Desert Deals in Arizona

The new Tournament Players Club Golf Course, in Scottsdale.
Photo Courtesy: TPC Golf Course

Play

Besides having wonderful winter weather and amazing resorts and restaurants, the Phoenix-Scottsdale area is known as a golf and spa mecca. This powerful combination brings thousands of visitors here every year, and some decide to never go home! With more than 200 golf courses in the metro area, you can always find a tee time, even during the busiest months. But to play some of the top courses during the winter, try to cash in on some last-minute specials and look into the latest stay-and-play hotel packages, where a round of golf is included in your price.

Two of Arizona's top golf courses have recently undergone some impressive changes and upgrades. The Tournament Player Club opened its new 18-hole Champions Course just across the street from the famed Stadium Course that hosts the PGA Tour's FBR Open. And the two-year renovation at the award-winning 36-hole Troon North Golf Club is finally complete, giving you an entirely different playing experience as you play the holes in a different order. There are dozens of public courses to try, but if you're looking for luxury golf, hit any of the top golf resorts. You won't be disappointed.

You can pamper yourself at the Alvadora Spa at the Royal Palms, Phoenix.
Photo Courtesy: Royal Palms Resort & Spa

Spa

Regardless of whether your taste is simple or chic, there's a fluffy bathrobe with your name on it just waiting for you in this desert retreat. Head over to the Center for Well-Being at the Phoenician and lose yourself in the 80-minute Accusage, which combines a therapeutic massage with acupuncture and works the tension right out of your body.

To put your best face forward, try the Caviar Facial and Stone Face Massage. You'll leave feeling 10 years younger. Need some inner balance? Try the Avania Spa featuring different snacks, music and treatments at various times of day. Special massages for golfers are offered at the Four Seasons Spa, where warmed golf balls are used to help get the tension out of your tight muscles.

If you want to try out one of the cutting-edge new spa treatments, sign up for the Rollersage body treatment at the Agave Spa or try the Turquoise Massage at the Revive Spa, where actual Arizona turquoise is used.