out Holiday Tea, a magical culinary experience showcasing specialty finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Devonshire cream and preserves, as well as delicate pastries all accompanied by a selection of fine tea blends, set against a stunning holiday backdrop with a live pianist. New to the resort’s winter celebration is I.FLY Trapeze. Under the guidance of expert instructors, individuals ages four and up can learn to swing, hang upside down on the bar and make the signature wrist-towrist catch. www.thephoenician.com.
Omni Montelucia Resort & Spa
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obody helps locals celebrate the season better than the Valley’s most fabulous resorts. From traditional winter activities to unique desert adaptations, these four luxurious spots have something to bring cheer to everyone in the family.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix Because Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix is within steps of CitySkate, the Valley’s largest and most popular holiday ice rink, the funky downtown resort is offering a special “Stay & Skate” package all month long. Starting at $159/night, the package includes 10 percent off room rates, two admission passes to the CitySkate ice rink, skate rentals, an in-room holiday movie credit and a daily social hour with hot toddies on property. During CitySkate, Central Avenue is transformed into an ice skater’s dream with a massive 36-foot holiday tree dramatically placed in the center of the rink along with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights. Bystanders watching over the rink from Patriots Park will enjoy a nightly snowfall at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Santa will make an appearance every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for photos from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. www.hotelpalomar-phoenix.com
The Phoenician Resort Each December, The Phoenician welcomes everyone to the resort for
RESORT REVELRY
Toast the holidays in style BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
exclusively crafted signature offerings that always make the holidays shine brighter. Traditional activities include the complimentary Cactus Garden Light Tour, which is a narrated exploration of the resort’s two-acre desert retreat adorned with holiday lights, feautring 250 varieties of cacti and succulents every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday in December; as well as UPTOWN |
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Omni welcomes guests and the general public alike to watch the desert be transformed into a winter wonderland on Friday, December 9. The Montelucia’s Holiday Snowfall Showcase, which features two special snow shows, is happening at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. The resort will also help visitors complete their holiday shopping checklist in one place with unique boutique offerings from Kendra Scott, Monica Mauro, JWare, BJwld, Kadie’s Inspirations, Soul Carrier, Joya Spa, Dulcinea, Farfetched Apparel, Sabai, Drewbees Honey and more during the event. Guests can also enjoy samples of the Montelucia’s signature label wine and olive oil gift sets, and enjoy music by Phoenix’s own Obadiah Parker and the Voices of Shadow Advance Choir from Shadow Mountain High School. www. omnimontelucia.com.
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
Experience the magic of the Arizona Biltmore during the holiday season by wandering the festive decorated grounds of the iconic hotel, which includes five resort Christmas trees, an expansive gingerbread village, and both a toy train and Santa letter-writing station. On December 18, the resort will welcome guests to actually dine with Santa during a family friendly brunch, held in one of the historic ballrooms. And finally, the resort will also offer the opportunity for children of all ages to decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus herself, taking place December 10, 17 and 28 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. www. arizonabiltmore.com.