Some places demand a visit—and then there’s Arizona, which demands a return. When you think you’ve seen its last canyon or soaked in its final sunset, the Grand Canyon State throws another ace out of the desert deck. As June slips into July, Arizona is humming with surprises. And no, it’s not the heatstroke talking.
Let’s begin where all good stories do—in a day spa with robots.
AI-Powered Massages in Scottsdale? The Future Has Hands
Over at the AWAY Spa in W Scottsdale, the future has well and truly landed—armed with silicone fingertips and a finely tuned algorithm. Arizona’s first AI-powered massage, courtesy of a collab with clever techies at Aescape, offers a full-body rubdown from a pair of intelligent robotic arms. You set your pressure, your trouble spots, your mood. The machine takes it from there.
“Imagine if your chiropractor and your favourite barista had a baby, and that baby was a robot,” one amused guest told me. “It’s bizarre—and utterly fabulous.”
Frankly, I’ve had worse conversations with humans.
Top of The Lodge A New Stay at Castle Hot Springs – photo courtesy of Castle Hot Springs
Lake Pleasant Cruises: Gin, Charcuterie and Desert Fauna
One doesn’t usually associate the words “wine,” “cheese,” and “cruise” with the Arizona desert—but that’s only because they haven’t been aboard a Lake Pleasant Cruise. These hour-long jaunts serve up stunning sunsets, live music, and wine-soaked brunches as standard.
If it’s fauna you’re after, the Narrated Sightseeing Cruise will do the trick. It’s a masterclass in spotting lizards and learning why nothing green survives summer in Peoria. Charcuterie cups included.
Prescott’s Arboretum Gem: Sharlot Hall Museum Blossoms
Prescott’s Sharlot Hall Museum is no longer just a charming historic site—it’s now officially an arboretum. And not just any old cluster of shrubs. We’re talking 89 species of woody flora and an exquisite rose garden honouring Arizona’s pioneering women. Don’t miss the Yavpé Ethnobotany Garden either, co-designed with the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe, which pays homage to plant wisdom far older than Route 66.
And yes, there’s a log cabin built in 1864 by Arizona’s first governor. You’ll feel underdressed.
Scottsdale’s REMI Hotel: Rooftop Cocktails and VIP Nights
Not to be outdone, Scottsdale’s Entertainment District now boasts The REMI—a boutique bolthole with 161 rooms, five dining venues, and a rooftop pool that practically begs for a selfie. Book the Loft Suite with patio access to the pool deck, sip on Japanese-inspired cocktails, and claim your VIP pass to the neighbouring Maya Day + Nightclub. Subtle? Not. Fabulous? Undoubtedly.
Hotel Valley Ho’s $18 Million Nod to the ‘50s
Speaking of retro revivals, Hotel Valley Ho has undergone its most extensive facelift since Elvis was in the charts. A cool $18 million later, its mid-century bones have been buffed to a high sheen. The rooms in the original wings are now open, refreshed and ready to charm you senseless. Want context? Take the hotel’s 90-minute “Magical History Tour.” John Lennon would approve.
Acoustic Cellars Lodge: Music, Wine, and a Hot Tub
Head to Cornville—yes, it’s a place—for Acoustic Cellars Lodge. Nestled in the Verde Valley wine country, it’s a dreamy blend of wellness retreat, wine crawl, and live concert venue. You can play pickleball, pet an alpaca, and listen to blues legend Leon J strum his heart out while you soak in the hot tub. This is Arizona with soul.
Castle Hot Springs’ New Top of The Lodge
For those who prefer their desert luxury with a side of hydrotherapy, Castle Hot Springs has just opened its grandest suite yet: the Top of The Lodge. With three bedrooms, four bathrooms and a wraparound deck that practically demands a glass of wine at sunset, it’s ideal for girls’ weekends, family reunions or anyone needing a reset without forgoing room service.
Wild Bunch Family Pass: Kid-Approved Arizona
Travelling with kids? Enter the new Wild Bunch Family Pass—a free digital passport highlighting 60+ attractions across Arizona, guaranteed to keep young travellers happy and parents (mostly) sane. Think Grand Canyon Railway, interactive museums, and the kind of adventure that starts with a map and ends with ice cream.
Mesa’s Digital Accessibility Travel Guide: Inclusion Done Right
Mesa continues to lead the way as the world’s first Autism Certified City, now with a Digital Accessibility Travel Guide to match. From sensory-friendly attractions to verified accessible trails, Mesa’s tourism scene is now one of the most inclusive in the world—hats off to them.
Sedona: The Most Mindful Place on Earth
According to Travel + Leisure, Sedona is now the Most Mindful Destination on Earth. That’s not hyperbole—it’s backed by three years of TripAdvisor data and a “mindfulness scale” score of 92. Between the red rocks, spiritual vortexes and world-class spas, it’s no wonder folks come here to recalibrate. It’s Arizona’s answer to a warm, healing hug.
Indigenous Culinary Experience Wins Big
Held each November, the Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience has been quietly impressing with its blend of traditional cuisine, live performances, and curated tastings by Native chefs. PHOENIX Magazine rightly named it the “Best Under the Radar Activity” in its Travel Awards.
SHIV Supper Club: Scottsdale’s New Sensation
Dining has gone dramatic in Scottsdale, thanks to the SHIV Supper Club. By day, it’s upscale cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. By night, it transforms into “The Dessert Room,” where you’ll sample 12 show-stopping sweets from pastry wizard Nundi Harris. Just don’t forget to book.
Flight News: Arizona Soars Internationally
Starting Feb 2026, STARLUX Airlines will launch Arizona’s first nonstop flight to Asia—linking Phoenix and Taipei with thrice-weekly Airbus A350-900 service. Meanwhile, Air France has upped its Phoenix–Paris route to five flights a week. Who says the desert’s isolated?
By Jason Smith
