Bring on the Heat: W Scottsdale

I admit it. I've been to Arizona several times, and while I love the scorching, dry heat and cool blast of A/C every time you walk inside, I've never been able to put my finger on the pulse of those desert towns. Until now. In a rare move of strategic planning, I pit stopped in Scottsdale en route to Puerto Vallarta, and if I didn't have a plane ticket and reservation south of the border, I'd stick around a while longer.

Anchored within walking distance of Scottsdale's burgeoning entertainment district, W Scottsdale offers a sexy vibe for a youthful crowd looking for a good time with a dose of sophistication. Old Town is also nearby and packed with hip restaurants, art galleries and wine tasting rooms.

The first W Hotel to open in Arizona, W Scottsdale delivers the brand's signature contemporary flair, with 230 guest rooms (including 33 suites) so there's plenty of room for your entourage. I'm immediately in love with the quirky touches, like the "All the President's Cocktails" adult coloring and recipe book in my room. (Politically speaking, we could all use a drink about now, right?). There's plenty more to discover at the property, and while I'm happy to be within striking distance of so many great venues, I find myself joyfully sequestered to enjoy the onsite amenities.

In lieu of the traditional lobby, W Scottsdale's Living Room, Lounge & Bar is the property's pulsating welcoming mat, outfitted with industrial chic design, an interesting cocktail menu, and live music
Wednesdays through Saturdays. An ascending staircase leads to the WET pool deck (open 24 hours a day for those that like to frolic in the wee hours of the morning).

The open-air venue is a destination for tourists and locals alike, whether you want to soak in some rays during the day or catch some moves with some of the hottest DJs around town at night. Thirteen private cabanas deliver serious wow factor and include flat screen televisions, privately controlled sound, and high-speed Internet access so you can Snapchat some of your favorite moments.

WET Weekends are now in session (12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Friday-Sunday) and offer some of the summer's best pool parties. If those day rays are too much for you, WET After Dark keeps things cool on Thursdays from 8 p.m. to midnight. W Scottsdale is one of the brand's most notable properties regarding programming - it's not just a bed for the night, but rather an experiential getaway that's constantly reinventing itself, such as Shockwave: a Cirque-Inspired Night Swim on August 4.

Bliss Out

After footing it around Old Town and shopping until my credit cards crumble, I need some serious rest and relaxation. W Scottsdale's Bliss Spa is the ideal spot to find such respite amid its 14,000 square feet of indulgence.

Especially for guys, Bliss' vibe isn't too frilly or floral, but still offers that attention to detail and high level of service you expect in a spa experience. Men-centric treatments include the "home improvement" three-stage facial, the "manly-cure" for the well-groomed handshake, and the "'sole'man pedicure" to keep those feet in well-groomed flip-flop shape. I opt for the "rubber neck" - a targeted rubdown that concentrates on my neck, shoulders and scalp.

Sushi Roku

All of that unwinding has made me hungry, and W Scottsdale's outpost of Sushi Roku satiates my appetite in seafood spades. I opt for the "Omakase" offering, a personalized selection of the chef's favorite dishes, and accompany the multi-course menu with a sake tasting, which includes Junmai Gingo, Junmai Daiginjo, and Yamahai Junmai.

Three glasses in and I'm feeling good, but not so snookered that I can't appreciate the bounty of dishes that cascade from the sushi bar and open kitchen, including scallop sashimi with pink peppercorn olive oil, a Katana Roll with spicy tuna and shrimp tempura, and filet mignon-wrapped asparagus with a soy mirin sauce.

Special Itineraries

If you're looking for a Scottsdale getaway with a little more lift in your step, the W Scottsdale SCULPT package offers fitness and wellness components to reboot and recharge. The package includes a personal training session with Lucas James (named best trainer in Arizona by Arizona Foothills Magazine) and accommodations in the Spa Suite, which features a freestanding soaking tub, floor-to-ceiling windows, and access to the hotel's Zen Garden. (Available through December 21, 2017).

For those who'd rather calorie burn on the dance floor, W Scottsdale's new Rock Star Package. Amenities include a room that overlooks Scottsdale's bustling entertainment district, two complimentary cocktails and a bottle of sparkling wine to kick off the festivities, and VIP access to the hotel's WET Pool Deck and Shade Lounge as well as two clubs within walking distance: Dakota and Maya Day and Nightclub*.

*Exclusive access to Maya Day and Nightclub is not valid for all performances.