The Perfect Mother-Daughter Getaway in Arizona

Treat your mom to a mother-daughter getaway in Arizona for Mother’s Day this year. Whether looking for a spa day, a shopping spree or an outdoor adventure on your family travel, Arizona has something to offer.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a little bit of everything. With more resort spas than any other city in the United States, all generations can connect with mind, body, spirit and each other on a mother-daughter visit.

© Courtesy of Arizona Office of Tourism

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess debuted Arizona’s first Sisley-Paris Spa, a “spa within a spa,” featuring a private, six-room treatment facility inside Well & Being Spa. At Sisley Spa, this concept draws inspiration from the Sonoran Desert to deliver treatments with ingredients sourced from plant leaves, seeds and flowers. At CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa, guests experience curated wellness experiences through on-site programming. The spa takes guests back to the origin of spa — Salus Per Aquam (meaning health through water) — by offering a choice of hydrotherapy immersions. The Phoenician boasts a stunning three-story spa, bringing a nurturing and contemporary approach to relaxation, fitness and beauty. Guests can lounge at the rooftop pool or visit the aromatherapy blending bar.

Other activities for mother-daughter bonding around Scottsdale include creating your own scents and taking home a little piece of Scottsdale at Light + Bark, a candle-making company; enjoying delicious wine tastings at six tasting roomsserving Arizona wine; and eating tasty bites at restaurants like Diego Pops, Prep & Pastry, Hula’s Modern Tiki and The Mission. As home to fashion meccas Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons, and a variety of chic, locally owned boutiques, travelers have endless opportunities to shop till they drop.

Phoenix

Offering bucket-list experiences, outdoor adventures and relaxing spa treatments, Phoenix is the perfect destination for a mother-daughter getaway.

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass offers outdoor adventures at KOLI Equestrian Center and relaxation at Aji Spa. Indulge in Native American customs and traditions firsthand throughout your stay; the resort was designed to be an authentic representation of the Gila River Indian Community’s heritage and culture.

© Courtesy of Arizona Office of Tourism

Travelers can explore the Sonoran Desert in a unique way with ATV/UTV/Hummer tours. Companies such as Stellar Adventures provide two-hour tours through rocky terrain, sandy washes and desert wildlife while strapped into an all-terrain vehicle.

In 2001, Arizona helped start the dark-sky preservation movement. Now the state boasts 19 dark-sky communities, places and parks, offering multiple chances to enjoy the bright stars. Experience an unforgettable night in the Sonoran Desert on Stellar Adventures’ Arizona Stargazing Tour, led by an expert astronomer who helps guide observations of many celestial wonders.

Hiking Around Tempe

For a little exercise and to see local wildlife and flowers, there are multiple hiking options in Tempe. On “A” Mountain, the 0.9-mile, out-and-back trail is generally considered an easy route and takes an average of 29 minutes to complete. The area is popular for walking, open year-round. Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail is one of the more popular trails near Tempe because of its gorgeous vista views, but keep in mind it is a bit of a strenuous hike. Papago Park is one of the most easily accessible trails and most scenic areas. Papago Park is filled with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas and lagoons. The park is also home to the Hole in the Rock hike, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo and AZ Heritage Center.