Living Well In Scottsdale
Scottsdale…The Valley of the Sun is perfectly suited for year-round wellness enthusiasts. Scottsdale is a great mix of desert breeze and sunshine. Last week, I was in Scottsdale for the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Usually, this weekend consists of cocktails (I mean a lot of cocktails), sunshine, and lots of golf. This year, being pregnant was definitely a different experience for me. I treated the weekend as more of a health & wellness getaway. Here are my favorite go-to healthy restaurants, workout studios, and spas.
The Foodie
TRUE FOOD KITCHEN: If you are on the hunt for a health-driven, seasonal, and fresh menu…this is it. True Food Kitchen prides itself with a beautiful health conscious menu that tastes really really good. My favorites include the kale guacamole, the inside out quinoa burger, and the bison burger. Oh, and the drinks are all made with fresh ingredients, they even make their own ginger beer for their Moscow mules!
CHOP SHOP: Nick and I use to live right around the corner from this gem that is located in Old Town Scottsdale. Their menu has everything I could want…organic smoothies, green juices, breakfast egg bowls, amazing salads, great wraps, and protein bowls. This spot was my go-to place pretty much every day while we were living in Scottsdale.
FARM & CRAFT: Farm & Craft is new to the Scottsdale scene, and it has easily become one of my favorite breakfast, lunch, or dinner places. First, the open air floor plan is perfect for Arizona weather. Second, they have a delicious “cold-pressed cocktail” menu! Finally, the menu and atmosphere are great for dates or taking your guy out. Their farm-to-table menu has a contemporary twist. My favorites are the kale, brussel sprout, and cauliflower salad, or the salmon bowl. You must check this place out for date night or a fun Scottsdale lunch.
FLOWER CHILD: If you are looking for food that is cooked fresh and served quickly, this is the place. Their sustainable foods menu has excellent soup, salads, and sandwich options. Their crushed avo toast is a signature and must-have dish, and I also love their Vegan Ingredient Salad, which I always add salmon.
KALEIDOSCOPE JUICE: This place screams wellness. If you are looking for organic cold brew coffee, protein smoothies, the best green juice, or healthy baked goods…you will love Kaleidoscope. They have a few locations around Scottsdale, but if you visit their Arcadia location, they have a full breakfast and lunch menu that is amazing!! From acai bowls to things on toast, to tuna tacos, this is the place for all thing organic and healthy.
KALE & CLOVER: Love this menu! From breakfast to lunch, this is the place in North Scottsdale. Definitely try the homemade coconut milk latte, turkey bolognese made with zucchini noodles, or the faux pho bowl. Everything is delicious and healthy here!
The Workout Enthusiast
The Madison Improvement Club: If you are looking for a Soul Cycle type of spin class, The Madison has just the option for you…their “party on a bike” class. Super upbeat music and great instructors make this class sure to leave you with a good sweat and an endorphin rush. They also have a yoga studio that has one of the hardest and best yoga classes I have ever taken. The other huge bonus of this place…Kaleidoscope Juice Bar is conveniently located right inside the lobby, perfect for your post-workout smoothie or snack.
BARRE3: The moment you step into one of the Barre3 locations, you immediately want this to be your “girl tribe.” The gals at Barre3 are very welcoming and their energy gets you in the mood for a great workout. Plus, they are all super fit and beautiful, even more motivation to get in a good sweat. The Barre3 workout is different from other barre studios, as it incorporates getting your heart rate up while strength training. Be sure to check them out!
FIT REPUBLIC: This is an all-in-one fitness studio. They offer everything from hot yoga to cycling to TRX class. You name it, they have it. It is located right in heart of Old Town, so definitely stop in and try one of their HIIT workouts or Arsenal Strength workout…so good!
CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN: If you like to hike, this is a must when visiting Scottsdale. The hike will take you about an hour to get up, but the views are stunning. This hike can be tough, so make sure to bring water and really good shoes. The mountain is packed on the weekends, so opt for a weekday morning hike.
PINNACLE PEAK: This is another good hiking option, and it is located in North Scottsdale. This hike is much easier than Camelback, and it takes about an hour round trip. The views here are great as well!
The Spa Lover
Joya Spa: Located in the Omni Montelucia Resort, the Joya Spa was my go-to place for a great oxygen facial when living in Scottsdale. Now, whenever we visit, it is still the best place for a facial. The Joya Spa is gorgeous, plus they have a private spa pool with great views of Camelback. They usually have spa specials for weekday treatments, which I highly recommend as they cut the price in half! I always get the oxygen facial, and I leave with glowing, dewy skin.
Well & Being Spa: Another hotel spa, located in the Fairmont Princess is the Well & Being Spa. Stepping into this spa, you are immediately relaxed. Again, I always look for their seasonal deals. They usually have great deals on massages. Plus, take advantage of their rooftop pool.
