Gather Your Girls and Head to the Arizona Desert for Some Fun in the Sun

Like many things in life, working on your wellness is more fun when in the company of friends. If you’re looking for the perfect place to escape with the gals, while still keeping on top of your personal health and fitness goals, Mountain Shadows Resort in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, may be just what the doctor ordered. No need to rush into the research, because we’ve done the digging and crafted the ideal itinerary for a gorgeous girls’ getaway. From brunching and sunning, to facials, hiking and horseback riding, the scene is set for a trip to remember. Whether your group is up for outdoor adventures, or jonesing for some serious rest and recovery, we’ve got your weekend plans all locked up. 

 

STAY

Mountain Shadows Resort

For the ultimate deep dive into desert decadence, Mountain Shadows is the place for all things wellness and relaxation. This stunning resort is an icon of luxury and design situated in the serene enclave of Paradise Valley. Enjoy palm-tree lined pools, multi-room residences, a par-three golf course, two on-site restaurants and more. 

Stay on track with your fitness routine, grab the girls for a group class at the resort’s state-of-the-art health center. Here, you can partake in high-octane workouts like cardio kickboxing, aqua aerobics and TRX training. However if that’s not for you, opt to keep cool with mat Pilates and yoga stretch sessions. Private training is also available for $100 a pop, while group classes and gym access are complimentary for resort guests. For a more outdoorsy experience, try your hand at a round of golf. Practice your swing on the 18-hole short course, rated one of the top Par-3 courses in the country.

Want something a little off the beaten path? Plan a group hike through the magical Camelback Mountains, either solo or with Wild Bunch Desert Guides. Choose between the Cholla Trail for a steady climb or the Echo Canyon Trail for a tougher challenge. No matter the route, breathtaking views await at the summit. Afterward, book a private in-room massage or unwind by the pool in a private cabana or reserved daybed. Toast to a day well spent and some serious fun in the sun with a chilled cocktail in hand.

 

DINE

Bottomless Brunch at Sumomaya

Mexican-Asian fusion might not be your first thought for bottomless brunch, but Sumomaya will change your mind. Perfect for groups with different tastes, the eclectic menu blends poke bowls, pad Thai, and ramen with huevos rancheros, burritos, and carne asada tacos. Traditional brunch lovers can still enjoy avocado toast, oatmeal, or classic bacon and eggs. For $39 per person, your crew can enjoy unlimited shared plates, with brunch cocktails for an extra $35. And the best part? Refills are just one cent—yes, you read that right.

5/20

 

Lunch at Farm & Craft

Farm fresh dining meets fast-casual convenience at Farm & Craft, offering healthy, sustainable eats that won’t break the bank. Start with Thai lettuce cups, hummus, or strawberries and burrata before building your own bowl with chicken, steak, salmon, or tofu. Pick sides like cauliflower mash, roasted beets, or fig balsamic mushrooms to customize your meal. Flatbreads, including kale pesto chicken or roasted corn and squash, come with gluten-free crusts and vegan cheese options. For sandwiches, try steak and farro or garden veggie with tahini and grilled chicken, both modifiable with gluten-free wraps. Clink glasses with a round of skinny margaritas or Kombucha cocktails to commemorate a fabulous afternoon.

12/13

 

Afternoon Snack at Kaleidoscope Juice 

In need of a midday pick-me-up? Kaleidoscope Juice has something to cure whatever’s got you dragging. Create your perfect smoothie and marvel at the array of add-ons to soothe any ailment, from spirulina and collagen supplements to superfoods like bee pollen and goji berries. Make your choice among all the butters and milks—coconut, cashew, grass-fed and Ghee—and throw in some chlorophyll, pumpkin seeds or blue-green algae for good measure. Grab a cup of cold brew for a classic caffeine crush or opt for a mushroom blend with adaptogens and nootropics for an energy boost that’s a little more outside the box.

12/12

 

Dinner and Drinks at Hearth 61

For a wholesome dinner that will keep your group feeling in form, head to Mountain Shadows Resort’s on-site restaurant, Hearth 61, for some nourishment. Begin with an array of tempura oyster mushrooms, house meatballs and hiramasa crudo, or for those going meatless, some organic greens and superb salads are excellent choices. Gluten-free folks may want to skip the flatbreads and head straight for the pan-seared salmon, braised beef short rib or roasted swordfish. If drinks and desserts are in the cards, splurge on the pumpkin-bourbon creme brûlée or peach panna cotta and peruse the extensive wine list for the perfect pairing.

 

DO

Sunrise Hike at Pinnacle Peak Park

Set an alarm and get ready to catch the morning sunrise from the top of Pinnacle Peak Park. A comfortable 2-mile trek with moderate difficulty, this scenic trail will take you on a leisurely journey through the Sonoran Desert, culminating in a spectacular panorama of the majestic mountain landscape. Look out for the local flora and fauna throughout the 150-acre park, and pack a picnic and a tripod to snap some fun pics for the ‘Gram!

 

Take a Lower Salt River Kayaking Tour with REI

For something a little more high-key, take an REI Lower Salt River kayaking tour. Hop on a two- person inflatable kayak to explore this Arizonian oasis in the heart of the desert. Don’t worry, you won’t have to fend for yourselves—the half-day excursion includes a guided tour by a certified river host, and your ticket includes bottled water and snacks, life jackets and forest entry fees. Grab an oar and build those biceps while floating peacefully along the Salt River, from Saguaro Lake to Granite Reef. Bring a swimsuit and take a cool dip, soaking in the serene scenery and keeping an eye out for the wild horses and bald eagles that make an occasional appearance in the distance.

3/20

 

Explore the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market

Spend a leisurely afternoon perusing the goods and produce at the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market. For the past 14 years on every Saturday from October to June, more than 100 local vendors and agriculturists have been proudly putting their homegrown treasures and edible wares on display—from organic produce and local cheeses to free-range eggs, freshly baked artisan breads and homemade jam. Spend the afternoon strolling the stalls and sip on some seasonal cider or curate a bouquet of fragrant flowers to bring back and freshen up your cozy suite.

 

Horseback Riding through the Sonoran Desert

Round up your cowgirl crew and head to MacDonald’s Ranch for some equestrian entertainment. Hop on horseback and explore the desert terrain from new heights, courtesy of your new four-legged friends. Stop by for a quick and idyllic trail ride, or check the schedule and come on down for a Cowboy Cookout, where you’ll enjoy an hour-long sunset ride followed by a full dinner spread of chicken or steak with beans, salad and mashed potatoes, followed by s’mores roasting by an open fire. You can also opt for a 30-minute hayride, where you’ll tour the grounds and pet the animal residents who call the ranch home. Yeehaw!

 

RELAX

Private Cabana at the Mountain Shadows Resort Pool

For the ultimate indulgence, reserve your own private cabana by the Mountain Shadows Resort pool. Bask in your personal poolside paradise, stocked with a mini fridge, a flat-screen TV and a complimentary bottle of house rosé to get you started. Fill up on snacks and libations for the group from The Citizens Club—think finger foods like chips and queso dip, fancy fruit platters, or classic burgers and salads. Beat the heat under the pretty palms, then take a leisurely lap in the sparkling pool. After warming up in the sun, cool off in the shade of your cozy cabana. Rinse and repeat.

 

In-Room Massage at Mountain Shadows Resort

Muscles in need of some extra attention after a day of outdoor activities? Spring for an in-room massage and let the relaxation come to you. Certified spa technicians are on hand to perform the rub-down of your choice—Swedish, Thai, Shiatsu or Reflexology—and address your aching areas. Infused with fragrant botanicals and sweet scented oils, no wellness weekend would be complete without a luxurious massage. Get ready to return to the real world feeling refreshed and free of stress.

 

Self-Care at Second Nature Clinic

If a full day of self-care is what you’re craving, step into Second Nature Clinic, where you can meet with a naturopath and create a plan for some holistic healing. Sign up for a round of wellness shots or IV therapy with the gals to infuse key vitamins and antioxidants back into your bods. Get a boost of B12 for an extra dose of energy, give your immune system a jolt with vitamin C and zinc, or rehydrate after a few cocktails with the Hangover Cure—including a dash of glutathione to alleviate brain fog and soothe the liver.

 

Facials at Hi, Skin

Is that 12-step skin-care routine not quite cutting it? Book a refreshing facial at Hi, Skin for some extra glow on the go. Not sure what your pores are craving? Leave it to the pros. A certified esthetician will help address your skin-care concerns and find the perfect topical solution. Offering an extensive menu of treatments, from your standard exfoliation scrubs, soothing masks and chemical peels to dermaplaning, LED therapy, cryo technology and Gua Sha techniques, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy some primo pampering with noticeable results that will last long after you arrive back home.