The holidays might be over, but several Arizona resorts are working overtime to deliver special packages to guests and local residents alike amid COVID-19. Bonus points to Arizona resorts and properties like these for thinking outside of the box (and sometimes inside of the igloo) and getting creative with their spaces so safely welcome guests back in the New Year:
Hilton Sedona at Bell Rock
In December, the award-winning Sedona stunner re-imagined its ample outdoor space into a socially distanced winter wonderland by installing igloos with accompanying private fire pits on the ShadowRock Tap + Table patio amid the scenic outdoor garden. Due to the popularity of the globes, which were beautifully furnished and frosted with festive holiday décor during the holidays and bookable for intimate, safe and warm dining setting under the stars, the resort elected to transform them for the New Year for use by couples and even in proposal packages. Hilton Sedona’s igloos are available to resort guests and locals for nightly seating times at 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. allowing for a 30-minute deep cleaning and sanitation break between each seating. Following dinner, guests are invited to gather around the igloo’s private fire pit to roast marshmallows and enjoy Sedona’s star filled skies. The translucent spheres accommodate groups of two to six guests, making them an ideal private, socially-distanced outdoor dining option for couples, families and small groups alike. www.hiltonsedona.com
ADERO Scottsdale
ADERO Scottsdale, an Autograph Collection hotel, similarly transformed its outdoor lawn to The Village at ADERO, with two globes that are outfitted for cozy dining and two designated for lounging under the stars. For added festivities, guests in the globes enjoy a dedicated private server and an expertly crafted menu and craft cocktails. There are three seatings per evening at 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m. and all reservations are limited to 90-minutes. www.aderoscottsdale.com
Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Set within the historic estate’s Vernadero Lawn at the foot of Camelback Mountain, Royal Palms is one of the most iconic Arizona resorts and has created socially distanced “seating pods,” which are set up under a canopy of string lights with a range of comfortable offerings including couches and lounge chairs, cocktail tables with chairs and poufs on the ground for a more relaxed option. Savory and sweet gourmet snack boxes are available for guests and residents who book these packages for the event including goodies like cheese and charcuterie or fresh-made pastries such as French macarons, truffles and cookies. Wine and cocktails are also available. Several evenings from January to March, those enjoying the pods will be treated to a classic film – think Singing in the Rain and Breakfast at Tiffany’s – or live music, most often a celebrated local or regional duo. www.royalpalmshotel.com
Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale
Seeking to embrace guest and locals’ New Year’s resolutions to get fit, Mountain Shadows is offering a bevy of creative wellness experiences, notably Pilates & Prosecco, an invigorating one-hour mat Pilates class done completely outdoors on the resort’s beautiful Paradise Terrace. After the workout session, practitioners will be guided to the Rusty’s patio for bubbly pours and similarly sparkling conversation, complete with dramatic Camelback Mountain views. Capacity is limited by design o ensure maximum social distancing and reservations should be made in advance. Other events are also being planned and will be released on the resort website regularly. www.mountainshadows.com
