Staycation at Camelback Resort

 My family has been frequenting the Marriot Camelback Resort for many years now, it has practically become a tradition to stay here over Thanksgiving break and whenever we have family in town. A bit of a staycation, a bit of a getaway, and a lot of luxury! The resort is right by Scottsdale but you would never know if once you are inside. It is on several acres of beautiful desert land in the shadow if Camelback mountain.  It's so peaceful, you might as well be in your own private Oasis.

This time my aunt was in town from the Pacific Northwest, so we once again visited our favorite place so we could have a nice little vacay.

The grounds are beautiful, peaceful, and blend with the natural environment.  Although we did see a camel walking about, no biggie.

 You find little friends all over...

Each Casita has its own patio, so you can have a morning coffee (Starbucks on location) or a glass of wine while you relax in the shade.

There is a beautiful pool with a restaurant nearby the casitas.

 I loved thePpink Bikini, and I'll be trying the recipe out at home.

The Arizona sun is pretty harsh even in the winter months, so we usually only stay out for an hour or two.  The staff occasionally stroll by and hand out frozen fruits or small lemonade popsicles so we don't overheat.

The main lobby has a gathering area connected to several larger restaurants and a bar.  This is where everyone usually has their main meals and provides opportunities for socializing.

 In the mornings and evenings it is not uncommon to hear live music on stage.  Luckily we vacation here in the colder months so we can gather around a firepit and mingle with the other guests.

There is a Spa on the grounds and a small hiking trail.  It is worth going just to experience the sunset.

In the evenings after a hearty meal and recovering from a carb coma (or too many margaritas), we usually head out to the firepits and make s'mores.

If you are ever in the Phoenix area, definitely check out the J. W. Marriott Camelback Resort.  I highly recommend them, and they also offer Government discounts, which is great!

They even allow the littlest guests!

I had a great staycation and so did my aunt, as usual.  The best part was that after feeling like I was away from it all, I only had to drive twenty minutes to be back home!