Pool Parties, Rooftop Spa Days and a Whole Lot of RosƩ This Summer at The Phoenician
Thereās something a little rebellious about booking a summer escape to the desert. While everyone else is flocking to the coast or queueing up for TSA lines at LAX, youāre sipping a poolside cocktail beneath Camelback Mountain, soaking in sun, stillness, and five-diamond luxury. Thatās the magic of The Phoenician, Arizonaās most iconic resort, where summer isnāt just a season, itās a vibe.
And this year, the resortās beloved Legendary Summers experience is back. Running May 5 through Sept. 30, it brings a fresh wave of old-school glamor, modern indulgence, and curated programming made for couples, families, and anyone who thinks SPF and Champagne belong in the same sentence. From generous resort credits to vintage photo ops, throwback pool parties and prix-fixe menus at award-winning restaurants, The Phoenician is redefining what it means to summer in the Sonoran.
Checking In, Tuning Out
The moment you drive through the gates of The Phoenician, you feel it: the hum of something timeless. Maybe itās the grand, palm-lined entrance or the scent of creosote in the warm desert air. Maybe itās the echo of the Jokake Inn, the 1926 guest ranch that once welcomed desert-bound dreamers to this very stretch of land. Whatever it is, itās clearāyouāve arrived somewhere that doesnāt just offer luxury, it offers legacy.
The resort spans 200 perfectly manicured acres, with two distinct experiences: The Phoenician, a 585-room five-diamond classic, and The Canyon Suites, a 60-room boutique hotel with its own private pool, concierge and elevated service. This summer, both are offering the kind of value that makes extending your stay feel like a no-brainer. With the Legendary Summers offer, guests receive $50 nightly resort credit at The Phoenician and $100 nightly credit at The Canyon Suites. It’s usable across dining options, the spa, and golf. All you have to do is enter promo code LPR when you book. Weāll cheers to that.
Morning Rituals, Desert Edition
Start your morning slow. Whether youāre waking up in a Canyon Suite or a poolside casita, the light here has its own rhythm ā soft, golden, unhurried. Order room service (we recommend the Sonoran Benedict), or take your first steps of the day through the propertyās desert gardens, watching hummingbirds skim across the sky.
If youāre ambitious, hit the fitness center or book a sunrise yoga session at the spa rooftop. If youāre us? Youāre heading straight to the pool.
Pool Culture, Perfected
The Phoenicianās pool scene is legendary for a reason. Anchored by a massive multi-tiered pool complex with fire pits, waterfalls and sweeping mountain views, it’s equal parts resort elegance and desert fantasy. During Legendary Summers, the vibe shifts into nostalgic territory, with retro energy that channels the spirit of Old Hollywood vacations and 1950s Americana.
Youāll spot Postcards From Paradise in the main lobby, where guests can pen real, vintage-style postcards to friends back home. Thereās a Selfie Station on the west lawn for that perfectly-staged family photo (or solo glam shot, weāre not judging). And on select Saturdays, things really pop off: the Splish Splash Pool Bash brings live DJs, games, giveaways, and a Foam Zone for the kids ā or anyone young at heart. Between dips, cool off with a root beer float from Sips & Swirls or unwind in a private cabanaāperfect for a shaded afternoon escape.
Dining That Dazzles
This is not a grab-a-burger-and-go kind of resort. Dining at The Phoenician is a full-sensory affair, and during Legendary Summers, it gets even more delicious. The Culinary Countdown Series (May 27 through Sept. 2) brings prix-fixe summer menus to four of the resortās signature restaurants, with prices that make it easy to try them all.
Start with a three-course steakhouse experience at J&G Steakhouse ($65) where floor-to-ceiling windows show off the desert skyline and the menu features elevated classics with modern flair. Mowry & Cotton, the resortās laid-back-but-polished concept, offers a $45 three-course menu with seasonal twists on Southwestern comfort food. Over at The Phoenician Tavern, things stay casual and craveableāsavor a fresh burger of your choice and a beverage as part of a $25 two-course menu. Feeling fancy? Book Afternoon Tea Thursday through Sundayā$85 per person, with a full selection of teas, finger sandwiches and a plate of pastries that deserves its own photo shoot.
Spa Days and Summer Glow-Ups
If thereās one thing The Phoenician never skimps on, itās self-care. Tucked into its own light-filled sanctuary, The Phoenician Spa is everything you want a desert wellness retreat to be ā clean lines, neutral tones, floor-to-ceiling windows and a rooftop pool that feels more like a mirage. This summer, the spa is offering seasonal weekday specials through Aug. 28, including a 50-minute Summer Pedicure ($89), Massage ($179), and Facial ($189). Theyāre designed to hydrate sun-kissed skin, boost your glow and restore post-travel energy. Plus, theyāre the perfect excuse to linger a little longer in your robe.
For the Stylish Set (And Their Kids)
One of the best parts of Legendary Summers is how effortlessly it blends adult-worthy luxury with kid-friendly fun. While parents sip cocktails poolside, little ones can get in on the action with classic summer games (hula hoop contests included), splash zones, and resort programming designed to burn off energy before dinner.
Meanwhile, the grown-ups can take advantage of 20% off at The Phoenician Golf Shop, where the merch skews more chic than cheesy. Golfers will want to book early ā The Phoenician Golf Course offers summer rates starting at $99 before 11 a.m. and $79 after (MondayāThursday), with slightly higher but still accessible rates on weekends. The 18-hole course is sculpted into the natural terrain with desert views, lush greens, and just enough challenge to keep things interesting.
A Return to Summer Worth Remembering
The Phoenician has always known how to set a scene. Since it opened in 1988, the resort has defined desert luxury in Arizona, marrying timeless hospitality with high-style amenities and thoughtful programming. But Legendary Summers taps into something deeper. It channels the charm of a bygone era ā one where vacations were slow, sunny and full of simple joys. Root beer floats. Linen sundresses. Games by the pool and handwritten postcards.
And yet, it also offers the kind of refinement and access todayās travelers crave. Award-winning cuisine. AAA Five-Diamond service. Luxe spa rituals. A place where your hardest decision is whether to book the massage before or after your next dip in the pool.
So whether youāre looking for a weekend reset or a full-on family escape, this is your sign to head for the desert. Summerās never looked more legendary.
Erik Hale is the visionary and publisher behind LOCALE Magazine. He launched the magazine in 2010, wanting to give the community of OC a premiere lifestyle magazine that knew all the native knowledge behind OC. āSix years ago Ashley and I sat at a table scratching the name LOCALE (among some other names) onto a sheet of paper,ā says Erik, ācoming up with story ideas and basically dreaming. Everything we imagined has happened and we have been blessed with so much more. I am so grateful as we start another year for my family, my two wonderful children, my health, our amazing writers, designers and photographers, our advertising partners and you.ā
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
