JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort Hotel - Phoenix, Arizona

Location: 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85054 (Off the Loop 101 and Tatum) Map
Phone: 480-293-5000
Fax: 480-293-3600
Toll-Free: 800-835-6206
WebsiteJW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort is just a few miles off the Loop 101 and not all that far from Sky Harbor Airport. When you stay at Desert Ridge you are very close to freeway access and to large shopping centers. But once you arrive at this very unique resort, you will feel... oh so far away.

Desert Ridge is actually the largest luxury resort in Arizona and boasts four acres of landscaped pools and gardens. Once you enter the lobby you will know what I mean. We enjoyed exotic island floral arrangements, fountains and a collection of live orchids. Were we in Hawaii or Arizona?It's big! The resort has 950 guestrooms, including 81 suites, immense indoor and outdoor meeting space, 10 dining options, a very large full-service spa, Revive, tennis courts, beautiful pools with a fun "lazy river," two championship golf courses, shops and more creative recreational opportunities (Segway tours anyone?)

The resort is like a village. You can walk from place to place, stop in for lunch at one restaurant and then laze by your choice of pool afterward.The hallway was a warm yellow, the carpet brightly colored and the architectural touches very tasteful. But the room, decorated in whites, yellows and a soft browns, was meant for relaxation. We had a balcony overlooking the spa and herb garden. The fluffy pillows, crisp comforter and luxurious pillow mattress were all tied together with coordinating bedding, artwork and amenities. And the tiled bath with full shower and full tub was another excuse for relaxation. Candles, spa products and fluffy towels welcomed us.
Book online and save.With the stresses of life, we all need to be "revived," don't we? And Revive Spa is appropriately named. The morning I toured there was a waiting room full of denim-robed women waiting to be "revived." However, the spa treatment rooms (there are 41) were quiet, soothing and gave no hint of how large this 28,000 square foot facility actually was. Treatments run from the current special, a Revive Facial, to the intruiguing Turquoise Cocoon body treatment. There is something special about being treated with real Turquoise and Turquoise Sage Body Butter. Doesn't it sound sooo Southwest? Marrott Spa's Signature TreatmentsThe largest restaurants right on site are the Blue Sage, serving Southwest cuisine, Ristorante Tuscany, serving regional specialties with a tuscan touch, Roy's, that Asian fusion favorite, and Meritage Steakhouse, with a club feel, right on the Wildfire golf course.

At night, gather around a fire pit to savor your after-dinner coffee and listen to smooth jazz under the stars.When I arrived at Desert Ridge I headed for the pool. The kids were having so much fun in the "Lazy River," I jumped right in and joined them! Around and round we went riding the inner tubes on a comfortably swift current carrying us along the winding river.

Kokopelli Kids, the Desert Ridge children's program offers half day and full day activities as well as some night parties. The program is for children ages 4 - 12.

Desert Ridge is very elegant but also very kid-friendly. There is a casual atmosphere that helps families feel right at home.The Wildfire Golf Club, named as one of Travel & Leisure Golf's '2006 World's Best Golf Resorts,' is adjacent to the hotel. Golfers of all ages and levels can test their skills at one of Wildfire Golf Club's two 18-hole championship Phoenix golf courses.

You can even rent clubs and shoes if you leave yours at home. The resort often offers Golf Packages.

After you play, relax at the Meritage Steak House, the Wildfire Club's "club house," and stock up on luxury golf togs at the pro shop. More on Wildfire Golf.Review from About Honeymoons/Romantic Travel: "Couples who tie the knot here enjoy an executive suite and many perks of the bubbly-and-flowers variety as part of their ceremony/reception fee. Getaways include the Honeymoon Romance Package, involving a deluxe resort room, Champagne, strawberries, rose-petal-strewn sheets, Blue Sage breakfast." More on Romance at Desert RidgeKudos to the new Desert Ridge for being successful in keeping a close-in large resort from feeling large and impersonal. From the luxury-laden, very quiet rooms to the intimacy of small dining venues, you will leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind as soon as you leave the main lobby.

Dining with the Chef

Ristorante Tuscany, found off the main lobby, down an elegant staircase, is a place to savor fresh provincial cuisine (herbs and veggies from the chef's garden), sip some fine wine and, if you sit at the granite counter in front of the exhibition kitchen, interact with the chefs who may just help you select from the tasting menus.

We had the pleasure of dining with the helpful advice of Chef de Cuisine, Brian Archibald (I hear he also provides cooking courses and wine tastings). I enjoyed the elegance, the creative cuisine and, especially, the fresh ingredients. We won't tell you about the triple chocolate dessert and let you discover that for yourself!

Getting Healthy at the Spa

Well after the triple chocolate dessert the night before, we knew it was time head for the spa. As a desert girl, my skin was in dire need of some hydration and of course Revive Spa had treatments to fit the bill. The Desert Rain Hydrating Drench was just what was needed. Not being a spa person, I didn't know what to expect and wondered how I would endure the boredom of an 80 minute treatment. But I soon found out what can be done to sun-damaged skin by a true professional. I was kept busy as the therapist started with an intense exfoliation and cleansing shower. Next was warm oil, then a soothing rose and lavender mask (yes a full body mask), and a hot towel wrap. My hair was massaged with rejuvenating oils. Each step was carefully explained and the minutes just flew by. After the treatment, my skin felt like velvet.

I joined my friend at the spa pool for a healthy lunch. All the damage the chocolate had done the night before had melted away with the treatment, right?

My friend had purchased a $35 day pass to the spa and could enjoy the whirlpool, sauna, steam rooms and very quiet outdoor pool for a full day. It was so relaxing, we decided to wile away the afternoon at the spa pool.

That is what Desert Ridge is all about - choices. Choose to relax or be more active, choose your favorite cuisine. You will enjoy your time... oh so far away.