My task was simple: Reset and recharge. I always get a little stir crazy towards the end of March in Calgary – I love winter, but as soon as I start to feel the warmth of late winter sun on my face, I get anxious for the arrival of spring and the change of season.

Scottsdale, Arizona experiences 330 days of sunshine a year. The nearby Sonoran desert comes alive with flowers, blooms, and wildlife.

The big, bold, blue sky offers the chance for Canadians to exhale after a long winter, finally enjoying days and evenings in the great outdoors.

When I arrived at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, I was immediately taken with the warm and welcoming personality of the hotel. From the front door Stetsons to the wagging tail of Bixby, a yellow lab who occupies the front lobby, I knew I had arrived at a whole new level of world-class experience.

Serenity is the word of the day at the Well & Being spa, located on-site. Lollygaging is the word of the day – The waterfall pools, rooftop sun pool and various steam rooms, saunas and hot tubs in an exceptional setting lets you feel worlds away.

    

Venturing the Fairmont’s 65 acres allowed me to stop and smell the roses – literally. A fragrance garden is one of many sanctuaries on the property. Bird songs erupt at every corner, sometimes emerging from the least likely places.

Once the sun sets, life heats up at the on-site award-winning La Hacienda restaurant, known for incredible Mexican cuisine and a huge collection of tequila – watch out for the snakebite!

    

One of the great rewards of staying at Fairmont property anywhere in the world is their ability to uniquely showcase the surrounding area and culture, while never sacrificing the exceptional service they are famous for.

The guest rooms feel like a “home away from home” and every property incorporates elements of nature and tradition of the local area.

In this case, it includes fantastic southwestern architecture, gardens, and cuisine. I immediately felt at home, and easily unplugged from life. I walked a little slower, breathed a little deeper, and soaked up the Arizona sun.

Real life could wait just a little longer.