Arizona

From Jessica's Desk
Written By Léonie Duarte Defago

As an Arizona native, I felt it was time to share a place that lives deep in my bones—a land of startling contrasts, sacred stillness, and wild, untamed beauty. Arizona is too often overlooked, dismissed as desert and heat, but those of us who know it well understand: it’s a state of wonder. Here, the earth shifts from red rock to pine forest, cactus-strewn canyons to high-elevation plateaus, each turn of the road offering a new kind of magic.

OUR JOURNEY THROUGH ARIZONA

PHOENIX

Having grown up in Phoenix, I’ve witnessed its transformation firsthand. Although I now mostly return for holidays, it remains an ever-evolving city that blends new ambitions with its desert soul. It has become a sprawling metropolis, sometimes unfamiliar, but still full of nostalgic charm and breathtaking beauty. Despite the changes, my favorite gems remain—an oasis surrounded by mountains, culture, and color.

No visit to Phoenix is complete without a hike. If you're feeling bold, take onCamelback Mountain via Echo Canyon or Cholla Trail—challenging climbs with rewarding summit views. For something gentler, Piestewa Peak or South Mountain offer stunning desert vistas. For a more curated immersion into the Sonoran Desert, Desert Botanical Garden is unmissable—especially during the holidays, when luminarias (candlelit lanterns) transform the gardens into something magical.

To get a sense of the city, I suggest a day downtown and another in Old Town Scottsdale. Downtown Phoenix blends mid-century architecture with a budding food scene and innovative arts, while Scottsdale gives you a peek into Western heritage through galleries, boutique shopping, and adobe charm. If time allows, stay at least three days to soak it all in.

Architecture lovers will want to follow the trail of Frank Lloyd Wright through Arizona. Begin with a tour of his winter home, Taliesin West, and make a stop at the Arizona Biltmore, known as the "Jewel of the Desert" for good reason. For an even more romantic escape, don't miss Royal Palms Resort and Spa, a Mediterranean-style hideaway nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain—ideal for a drink on the terrace or a couples' retreat.

ON THE ROAD: PHOENIX TO FLAGSTAFF

CASTLE HOT SPRINGS HOTEL

While Arizona has no shortage of beautiful hotels, Castle Hot Springs stands apart as a personal favorite—a true sanctuary less than 1.5 hours from Phoenix, yet a world away. After winding your way up a rugged dirt road, you arrive in a hidden valley where rows of palms sway beside steaming geothermal springs, nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.

This is a place that feels both timeless and transportive. Once a retreat for titans of industry and U.S. presidents, Castle Hot Springs channels the spirit of old-school Arizona while embracing modern wellness with grace. The farm-to-table culinary program is exceptional, and the daily schedule of experiences—archery, guided hikes, bath salt making, sound healing—offers just the right amount of structure for those seeking renewal. Their spa director is something of a legend—known for helping even the most restless minds find stillness.

To fully absorb the magic, plan to spend at least two to three days here. It’s enough time to slow your pace, soak in the mineral-rich hot springs, and settle into the rhythms of the land. The natural thermal baths vary in temperature and setting, allowing you to rotate between pools as your body calls for it—each soak is more grounding than the last.

Accommodations are understated luxury at its finest—standalone casitas with private outdoor tubs, individual stargazing telescopes, personalized water bottles, and thoughtful touches throughout. It’s the kind of place where you come to reset, reconnect, and remember how to be still.

ARCOSANTI

On the drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff, consider a stop at Arcosanti—an experimental desert community and architectural wonder conceived by visionary Paolo Soleri. Just over an hour from the city, this otherworldly outpost is a fascinating blend of design, ecology, and philosophy.

It’s a perfect place to stretch your legs, enjoy a casual lunch at their on-site café, and take in the striking architecture nestled into the high desert landscape. Be sure to visit the gallery, where you can purchase the ultimate Arizona souvenir: a hand-cast bronze or ceramic wind chime, still made on-site using Soleri’s original methods. It’s a quick detour that feels like stepping into a different world.

FLAGSTAFF

While you can head straight to Sedona, I highly recommend carving out time for a detour through Flagstaff. This charming high-elevation town is not only a great base for exploring Arizona’s iconic natural wonders—Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and beyond—but also offers a surprising shift in landscape. As you leave the desert, the terrain transforms into rich alpine forests and mountain air—a side of Arizona most don’t expect.

We spend quite a bit of time here for a welcome respite from Mexico City, and the town feels like a portal to 1920s Arizona, filled with Southwestern charm, historic architecture, and an outdoorsy spirit. Here are a few of our favorite local gems, but obviously, the best of Flagstaff is found on the trails. For best enjoyment, come in fall to see the Aspen foliage at its best. 

SEDONA

Sedona is one of those magical places that you cannot compare to anywhere else—a surreal collision of natural beauty, spiritual energy, and artistic expression. Towering red rock formations rise dramatically from the earth, their colors shifting with the light, as if painted by the sky itself. Beyond the visual splendor, Sedona carries an undeniable energy—one that many attribute to its famed vortexes, believed to enhance healing, meditation, and inner clarity. But even if you're skeptical, the feeling is hard to ignore: a stillness, a sense of grounding, a subtle invitation to slow down and tune in. The town is layered with eclectic galleries, crystal shops, and wellness havens, yet it still retains a rugged, outdoor soul—perfect for days spent hiking, stargazing, or simply marveling at the landscape. Sedona isn’t just a destination; it’s a mood, a mirror, and a reminder of something greater.

WHERE TO STAY

When it comes to where to stay in Sedona, I go back and forth between Enchantment Resort and L’Auberge de Sedona—each offers something distinct and extraordinary. It’s hard to beat Enchantment’s location, tucked deep within Boynton Canyon, far from the bustle of town and surrounded by the region’s most vivid red rock formations. The resort offers direct access to scenic trails and is home to Mii amo, a world-class destination spa that draws travelers seeking transformation and tranquility. The views are sweeping, wildlife is often spotted wandering the grounds, and the entire setting feels otherworldly.

That said, L’Auberge offers a different kind of magic. Nestled along Oak Creek, it’s a peaceful enclave where life moves at a slower rhythm. Hammocks strung between trees, the gentle murmur of the water, and thoughtful touches like a donation-based library create a deeply serene atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can disappear into a good book, a deep breath, or a quiet moment under the sycamores.

“Arizona needs no improvement. It is the land of the sun, the land of silence and space — where one can contemplate infinity.”
— Frank Lloyd Wright

FEELING THE PULL OF ARIZONA? 

Let us help you plan the perfect trip. Reach out to design your own postcard-worthy adventure.

PLAN YOUR ESCAPE WITH US
Léonie Duarte Defago
Previous

Our Journey Through The Italian Countryside
Next

Egypt