Molly Bridges, Senior Event and Partnership Lead at Marco Experiences, knows that Q1 is more than just the start of a new year—it’s the perfect time to bring your team together, recharge, and set the tone for what’s to come. It's when fresh ideas take root, goals are aligned, and teams reconnect after the holiday whirlwind. Phoenix offers the ultimate backdrop for this kind of reset, with its serene desert landscape, luxury resorts, and endless opportunities for team bonding. It's not just about kicking off the year—it's about laying the foundation for something strong, focused, and unstoppable.
For Q1, Phoenix, Arizona is on our radar, and here’s why:
- Ideal Climate:
- With mild, sunny weather during the winter months, Scottsdale is the perfect destination for outdoor team-building activities and relaxation.
- Luxurious Resorts at affordable prices:
- Scottsdale offers an array of upscale accommodations, from wellness-focused resorts to chic boutique hotels, ensuring every group finds the perfect fit for their retreat.
- Engaging Team-Building Activities:
- The stunning desert landscape opens up endless possibilities for hiking, golfing, spa treatments, and other outdoor adventures, creating an unforgettable and productive retreat experience.
- Top-Notch Meeting Spaces:
- Scottsdale’s properties boast spacious, well-equipped meeting venues, seamlessly blending business with leisure.
- Culinary Excellence:
- The city's vibrant culinary scene, featuring farm-to-table dining and top-tier chefs, guarantees your team will enjoy exceptional meals throughout their stay.
With Scottsdale offering this unbeatable combination of elements, it's the ideal choice for your company’s Q1 retreat.
Molly has selected five top venues in Phoenix. Discover the diverse and luxurious accommodations Scottsdale has to offer, from wellness-focused resorts to playful boutique hotels.
1. CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa
Why is CIVANA the ultimate destination for wellness and eco-conscious travelers? Our insider, Molly Bridges, dives into what makes this resort a game-changer. From sustainable luxury to transformative wellness experiences for teams, here’s why CIVANA should be on your radar if you're serious about your team unplugging, recharging, and doing it all guilt-free.
Molly’s Field Notes: I love this place! CIVANA was designed with guests' well-being in mind, making it the perfect spot for teams looking to reconnect and realign in a peaceful setting. Whether it's mountain biking, hiking, or yoga, the team bonding experiences here are incredible. We all want our employees to come back from a retreat feeling refreshed, and at CIVANA, they’ll return realigned and rejuvenated. This venue truly delivers!
- Wellness-Centric Focus: CIVANA is designed around holistic wellness, making it a destination for those seeking rejuvenation and mental clarity. It offers daily wellness classes, including yoga, meditation, and fitness programs, catering to both beginners and experienced practitioners. The wellness classes take place in one of the most stunning views in all of Phoenix, take a look here.
- Eco-Friendly: The resort is renowned for its sustainability efforts, incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-saving practices. This makes it a good choice for environmentally conscious travelers.
- Spa: The spa offers customized treatments using natural ingredients, including hydrotherapy circuits and healing therapies that focus on recovery and relaxation.
- Unique Offerings: Unlike traditional luxury resorts, CIVANA promotes self-discovery and relaxation through creative workshops, nutrition counseling, and outdoor adventure excursions, making it more than just a stay—it’s an immersive wellness experience.
- CIVANA’s new outdoor high and low Ropes Course opens in January 2025. It is a series of challenges that super charge the mind and body. You and Team may navigate obstacles, build trust through problem solving and test your own personal resilience in adventure!
Rooms: 144 rooms, each room is designed to complement the resort's focus on wellness and relaxation, with a calming aesthetic and modern amenities.
Amenties:
- Spa: Full-service wellness spa with hydrotherapy circuit, healing therapies, and treatment rooms.
- Yoga & Meditation Classes: Daily classes ranging from yoga and meditation to sound baths and wellness workshops.
- Fitness Center: State-of-the-art gym with strength training, cardio equipment, and fitness classes.
- Wellness Pools: Multiple pools, including a lap pool, therapeutic pools, and a quiet pool for relaxation.
- Onsite Dining: Health-conscious, farm-to-table dining at two restaurants, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and organic options.
- Outdoor Adventures: Guided hiking, biking, and nature walks in the surrounding desert landscape.
- Healing Arts Services: Acupuncture, Reiki, sound healing, and other holistic treatments.
- Wellness Workshops: Educational sessions focused on mindfulness, nutrition, and overall well-being.
- Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Sustainable practices, including water conservation, energy-efficient design, and organic products.
- Private Event Spaces: Venues for team-building, retreats, and group wellness experiences.
- Retail Boutique: Shop featuring wellness products, skincare, and locally-made goods.
2. Graduate Tempe
Ready for an adventure with a dash of nostalgia? Graduate Tempe, as seen through the eyes of our insider Molly Bridges, is where playful design meets affordability. From its quirky, university-inspired vibe to a prime location near Arizona State University, Molly gives us the lowdown on why this hotel is a must-stay for travelers looking to balance fun, comfort, and cost. Here’s what makes Graduate Tempe a standout choice for your next trip.
Molly’s Field Notes: Graduate Tempe is PERFECT for retreats, it blends fun and functionality, making it not only a great place to stay but also an ideal for relaxed Q1 bonding. The quirky, playful design instantly puts you at ease, and the retro-inspired rooms create a laid-back atmosphere perfect for team-building. The rooftop pool and vibrant Tapacubo bar offer great spaces for both relaxation and group gatherings. Plus, its central location near Arizona State University provides easy access to local dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities, making it a fantastic option for companies looking to host a retreat that combines work, fun, and team bonding.
- Playful Vibe: Graduate Hotels are known for their whimsical, university-inspired design, and Graduate Tempe is no exception. The hotel is uniquely tailored to the local college culture (close to Arizona State University), with fun, retro décor and academic-themed elements throughout the property.
- Quirky Design: It’s a great recommendation for travelers seeking something a little out of the ordinary. Rooms are filled with colorful, eclectic furnishings that are both nostalgic and modern, offering an Instagram-worthy experience.
- Central Location: Located in the heart of Tempe, this hotel is perfect for guests looking to explore downtown or attend university events. Its proximity to entertainment, dining, and sports venues makes it ideal for those seeking both leisure and adventure.
- Affordability: Despite its boutique atmosphere, Graduate Tempe offers more affordable luxury accommodations compared to some of the high-end resorts in Scottsdale, making it accessible to a wider range of travelers.
Rooms: 140 rooms, each designed with a playful, university-inspired theme that reflects the local college culture near Arizona State University.
Amenities:
- Rooftop Pool: A vibrant, relaxing pool area with stunning views of Tempe.
- Tapacubo Bar: Onsite rooftop bar offering a lively atmosphere with Mexican-inspired cocktails and dishes.
- Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Welcoming furry friends with special amenities for pets.
- 24-Hour Fitness Center: Fully equipped gym available around the clock.
- Bicycle Rentals: Complimentary bikes for guests to explore the local area.
- Proximity to Arizona State University: Located near ASU and other downtown Tempe attractions, including dining, shopping, and entertainment.
3. Castle Hot Springs
If it was good enough for the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts, is it good enough for you? Our very own Molly Bridges spills the tea on this secluded desert oasis that’s equal parts luxury and adventure. Nestled in a remote corner of the desert with a storied past, this hidden gem delivers team-building activities like hiking and stargazing, while offering the perfect blend of privacy and opulence for corporate retreats. If you’re looking for an offsite that’s far from ordinary, this spot is where exclusive history meets modern luxury.
Molly’s Field Notes: I’m obsessed with Castle Hot Springs for corporate retreats, and here’s why. This place nails the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. The natural hot springs and jaw-dropping desert views create the ultimate setting for teams to unwind, while outdoor activities like hiking and stargazing keep the energy high. What really gets me is the exclusivity—it’s like stepping into a hidden world of luxury and privacy, making it the ideal spot to ditch the daily grind and focus on next-level team-building.
- Exclusive Desert Oasis: This ultra-exclusive, remote resort is a hidden gem in the desert, offering guests a private retreat. It’s known for its natural hot springs, which are over 120,000 years old and provide therapeutic benefits to guests.
- Historical Significance: Castle Hot Springs has a rich history, having been a retreat for the likes of the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. It has maintained its exclusivity over the years, offering a sense of old-world luxury and privacy.
- Adventure Meets Luxury: The resort offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and even stargazing, all while keeping a high-end, luxury experience. Its seclusion also makes it perfect for those seeking tranquility.
- Farm-to-Table Cuisine: The resort grows many of its ingredients on-site, providing guests with fresh, local cuisine prepared by expert chefs, adding a gourmet element to the overall experience.
Rooms: 30 luxurious accommodations, including bungalows, cabins, and sky-view suites, providing an intimate and exclusive experience for guests
Amenities:
- Natural Hot Springs: Therapeutic, 120,000-year-old hot springs offering relaxation and healing properties.
- Outdoor Adventures: Guided hiking, horseback riding, stargazing, and off-road tours for team-building and exploration.
- Wellness Programs: Tailored wellness experiences, including yoga, meditation, and spa treatments.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Eco-conscious practices, including organic farming and environmentally responsible design.
- Rooftop Bar and Lounge: Elevated space to relax with panoramic desert views and handcrafted cocktails.
4. JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
If you're ready to ditch the typical corporate retreat and level up, JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is where it’s at. Molly Bridges highlights this gem, tucked beneath the iconic Camelback Mountain, where luxury meets desert vibes in the most unforgettable way. Picture this: epic meeting spaces, five-star accommodations, and team-building that goes beyond the usual with golf, desert hikes, and top-tier spa treatments. It’s the ultimate escape for companies looking to get things done while indulging in serious R&R. This isn’t just another offsite—it’s a game-changer.
Molly’s Field Notes: JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn is hands-down the spot for a big Q1 corporate retreat. Picture this: you’re kicking off the year with Camelback Mountain as your backdrop, setting the stage for big ideas and even bigger vibes. The meeting spaces are legit, but it’s the extras that make this place unbeatable—think desert hikes to clear your head, spa days that melt away stress, and team golf that’s more bonding than business. It’s the perfect mix of work, play, and pure relaxation to set the tone for crushing your goals in the year ahead.
- Iconic Desert Landscape: Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, this resort blends traditional Southwestern architecture with modern luxury. The desert setting offers breathtaking views and scenic hikes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Spa Excellence: The Spa at Camelback Inn is one of the most renowned in the region, offering unique treatments that draw from desert botanicals and Native American healing traditions, making it a standout wellness destination.
- Historical Charm: Established in the 1930s, the resort has a long history of hosting notable guests while maintaining its rustic charm. The casitas-style rooms and adobe architecture transport guests to a different era.
- World-Class Golf and Amenities: The property boasts an award-winning golf course, 6 tennis courts, and multiple pools, making it a well-rounded destination for relaxation, wellness, and recreation.
Rooms: 453 rooms, including spacious casitas and suites, offering guests a blend of comfort, luxury, and traditional Southwestern charm.
Amenties:
- Meeting & Event Spaces: Over 127,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, including ballrooms, boardrooms, and outdoor venues with stunning views of Camelback Mountain.
- Spa at Camelback Inn: A renowned spa offering treatments inspired by desert botanicals and Native American healing traditions, with 32 treatment rooms, steam rooms, saunas, and a private pool..
- Pools: Three outdoor pools, including a family-friendly pool, an adults-only pool, and a spa pool, all with scenic views and cabana rentals.
- Dining: Multiple on-site dining options, including:
- Lincoln Steakhouse & Bar: A farm-to-table steakhouse with stunning mountain views.
- Rita’s Cantina & Bar: Southwestern cuisine with an expansive tequila selection.
- Hoppin' Jacks: Poolside grill for casual bites.
- Sprouts at the Spa Café: Healthy, fresh options at the spa.
- Outdoor Adventures: Guided hiking and biking tours, horseback riding, and scenic nature trails nearby.
5. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain
Looking to shake up your next company offsite? Sanctuary Camelback Mountain is the game-changer your team needs. Molly Bridges spills the details on this ultra-exclusive hideaway where 109 private casitas, villas, and estates offer jaw-dropping Camelback Mountain views. Think Asian-inspired spa treatments that’ll reset your mind, and farm-to-table feasts at Elements, helmed by Food Network’s own Chef Beau MacMillan. This isn’t just an offsite—it’s an escape that blends luxury with focus, making sure your team leaves recharged and ready to crush it.
Molly’s Field Notes: Trust me, the vibe here is unbeatable. Need to recharge? The Asian-inspired spa treatments are out of this world, and the farm-to-table dining at Elements, with Food Network’s Chef Beau MacMillan, is next-level. Whether you're hiking desert trails or unwinding by the infinity pool, this isn’t just a retreat—it’s an escape that mixes luxury with productivity. If you want your team to be recharged and laser-focused for the year ahead, this is the place to do it.
- Exclusive, Upscale Retreat: Sanctuary is one of the most exclusive resorts in Scottsdale, often frequented by celebrities. Its modern, minimalist design blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, providing a sophisticated yet relaxing atmosphere.
- Mountain Views and Privacy: Each of the resort’s rooms is designed to offer panoramic views of Camelback Mountain, and with only 109 casitas, villas, and estates, it offers a level of privacy and serenity that few others can match.
- Unparalleled Spa: The spa is one of the best in Arizona, offering Asian-inspired treatments such as Watsu pool therapy, acupuncture, and a Zen meditation garden. The spa’s focus on personalized wellness makes it a top choice for luxury travelers.
- Fine Dining: Sanctuary’s Elements restaurant, helmed by Food Network star Chef Beau MacMillan, offers world-class dining with a focus on farm-fresh ingredients and seasonal cuisine.
Rooms: 109 casitas, villas, and estates, it offers a level of privacy and serenity that few others can match.
Amenties:
- Infinity-Edge Pool: A serene, adults-only pool with panoramic desert views.
- Award-Winning Spa: Asian-inspired treatments including Watsu pool therapy, acupuncture, and access to a Zen meditation garden.
- Fine Dining: Elements restaurant, led by Food Network star Chef Beau MacMillan, featuring farm-to-table, seasonal cuisine.
- Hiking and Biking Trails: Desert trails perfect for team bonding and outdoor exploration.
- Outdoor Sports: Tennis and pickleball courts, available for guest use.
- Private Event Spaces: Multiple indoor and outdoor venues ideal for corporate meetings, retreats, and gatherings.
- Wellness Programs: Personalized wellness experiences including yoga, meditation, and fitness classes.
Looking to kick off your Q1 with a bang? Phoenix is the destination to turn your corporate retreat into something legendary. Think luxury resorts that blend jaw-dropping desert views with serious team-building vibes. Whether you're resetting with spa days, hiking epic trails, or rallying the team over cocktails by the pool, Phoenix serves up the perfect mix of productivity and play. Don’t settle for the same old retreat—bring your crew to Phoenix and watch them come back fired up, recharged, and ready to crush the year ahead. It’s not just a retreat—it’s the power move your team deserves. Let’s do this!
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