You may be in town for the incredible cars at Barrett-Jackson – but be sure to take time to experience all the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has to offer!
Written by Barbara Toombs
Back in the mid-1980s, then Scottsdale mayor Herb Drinkwater had a vision that the beautiful northern part of his city at the foot of the McDowell Mountains would become the epicenter of world-class events. Through Drinkwater’s persuasiveness, The Phoenix Open golf tournament relocated to the Tournament Players Club (TPC) in Scottsdale in 1987, with Barrett-Jackson moving to what had become known as HorseWorld in 1989 (changing its name to WestWorld in 1990).
The TPC was developed as part of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, a sprawling 65-acre property that also opened in 1987. Being just 2.5 miles away from the site of The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions and sharing a similar commitment to excellence, the Princess was a natural choice to become the official resort of Barrett-Jackson’s flagship Scottsdale Auction each January.
The iconic AAA Five Diamond resort has proven to be an outstanding destination for visitors of all ages – particularly in the winter months for those looking to escape their snowbound states back East. No matter the weather, the Princess offers an incredible array of activities for its guests.
Golf remains a big attraction here, with TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course and Champions Course both located right next door. The resort’s golf concierge can help visitors arrange tee times there or at one of the more than 200 other courses located in sunny Scottsdale.
For those who love the water, the Princess also does not disappoint. The resort boasts six sparkling pools, all of which are kept at a pleasant 80 degrees Fahrenheit and are open 24/7. A favorite among families is the Sonoran Splash Pool, a 6,000-square-foot aquatic oasis with two 200-foot twisting water slides, a zero-entry pool deck and a sandbox play area. Also popular for those traveling with children is Sunset Beach, the resort’s largest pool, which features a 9,000 square-foot white-sand beach and giant splash pad.
The adults-only Sonoran Landing pool invites you to swim laps in one of two lanes or just relax in an oversized hammock, plush day bed or floating bean bag and enjoy some poolside libations. At the heart of the property is the Princess Pool, with sweeping views of the resort’s lush lagoons and golf course, as well as in-pool hot tubs providing the ultimate in evening relaxation under a starry sky.
There’s also a rooftop pool for guests at the acclaimed 44,000-square-foot Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, which offers everything from the exhilaration of aerial yoga to the tranquility of a customized aromatherapy massage. At this hidden oasis guests can enjoy a wealth of treatments, as well as a wet steam room, Swedish dry sauna, hot therapeutic whirlpool, fitness center, grotto waterfall and healthy spa cuisine.
Speaking of cuisine, there are dining options to suit all tastes at the Princess. Top of the list is Bourbon Steak from award-winning Chef Michael Mina – an upscale, contemporary American steakhouse. If it’s south-of-the-border dishes you’re craving, La Hacienda will be just the ticket, with offerings including fresh guacamole crafted tableside and slow-braised pork carnitas.
Other restaurants on the vast property include the Ironwood American Kitchen for breakfast, lunch or dinner (as well as weekend brunch), while the Plaza Bar offers a great indoor/outdoor atmosphere where you can grab a bite to eat and signature craft cocktails. Looking for something a little different? Over at the nearby TPC Golf Clubhouse you can explore the innovative fusion of Asian and Latin flavors at Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar.
For those who love to shop, check out the upscale men’s and women’s clothing boutiques at the resort. You can pick up children’s apparel, pool toys and more at the Trailblazers Shop located at the Trailblazers Recreation Center – where you can also rent fishing equipment or join the kids for a dig in the virtual reality sand box, ride the 3D simulators or grab a basketball for a game of hoops at the resort’s sport court.
You may be in town for the incredible cars at Barrett-Jackson – but be sure to take time to experience all the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has to offer!
