When I first moved to Arizona from New York in 1998, my father already knew his way around and could give me recommendations for the best places to eat, play and golf.

He didn’t live in Arizona, but he and seven of his friends spent a week each March taking advantage of Arizona’s great weather to play the state’s best golf courses. And they ALWAYS stayed at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

If anything, that only proves that father knows best.

Times have changed, but the Princess is timeless … and versatile. Not only is the Princess the perfect place for my father and seven of his white-collar golfing buddies to call home for a week, it’s the ideal spot for a family getaway.

Kids can zoom across a zip line, cool down on waterslides and watch fireworks light up the night sky this summer at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. For adults, the “Sip, Savor and Splash” package equips guests with a $50 resort credit perfect for sampling any of 240 tequilas at La Hacienda or retreating to Well & Being Spa.

Are you or your kids seeking a thrill? Poolside is the place to be with the spinning water adventure, SplashRider X-treme, and 200-foot waterslides. Guests are also able to upgrade to a Casita Signature Junior Suite with the “Upgrade Your Summer” package. Rates for both packages start at $169 per night through Sept. 6.

Once the sun goes down, it’s a disco down the slides with the after dark Techno Glo Party at Sonoran Splash. Black lights, lasers, fog, LED hula hooping, glow-in-the-dark bubbles, drinks and a DJ pulsating techno music rock the pool from 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights for families this summer. Or, over at the South Pool, families can just chill at the Dive In Movies, also offered complimentary Friday and Saturday nights. Movie-watchers float on inner tubes, or enjoy movie snacks, Sabrett hot dogs and a taco cart poolside, as the family flick begins at approximately 8 p.m., with an intermission for fireworks at 9 p.m.

The Fourth of July Freedom Fest is the perfect time for you and your family to check out the Princess and find fun relief from the summer heat.

Well & Being Spa

Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has all-new “Live it Well” programs, sizzling specials and soothing spa treatments to keep you refreshed and energized all summer long.  From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the spa’s “Good Life” team of fitness, nutrition and beauty experts are planning a “Happy & Healthy” calendar of interactive events including the new Hoopnotica hula hoop and beach body legs classes, tips for making healthy smoothies, acupuncture for sleep and laughing yoga, to name a few.

Well & Being Spa is 44,000 square foot sanctuary situated on three levels with exercise and work-out facilities, waterfall grotto, steam, sauna, salon, Well & Being Market, café and a scenic rooftop pool. For the first time, the spa is offering a summer “Happy Pass” for local residents, with unlimited access to the spa for $49 for an entire day, mid-week.

For an overnight spa getaway, the new “Stay & Spa” package includes accommodations, plus the choice of one 45-minute facial, massage, pedicure or body wrap, starting from $241 through  September 3.

Dining at the Princess

La Hacienda is celebrating summer with the return of its popular “Guacamole Fest” sampler of various guacamoles, from pork belly to seafood and pomegranate, as well as Fresca Floats made with traditional Mexican sodas. (Prices of these a la carte items vary.)

The summer Kids Resort Dining Passport is a super deal for families for $29 per day that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at resort dining outlets such as Ironwood American Kitchen, Trailblazers Kids Club, the pools, La Hacienda and Toro, plus a kid’s snack at the South Pool during the Dive-In Movie. These meals are from the children’s menus and are exclusive to overnight resort guests. Passports are available for overnight guests for purchase upon arrival at the Leisure Services Desk in the main lobby.

Spicing up the weekends is Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar’s new a la carte brunch, with live Latin music from 11 am – 2 pm, overlooking the 18th green of the TPC Scottsdale. Spanish mimosas, Brazilian French Toast (brioche bread topped with fried plantains, mescal maple syrup and whipped cream), an all-you-can-eat sushi bar, a build-your-own Bloody Mary cart and 111 types of rum are just a few highlights of this new hotspot.

Vacation packages

Celebrate summer with the new “Upgrade Your Summer” package includes an upgrade to a newly renovated Casita Signature Junior Suite at a Fairmont room price, starting from $169 per night weekdays and $189 weekends. These accommodations are more spacious, secluded and residential in style.

The popular Sip, Savor & Splash Package returns, starting from $169 per room, per night Sunday through Thursday and $189 weekends and includes a $50 daily credit for dining, spa or kid’s club. Summer package dates are based upon space availability, May 22-September 7, 2015. Taxes and daily resort fees are additional.

For reservations or more information on summer programs at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, call ((866) 540-4495 or click here.  The resort is located at 7575 East Princess Drive in Scottsdale.