Why visitors will be praising Arizona

Oct 26 2007 By Lisa Haynes

State's amazing aura makes it an absolute must-go destination

When Robbie Williams needed some serious rehab, he got out his map of Arizona and checked into Phoenix's Cottonwood clinic.

He may not have spent his stay scribbling postcards or seeing local sights - but after my luxurious week in Arizona, I think Robbie went home a reformed man.

Newcomers to the "Wild West" imagine sandy deserts and cowboys, and first impressions won't disappoint - but it does have a few surprises in store.

Arizona divides roughly into three zones: the deserts of the south and west, the central highlands, and the northern Colorado Plateau. Its major conurbations, Phoenix and Tucson, are in the south surrounded by the Sonoran Desert. Holidays in Arizona, therefore, attract the outdoors crazy.

But my first morning soon brought a different perspective to my "yee-ha!" preconceptions. From my colonial-style casita at The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, I was wowed by a lush green landscape.

Yet in the midst of never-ending desert, you're only a short car ride away from Scottsdale's modern Downtown shopping district, currently undergoing almost Û3bn worth of development. Setting off next morning at 6am to beat midday temperatures in Scottsdale, we blew away the cobwebs with a hike up nearby Pinnacle Peak to absorb stunning views of the Sonoran Desert.

After breakfast, it was time for a Desert Nectar Facial in the spa of our Four Seasons Hotel, the perfect antidote to dusty hikes, before a visit to the ultra-modern Scottsdale Fashion Square where shoppers get popular US stores like Macys or designer boutiques such as Burberry and Gucci.

With the pound so strong against the dollar, I couldn't resist a pair of Calvin Klein heels at barely £30. With the exchange rate on our side, it's a shopping haven. The heart of Scottsdale is more than a temple to retail therapy, however.

Culture vultures can dive into an array of vibrant art galleries, golf fans have a choice of several courses and foodies can revel in award-winning restaurants.

Our next stop, Sedona, could hardly have offered a more dramatic contrast. Famous for its red rock formations, Sedona makes an ideal location for a desert retreat because of its reputation as a creative mecca.

Often called a museum without walls, Sedona can soak you up in the "mystical vortex energy" that apparently radiates from its rock formations. It's an experience to view these rocks from a height during a "yoga hike". Although the contrasting landscapes of Scottsdale and Sedona are barely two hours apart by car, they will appeal to many. The common theme is the luxurious spas in each destination.

Major resorts have spent millions to ensure their spa packs the utmost in pampering and preening. Wherever you stay, the views will be rarely less than stunning. If he goes there again, I'll wager that Robbie will ditch rehab to find revitalisation of an altogether different kind.

Travel facts...

Lisa Haynes was a guest of Arizona Office of Tourism. She flew with British Airways from Heathrow to Phoenix. British Airways offers seven nights' room-only stay at four-star Royal Palms in Scottsdale from £1,552. BA offers flights from regional airports including Manchester and Glasgow, from £78 per return per person.

British Airways reservations: 0870 242 1276 or ba.com/holidays. Arizona tourism UK brochure at 020 8741 7256.