Scottsdale, Arizona

In just under 11 hours from London I had touched down in Phoenix Arizona and on my way to Maricopa County and the city of Scottsdale. 

This city is bursting at the seams with things to do.  You want shopping … there’s the designer brands at Scottsdale Fashion Square, the local boutiques of Fifth Avenue, head up to Scottsdale Quarter for an outdoor shopping experience and nearby Kierland Commons to refuel.  There’s an abundance of art galleries, perfect for a more leisurely morning.

My time in Scottsdale saw me on a jeep safari in the Sonoran Desert, horseback riding at an authentic ranch and star gazing under a perfect desert sky.  Known as the World’s Finest Golf destination there are 200 courses in the area.  All manner of off roading from segway tours to ATV.  Hiking trails, rafting – I told you this place is literally bursting at the seams, but my all-time favourite experience came on my penultimate day.

Wakeup call before sunrise, drive to the meet point in the pitch dark, help assemble the equipment… you’re wondering where the fun is in all that – my thoughts exactly but then everything was ready and as the sun rose, I lifted off on my very first hot air balloon ride.  I struggle to find the words to describe the feeling of lift off or indeed of gliding over the Sonoran Desert.  The calm, the silence it was breath-taking.  I would get up any morning pre-dawn for that! 

With world class hotels, amazing restaurants and a year-round climate what are you waiting for!