to an array of amenities.

Boasting 141 guest rooms and 30 suites, beds at the Global Ambassador are dressed in fine Matouk linens, bathrooms are equipped with Byredo toiletries, bedside tables are topped with unique books curated by Maison Plage, and in-room bars are stocked with top-shelf liquor and skincare items, so you can sip a fresh gin and tonic while refreshing with a chilled face mask. 

Sweat out said booze at the hotel’s fitness center or in a Forma Pilates class, available in Arizona exclusively at the Global Ambassador. After, take a dip in the outdoor pool or soak up some rays atop a tangerine-hued lounge chair. Order lunch poolside from the Pink Dolphin, serving Mexican and Peruvian-inspired cuisine.

The luxe Global Ambassador Spa has everything you need for a blissful retreat, from a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and cold plunge to chic vanities and showers featuring premium beauty products at your disposal. Following your treatment, relax in one of the spa’s cozy lounge areas with a warm neck wrap, a glass of rosé or kombucha, and some Häagen-Dazs ice cream—there’s a fridge and freezer stocked full of snacks for guests. 

While there’s no shortage of dining options in town, the Global Ambassador offers delicious on-site choices. For brunch or dinner, make a reservation at the French brasserie–inspired Le Âme, offering classic dishes such as oysters, French onion soup, and steak frites. Enjoy Mediterranean eats and sunset views of Camelback Mountain at Thea, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. Order the flaming saganaki cheese and the Goddess of Dips, a platter of six dips, including hummus and muhammara, served with pita, crudités, and bazlama bread. 

WHERE TO EAT 

Pizzeria Bianco: What started in the back of a neighborhood grocery store has grown into a wood-fired pizza empire with multiple outposts in Phoenix and Los Angeles. Chef Chris Bianco won a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2023 for his artisanal pies with signature thin, crispy crusts. 

Talavera: Located inside the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, this swanky, Spanish-inspired steakhouse features sweeping desert views, a romantic outdoor patio, and contemporary Southwestern decor. Visit on a Wednesday for live Spanish guitar, and order the signature paella and churros for dessert.

Course: Go on a culinary adventure with a prix fixe tasting menu at chef Cory Oppold’s chic eatery. Indulgent add-ons such as caviar, foie gras, and wine pairings are available.  

The Frybread Lounge: This casual eatery, the first and only Native-owned restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale, offers a modern take on Native American cuisine, featuring locally sourced Indigenous ingredients.