Travel Diary, Scottsdale

I LEFT MY HEART IN ARIZONA

Excuse the dramatic headline but every time I leave, I DO. Arizona has a huge piece of my heart. COVID is making me feel nostalgic and also allowing me to catch up on destination blogs. I have been traveling to Scottsdale quite frequently over the past few years and I always get questions about what to do where to go and what to see. Here are my recommendations from relaxation to the most important, FUN!  

My first tip before going anywhere is to ask people you trust and have similar interests and lifestyles. I can’t take credit for half of these spots because they have been recommendations from friends or friends of friends. Use your network, social, google, etc. to your advantage. I’ve also had the best rapid spray tan EVER for $15 bucks in Old Town. She doesn’t have a website so DM if necessary.

Off the plane first thing, CHECK THE FARE for the Taxi VS. Uber. This could save you quite a bit of money so make sure you look. Once you get to your hotel take time to relax, get to know the property and have a cocktail before you hit the ground running. Not sure about you, I absolutely hate being rushed.

It would be impossible for me to list everywhere but for the sake of organization I’m making lists. I got a tattoo in Phoenix and I honestly have no idea where it was or how to find it! Oops. Ok, here goes:

WHERE TO STAY

Andaz
Hyatt Gainey Ranch
The Sanctuary

The Gainey Ranch is extra special around Christmas time, they have a gorgeous tree and everything is lit up like Clark Griswold threw up everywhere. I did a couples massage in the private suite here at the SPA and can now die happy. No seriously, this is a must do. They have a private massage suite that leads to an even more private hot tub, lounge, shower situation. You can have wine… or beer… or both. Trust me on this, I wouldn’t lead you in the wrong direction. I can’t even take credit for it because it was a birthday gift. Pinch MEEEE.

I love the Andaz as well. They have a fantastic pool area and covered bar with TVs (if you need to watch SportsCenter and also plenty of misters to keep you cool). I like to be in the sun but not the ENTIRE day so you can still chill with your friends while they swim and get some shade if you need. Rooms at this property all have private entrances with your own outdoor space and smaller pools centered in between. There is no other place to stay if you are there in the summer and all the best brunch spots are a short scooter ride away.

The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is extra boujee but in the way we want it to be. Also a big WINNER at Christmas time. I have a huge thing for Holiday decor, can you tell? ALL the amenities and being surrounded by Camelback is absolutely breathtaking. This one is a bit further away from Old Town but well worth it!

BRUNCH & LUNCH

Montauk
Farm & Craft
The Henry
Olive & Ivy
Chop Shop
La Grande Orange

Ok, lots to do and see here but my. top TWO are the Montauk and The Henry. Make sure to get reservations for The Henry because it is a scene. In a good way.

DINNER

SumoMaya
The Mission
Citizen Public House
The House Brasserie

I wouldn’t call these kid friendly spots but let’s be honest that’s not what you are here for. I would make the flight for dinner at either SumoMaya or This Mission and then turn back around and come home if necessary. Make sure to get the wings, Sea Bass, Shishito Peppers and street tacos at SumoMaya. At The Mission everything is GOOD. Literally everything. Table side guac is a must and so are the margaritas. You’re welcome.

ENTERTAINMENT

Coach House
The Rusty Spur
BODI - Personal Training w. Sarah
Color Me Mine
Top Golf
Whiskey Row
W Hotel Lobby Bar and Rooftop
Camelback Trail
Spring Training Baseball
Suns Game & Downtown Phoenix

This is why I love this city! There is so much you can do and see. I will always make a stop at The Rusty Spur. That is my place. It is the “Oldest Saloon in Old Town” and TINY. They take song requests so make sure to bring cash. The Coach House is the most fantastic at Christmas. I do not recommend hiking Camelback with a hangover but take WATER. There are typically a lot of people, tourists included, on the trail so be prepared to wait and maneuver around small children and older non-athletic adults, especially if going on a high traffic day. Baseball games have plenty of vendors with local craft beer and food so you can eat and drink at the stadium with Camelback in the background. I splurged on tickets for the Suns game because YOLO so we also ate at the Arena and the food was VERY good. You get there and immediately are led to the lounge where you can have drinks before the game and be escorted to your seat. I think we were in the 7th row. I had way too many GINS. No regrets tho. It only led me to spending extra coin at the gift shop. I just cant help myself. Plan accordingly if ubering from Old Town to Downtown PHX so you have enough time to explore. Now go book your trip and make some memories. XO

Message me your Scottsdale/PHX questions! I will send you the links and info! 

Travel Diary, Las Vegas

COQUETTE DOES VEGAS

I headed to the desert to check out the latest fall lines from our FAVs at the MAGIC Tradeshow at the Mandalay Bay but the company and the adventures made it one I will never forget! Interested in where we went?! You know I am going to share! We stayed at The Aria and it was beautiful, had everything my high maintenance self needed and MORE! The beds were SUPER comfortable AND the pillows which can be a huge deal breaker for me because sleep is so important! They had fantastic rooms, comfy robes, a Pressed Juicery (one of my true loves), Starbucks and an amazing day spa. STAY THERE! You will not regret it! Check out the gallery and itinerary below! Happy travels, take me with when you go! XO 

DAY 1

Las Vegas Razor Adventures

We were picked up by a shuttle service at 10:30 AM for our ATV adventure in the desert.. I recommend eating a VERY light breakfast before heading out or taking it with you for the ride. It is roughly a 15 minute drive from the strip but we had to stop at another pick up point for other guests. Roundtrip it took us roughly 30 minutes. I would absolutely do the Razor Adventure again and I KNOW it is an experience that Alex and I will never forget! Check out the videos and pics below! You NEED to check it out next time you are there! 

Dinner at The Wynn at SW Steakhouse

I was amazed by the menu options for vegan/vegetarian babes at this place! You can not beat the ambience as it overlooks the beautiful waterfall The Wynn is famous for. This is a perfect spot of a photo op or an after dinner cocktail! I had the mushroom ravioli which was made with... Kite Hill Almond Milk Cream Cheese. BOOM! I know, right?! You ladies know how much I love this stuff. I had to order it and it was delicious! Their menu and portion sizes are huge! I would absolutely recommend, this is a great place to maybe spot some celebs too! 

XS at the Wynn

The vibe here was super cool and it was easy to get drinks. There is nothing worse than waiting for a cocktail, am I right ladies? Tick, tock. We had so much fun at the XS and were thankful and grateful for the experience. It will definitely be one that is hard to top and I recommend the XS if your looking for amazing music to add to your playlist. The DJs were fantastic and I was shazamming a majority of the time. I know I am a nerd, don't tell anyone! 

DAY 2

MAGIC

I was extremely impressed by the trade show and had so much fun picking out new items for the COQUETTE COLLECTION! I am making some major changes to the store and which brands we will and will not be carrying! I was able to make decisions quickly and my brand reps were super helpful in making sure my orders were made quickly so I could get on with my day! I was nursing a major hangover so I thankfully medicated with a green juice before BUT I had to dig deep. The struggle is sometimes real. We stayed for a few hours. We came, we saw and we conquered! So FUN! 

Fashion Show Mall

The Fashion Show should be on every Coquette Babes to do list while in Vegas. I picked up some necessities for Alex at Express and then also went to Zara and Topshop. I would have liked to have stopped at Nordstrom but ran out of time. We stopped for some guac and margs on the patio at El Segundo Sol (tacos and tequila, you can not go wrong even when your paying for bad decisions from the night before). 

Zumanity at New York New York

Everyone I was with said this was the best show they have EVER seen in Vegas BUT you know me. Always an opinion. I work in marketing, branding and have a performing arts background. The acts were amazingly talented and beautiful but I feel this show needs to go through a rebranding overhaul and they should hire me to do it! I wanted to see the girls in nude bras and bodysuits with sequins and rhinestones everywhere (imagine Britney in the toxic video, JLO, etc. etc.). It was good but the outfits, hair and make up seem dated. We ended up with seats in the front row which added to the experience and enjoyment, you never knew when you might get a boobie or some guys package in your face so that was NICE! I have been to many shows in Vegas and my favorite is BY FAR is The Beatles LOVE at the Mirage (I cried, many, many times). Jersey Boys is also good, Absinthe I love and so is the one and only Celine! 

Dinner at TAO

You honestly can't make a wrong decision here. The first words you see on their website are SPIRITUAL DINING.... yes, that is the type of dining I NEED! Top picks were the vegetable dumplings which were of course hand rolled, the veggie lo mein and also the broccoli with black bean sauce. I wanted to kiss the waiter when he politely asked, "if there were any vegetarian needs he needed to take care of". Why yes, sir. Go. Here. Please. 

DAY 3

SPA 

My girlfriend really hooked a girl up when she planned this fun little morning and I hope to spend Valentine's Day with her at the Aria Spa every year from now on! I double up on Pressed Juicery and met her (in my robe, didn't want to take it off) in the morning for some girl time. We hit up the 100 Degree Lava Rock, Salt Room, Eucalyptus Steam Room, Cedar Sauna, Hot Tubs and The Rejuvenation Pool. This Place is beautiful, relaxing and a great spot for instagrammy photos. You also NEED to go! I could live in the steam room. Give me all the HEAT! 

TOP GOLF

This was my first TOP GOLF experience and I really loved it. I am not good. At all. Sometimes it takes me three tries to actually hit the ball off the tee BUT my group was easy breezy so that helped. I planned on wearing cute boots with a heel but ended up taking them off. Next time I will wear flats.. I guess. Food was good and so were the drinks! If your hubby or boyfriend loves golf you must also do this! It is right off the strip! Try and get on the upper deck if you go! XO 

HIGH ROLLER

The HIGH ROLLER was cute and you must make sure you get in a bubble with a bar. They serve drinks all the way through and also provide a shot at the top. This is a great spot for pictures. I would like to go once more at night to see all the pretty lights! They made it extra cute by giving the ladies Valentine flowers. 

Dinner at STK at the Cosmo

Basically a club atmosphere while you eat. In my world, heaven. This place was also freakishly awesome and I will be going back. It was fun to be there on Valentine's Day and see all the beauties dressed up on their dates. Vegas is on another level. If you go to any of these restaurants pack PRETTY dresses, shoes and jackets so you don't feel out of place! I recommend the mushroom risotto, crab ravioli and the cloud for dessert. 

Message me your VEGAS questions! I will send you the links and info!