If you’re looking for a great place to eat with your family, look no further than Jacy & Dakota in Downtown Phoenix! This new restaurant offers a wide variety of food options that will please everyone in your group. They also have a great kid’s menu that is sure to keep the little ones happy. Plus, Jacy & Dakota is located in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, so you can enjoy all the sights and sounds this vibrant area has to offer!
My family’s favorite places to dine in Downtown Phoenix | Jacy & Dakota
Jacy & Dakota
Location: The Westin Hotel Downtown Phoenix
333 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ
Phone: (602) 407-1114
Hours of Operation:
Breakfast
Mon–Fri 6:00 am–10:30 am
Sat, Sun 7:00 am–12:00 pm
Bar
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–11:00 pm
Happy Hour
Daily 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Dinner
Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Kid’s Menu? Yes! Kids are welcome at Jacy & Dakota with their parents or guardians. They can order off our menu for $12 per child. There are plenty of great options, including a grass-fed burger, chicken fingers, fries, mac & cheese, and more!
Vibe: Feels like you escaped the desert to Tulum
The atmosphere at Jacy & Dakota is laid-back and beachy, with white walls, wood accents, and string lights. It’s the perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing or shopping in Downtown Phoenix. You don’t realize you are blocks away from the sporting venues, across the street from the Tram, or even right next to the city bus stop. It’s incredible once you step inside the walls of
Braised Pork Shank — the presentation is amazing!
Jacy & Dakota!
Price Range: $11-30
Jacy & Dakota offers something for everyone when it comes to a price point. You can find a great meal for under $30, or splurge on something special. No matter what you choose, you won’t be disappointed!
Dress Code: Casual Chic and Family Friendly
Menu: Made Sharable and Bite-Sized to be enjoyed by many or by yourself
Beef Tip Tostadas with vegetarian and dairy free options
The menu at Jacy & Dakota is designed to be sharable. You can order a bunch of small plates and share them with your friends, or order a couple of larger plates and have your own feast! The menu is also bite-sized, so you can try lots of different items without getting full too fast. The menu is also designed to be gluten-free and vegetarian friendly, so there’s something everyone can enjoy! If you have an allergy, make sure to tell your server and the kitchen will accommodate the best possible or the service staff can make recommendations based on your dietary needs.
Don’t forget, you can host your parties with Jacy & Dakota, they can create a special menu for you, or you can pick and choose off of their menu. A few times a year, the menu is switched up to accommodate the local fresh fruits and vegetable offerings as well as the seasons.
On our visit, we enjoyed the Beef Tip Tostadas (Which Chef Brady made vegetarian and dairy-
Roasted Bone Marrow and Fried Green Tomatoes and Burrata
free for me), Roasted Bone Marrow and Oxtail (Steve LOVED this one!), Fried Green Tomatoes and Burrata, Braised Pork Shank (the girls enjoyed the presentation of this one as well as Leila couldn’t get enough of it!), Three Sister’s Bowl off of the Eat Well Menu (Chef Brady created this recipe at Jacy & Dakota and now it’s served on all Westin menus nationwide!), and Apple Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you would like to take a peek at their full menu options, they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which you can see here.
Blankets: Available for cooler winter nights and for cuddling by fire pits
Jacy & Dakota offers cozy blankets for guests to use on cooler winter nights. You can also enjoy a fire pit while you eat! What better way to keep warm than with delicious food and drinks? Such a fun, unique experience!
If you choose to not sit outside, indoor seating is also available. We chose to sit outside and the
Three Sisters Bowl
girls thoroughly enjoyed being able to sit on a long couch and cuddle with a blanket. Not to worry — if you wondered if the blankets were cleaned, I also had the same concern and Chef Brady assured me they bring out clean, sanitized blankets to each guest and don’t put them back in rotation until they have been cleaned and sanitized again!
Desserts: Made in House by a Pastry Chef
The desserts at Jacy & Dakota are also made in-house by a pastry chef, and they are delicious! We enjoyed the house-made apple pie with a scoop of local Vanilla Ice Cream. The pie was just like my grandma used to make growing up, complete with the lattice crust!
Jacy & Dakota offers a wide variety of sharable, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly dishes as
Housemade Apple Pie and local AZ ice cream
well as delicious desserts. You can enjoy your meal outside at one of the fire pits or inside in the restaurant. No matter what you choose, Jacy & Dakota is an excellent choice for family dining downtown! Would you consider going to Jacy & Dakota when you visit Downtown Phoenix with or without your family?
When it comes to awe-inspiring desert scenery, Arizona pretty much takes the cake.
Boasting some of the most iconic national parks in the country, six national forests, and a whopping thirty one state parks, it makes perfect sense if you’re feeling a bit defeated while plotting your Arizona itinerary. Seriously – How do you even choose where to go in a state that is pretty much a mecca for unparalleled views?
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems that come in all shades of colors, these are the 7 destinations in Arizona you need to put on your travel bucket list. Not only will visiting these places give you a pretty well-rounded glimpse into the best this magical state has to offer, but they will also get you inspired to come back for more.
7 Bucketlist Destinations to Visit in Arizona
1. Sedona
Way, way back in time, geological forces created deep rifts into the Colorado Plateau and Sedona’s majestic landscape was formed. With enormous desert spires lining the landscape, river canyons as far as the eye can see. And a maze of red rock formations, a visit to Sedona is as awe-inspiring as it can get.
The best part? Sedona can be explored in a million ways. For many, this region of Arizona is the ideal spot to get a pretty good introduction to desert hiking. But if you’re more into culture and heritage, there’s a wide array of museums and centers ready to be explored, too!
A big plus of Sedona is its very close driving distance for those visiting the Phoenix valley. You can travel to Sedona and back to the valley in a day. And have ample time to explore, hike, eat, and come home without feeling like you have to rush!
2. The Wave
The Wave is probably one of the most intriguing places in the United States. Located right on the border of Arizona and Utah, it may just be one of the most sought-after hiking trails in the entire world.
What makes The Wave so unique, you ask? A rainbow of orange and rusty tone plastered all over the rocks. Which make the landscape resemble a sea of shimmering desert hues.
The Wave hike is only 6.4 miles long. But due to the conditions of the area and heat, it can get pretty strenuous even for expert hikers. Moreover, due to its popularity, it’s pretty difficult to snag permits to hike The Wave. So make sure you start planning your visit as early as possible as this is not a hike you can do spontaneously!
3. White Pocket
If you’re keen on checking out a hidden Arizona gem, White Pocket is just the hike you’re after!
If you couldn’t snag a permit to hike The Wave, White Pocket is a pretty good alternative (or addition) to your itinerary. Made up of whacky-looking Navajo sandstone formations, White Pocket is a sea of pink, orange, and red hues that will have you wondering if you were transported right into the heart of Mars.
4. Havasupai
7 Bucketlist Destinations to Visit in Arizona
Turquoise-colored water cascading down from bright red rocks is what make Havasupai one of Arizona’s most stunning places. Seriously, getting to swim in the turquoise blue waters with the road of the waterfalls echoing on the canyon walls will make you feel as though you’ve been transported into the movie Avatar.
The Havasu Canyon boasts five waterfalls in total: Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls, Havasu Falls, New Navajo Falls, and Fifty Foot Falls. Each one more strikingly gorgeous than the last. The best way to see them? By going on a hike! Even though hiking in the desert is quite a challenge, you’ll be able to stop at each waterfall to get refreshed. Which isn’t too shabby, if you ask me!
As a note, keep in mind that Havasupai is set on Native Land and is kept by the Havasupai Tribe. This means it’s extremely important to be respectful of their culture. And, if possible, learn a bit about their heritage. So you can better understand the land you’re walking on during your visit. Moreover, visiting Havasupai requires a permit that isn’t very easy to get. So try applying for it as early as possible to try to snag yours!
** Havasupai hasn’t been reopened after the Pandemic. And probably won’t until at least summer of 2022 so take note of this when looking at this destination.**
5. Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim Section
Visiting the Grand Canyon may sound a little cliché. But the fact that it’s one of the most iconic sights in the USA. And a natural wonder if the world makes it a must-see in your Arizona bucket list.
If you’re the type of traveler who likes to do things a little differently and would much rather avoid the crowds, you’ll be delighted to know that you can totally visit the Grand Canyon and do things a little differently than most travelers do. While most visitors focus on the South Rim of the canyon, there are actually a ton of off-the-beaten-path trails and activities on the lesser-visited North Rim. This region of the park is considered a bit more adventurous and is often overlooked by tourists. Which means you’ll get to experience the Grand Canyon in a more secluded way!
If you visit Arizona in the winter and want to take a visit to the Grand Canyon, make sure to pack winter clothes. The elevation is much higher and winter happens quite a bit more than other areas of the state.
6. Antelope Canyon
Arizona is home to some seriously stunning slot canyons. And Antelope Canyon might just be the king of them all. This stunning canyon was created by harsh floods flowing into the cracks of sandstone in the area. Which created a spectacular swirl of colors that brim to life when light reflects off the rocks. With light beams brimming from high canyon walls, Antelope Canyon may just be one of the most photogenic sights in entire Arizona.
Plus, if you want to get off-the-beaten-path during your visit, you can also check out the lesser-visited adjoining canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, which is just as stunning but is made up of narrower passageways, so you’ll find yourself twisting and turning to get through the walls.
7. Petrified Forest National Park
7 Bucketlist Destinations to Visit in Arizona
Some 225 million years ago, heavy floods brought trees into the area. Time passed, volcanic eruptions covered the dead trees in silica-rich ash. And the logs were petrified and buried for centuries to come. Today, the logs have been exposed again. Making the entire scene looks like a rainbow of sparkly colors that will have your jaw dropping right on the ground.
A few must-dos while visiting Petrified Forest include checking out Crystal Forest, where colorful logs adorn the path, walking along the rim to check out the stunning views of the park’s Painted Desert, and hiking the alluring Blue Mesa Trail, where you’ll get to walk through badlands that look as they belong in a completely different planet. If you’re keen on a really spectacular sight, make sure you also walk down the Giant Logs Trail. Which does get a bit crowded but boasts a display of the largest logs in the park.
Moreover, if you’re interested in learning more about the region’s Native American heritage, make sure to pay Newspaper Rock a visit. While here, you’ll get to see a display of over 600 petroglyphs, some of which are as old as two thousand years!
I hope this list of the best destinations in Arizona helped you come up with the perfect road trip itinerary! Even though Arizona is home to a vast array of things to see, these seven spots are the perfect place to start getting a taste of Arizona’s desert magic.
Have you ever visited Arizona? I can’t lie, there are a few places on this list still on my own bucketlist! What are some other incredible destinations that are musts in everyone’s itinerary? Let me know your favorite spots in the comments section below!
Here is our selection of the 10 most beautiful paradisiacal beaches in the world where we have the chance to enjoy the warm sand and the turquoise and crystal clear water. It is a world tour of the most beautiful beaches and the most beautiful lagoons, the most beautiful caves, coves, points, and coral atolls. Immediate embarkation to idyllic destinations of relaxation and adventure between Bahamas, Thailand, Philippines, Brazil, Indonesia, Bora Bora, etc. While there are several beaches in the US worthy of this list, we have been cooped up all of 2020, some of 2021, and need something to aspire and dream about for the rest of our lives!
Top 10 beach destination ideas
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing vacation, look no further than the beach! The sand, sun, and surf provide the perfect escape from reality. There are endless beach destinations to choose from, but we’ve put together a list of our top picks to help get you started. Whether you’re looking for an exotic getaway or a quiet retreat by the water, we have something for everyone. So pack your sunscreen and flip-flops and let’s explore some of the best beach destinations around!
1) Pink Sands, the famous pink sand beach on Harbor Island in the Bahamas
This world tour of the most beautiful beaches starts in the Bahamas. This destination makes more than one dream. Pink Sand Beach is located on the Island of Harbor Island, which lies north of the Caribbean Sea. The peculiarity of this island is that a golf cart circulates it. The particularity of the beach lies in the pink color of its sand. It is the result of mixing white coral powder and red plankton particles.
2) Sabai Beach on Koh Mook island in Thailand
The authentic island of Koh Mook is located in the south of Thailand and more exactly in the Andaman Sea. Sabai beach is located southwest of Koh Mook. This beach deserves its 2nd place in this top 10 of the most beautiful beaches globally. And we will quickly understand why. Sabai beach is a deserted and heavenly beach as one can dream of, and also, it is surrounded by impressive steep cliffs. It’s seclusion is a major draw to have your own beach time to yourself away from the rest of the world.
Our handyman grew up in Thailand and I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews of the beaches throughout the country. So I can’t imagine photos come close to doing it justice!
3) The Beach Shack south of Corong Corong in El Nido in the Philippines
The Bacuit Archipelago in the Philippines is a truly magnificent natural site that has enough to compete with Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, believe us. From Corong Corong beach, the archipelago can be discovered on a day boat trip. The sunset show takes place right across the bay from the beach. And our favorite is The Beach Shack.
4) Lopes Mendes beach on Ilha Grande in Brazil
Traveling in Brazil means both were visiting Rio de Janeiro and exploring the country’s sublime landscapes such as the south’s dream islands such as Ilha Grande. Lopes Mendes beach is the most paradisiacal beach on the island of Ilha Grande.
5) Sera beach in Togian Islands in Sulawesi in Indonesia
This is the most beautiful beach where we have had the chance to put our bags in over 20 years of traveling worldwide. Welcome to our favorite playground globally: Sulawesi, which is located in Indonesia north of Bali and south of the Philippines.
6) Bernardi beach, Pyrénées-Orientales
Located on the Côte Vermeille 3 km from the small town of Port-Vendres, the pretty Bernardi beach is located in a paradisiacal cove with a very Mediterranean atmosphere. Its waters compete in shades of turquoise, and it is possible to go for beautiful walks on the coastal path.
7) Gigaro Beach, Var
The long Gigaro beach, near Croix-Valmer, is a privileged place to admire an incredible sunset over the Mediterranean’s waters.
8) Podrace Beach, Brela, Croatia
South of Split, on the sublime Dalmatian coast and near the small tourist town of Brela, is Podrace beach. There will undoubtedly already be a few other swimmers sunbathing there, but its crystal-clear waters, seaside restaurant, and excellent facilities explain the craze for this little piece of paradise.
9) Petani Beach, Kefalonia, Greece
Less known than the famous Myrtos beach, Petani is just as beautiful as its big sister but is not overrun with tourists baking in the sun. It’s a charming stretch of golden sand dotted with small pebbles, and the surrounding cliffs are stunning.
10) Oka beach, Laurentians
Located in Oka National Park, this sublime beach is a favorite with families, who also want to take advantage of the aquatic facilities and activities.
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing vacation, look no further than the beach! The sand, sun, and surf provide the perfect escape from reality. There are endless beach destinations to choose from, but we’ve put together a list of our top picks to help get you started. Whether you’re looking for an exotic getaway or a quiet retreat by the water, we have something for everyone. So pack your sunscreen and flip-flops and let’s explore some of the best beach destinations around!
Miles of pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and turquoise waters await you on the East Coast. This area is home to some of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach town, check out Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For a more relaxed vibe, head to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. And if you’re looking to escape the crowds, consider exploring one of the many secluded beaches along the coast.
The South Pacific is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Fiji to Tahiti, there are endless options for a perfect beach vacation. If you’re looking for white-sand beaches and clear blue waters, consider the Maldives. For a more adventurous trip, try scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. And if you’re looking for luxury resorts and turquoise waters, consider Bora Bora in French Polynesia.
The Indian Ocean is home to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the world. If you’re looking for a quiet retreat, consider Mauritius or Seychelles. For a more active vacation, try kitesurfing in Indonesia or snorkeling in the Maldives. And if you’re looking for an exotic getaway, consider exploring one of the many islands of Madagascar.
Finding the perfect beach destination is an adventure. If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing vacation, look no further than the coast! There are endless destinations to choose from with something for everyone in mind. Whether you want seclusion or luxury resorts, pristine beaches, or exotic islands, we have it all covered in this article. Which of these top beach destinations will you be visiting next? Let us know in the comments below!
When you first walk into the newly opened AC Hotel in North Scottsdale, you are greeted with hospitality and relaxation. The colors are inviting and calming, and it’s European inspiration shines right through the modern design. It’s no wonder their target audience of Millennial, like myself, love to work and play at this hotel line!
AC Hotel – Newest Modern Escape in the Desert
Coworking seems to be the name of the game in the lobby, as you will find many different seating arrangements and opportunities to relax and still accomplish work. Much like the other locations in this hotel line, they only have one private room for meetings onsite. The rest is an open concept, which we all know speaks to my soul! If you are in need of a meeting space to entertain clients, this room is bookable, even if you aren’t a guest of the hotel. AC gets the state of the world right now, and understands your office may not be open, but you still need to conduct business.
Let their home become yours when you need a meeting space.
One other thing you can expect and will see in the lobby and carried out throughout the common areas of the hotel – live plants. When Brian, the Sales Manager, was showing me around, I had to stop and feel if they were real! Yes, the succulents are all real as are the plants outside in the outdoor dining area.
To me, this was a great touch that brings in the outside through the expansive glass windows and doors, really making it feel completely open. Right off of the bar area, guests can enjoy outdoor seating and the pool. The artwork and thought that went into the design is incredible. You will be in awe everywhere you look, not overwhelmed.
Food and Beverage Service
Since opening in January 2021, in the middle of a global pandemic, the food and beverage service are a bit modified. Understandably so. For breakfast, you can still get a variety of items. Dinner service starts at 5 pm, and you can also do catering. If you are in need of an event space, or wedding space, the side patio is available to accommodate your needs. And it has a covered roof which will be perfect come summer!
One of the coolest things I saw at AC was the call buttons on all of the tables. It corresponds to a watch the servers/bar attendants wear, and lets them know you need something based on which button you press. It allows you to enjoy your space while still being able to have your needs met when you need them. And it also allows for as minimal contact as you want from service staff, without having to chase them down, either poolside or barside.
And as an attendant, it gives them reassurance they are taking care of you, and you are fine, without hovering over you. <— Wish I had this back in my days of serving and bartending back in the early 2010s! I can imagine there would have been fewer of those “awkward Hey, wanted to check to make sure you were still ok?!” asks!
Food and Drink Selections
One thing you will notice about this hotel versus other hotels in the valley – they have a specialized drink menu created just for this location. Michael Jordan’s tequila line is a staple of their selections. And you have to try the Sunset, their newest gin drink.
Now, I’m not a gin fan, or drinker, and I even told Jolie and Albert, the attendants, I think it tastes like pine cones 🤷🏼♀️. However, they convinced me this drink wouldn’t. And they were right! The combination of pineapple juice, Grand Marnier, and blue Gin, make this an eye appeasing and palette pleasing drink!
The next special drink on the menu is the Spire. Named and created after the Scottsdale Spire, just up the road from the hotel. The Spire is a piece from Frank Lloyd Wright, a major inspiration in the area for architecture.
Make sure to watch the video for the creation and the fun way they light it up! 🔥
As far as food goes, you can get dinner, which is mostly Tapas and smaller plates, from 5-9. I saw and tried a few selections. And I’m told the house made meatballs are the best. (I’m not a meat eater, but they did look appealing). The bread with the arugula salad was amazing! And the pecans in some kind of candying were also drool worthy.
The last thing that caught my eye for food and beverage – in the mini bar area off of the check in desk, there’s a wine opener on the wall. They sell bottles of wine in the mini bar. But you can also purchase a bottle from the bar, open it at the mini bar or take it home, and enjoy it! Another amenity I find so useful and wonder why all hotels don’t have this!
Artwork
Every piece in the hotel is on purpose. From the REVIVE wall on the patio by the pool that repeats itself to the wood statues who were commissioned by an artist who flew Internationally to Arizona to visit the Grand Canyon and create the pieces after its beauty. I loved all the textures, the heights, and the simplicity. Real plants and succulents are featured throughout the property to bring the beauty of the outdoors, in and create unexpected color.
Guest Rooms
As with most hotels, this one has amazing rooms that carry the calming colors and atmosphere as well as the modern design throughout. The bathrooms have sliding glass shower doors, and pedestal countertops to keep the open and light feel, and all the TVs have streaming available with the most popular options.
Views from the room are incredible – either of the mountains or the city – the perfect spot to work away from home. With the guest rooms, access to the on site gym is available as well as any of the services across the plaza at the Westin Kierland Resort.
Overall, the AC Hotel in North Scottsdale is a top spot to consider when wanting a staycation away from home, or for business and leisure travel to Scottsdale and really experience living the high life while still getting work done. I know I will be planning a little staycation here very soon!
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to tour the brand new restaurant for the private community, Desert Highlands, which was specifically made for the members of the community. Jack’s Gastropub is modeled after the famous golf legend and course architect, which is exclusive to the members of the community. When visiting Desert Highlands, I had no idea it even existed in the desert. Even though I have driven by it many times on the way to my family’s home.
Please enjoy the photographs I grabbed and if you are thinking of moving to the desert, the community has several amenities and appeals to a more mature demographic – one that is potentially moving from California or other locations to the desert. It appeals to someone wanting the ability to access the city yet have all the amenities of land, golfing, a private community, and a restaurant/bar usable only by you and community members. I have left the link below for you to check.
Desert Highlands Introduces Jack’s Gastropub
The remodel started in 2018 which was originally part of the library. And they modeled it around Jack’s first course in the desert, which is also on the property. Phx Architecture designed the entire project and removed a patio that blocked all of the amazing light which you now see over the open circle bar in the center which seats up to 22 people. The food featured is small plates and some of Jack’s personal food favorites. And his signature on many things.
My personal opinion of the community is a great one! If I was looking for a community to move further from where we live now, and a golf course in my back yard, this is the one I would choose. Maybe someday when the girls are older we can look into something here. For now, we will stay where we are. But look forward to meeting some community members to visit Jack’s Gastropub again! The ahi cones are a MUST try! And the cocktail menu is pretty robust as well!
Dynamic Clubhouse Amenity Completes $2 Million Project that Included Kitchen Renovation
Desert Highlands – the acclaimed luxury golf club and community in the stunning Sonoran Desert of North Scottsdale – unveils Jack’s, a lively gastropub inside the clubhouse named after golf legend and course architect Jack Nicklaus, to its members.
Led by award-winning architect Erik B. Peterson of PHX Architecture, Jack’s is a high-energy gathering space that diversifies Desert Highlands’ dining options. A large custom communal table commands the room and provides a custom bar experience for up to 22. Jack’s also features high tops, flat-screen televisions and images that pay homage to the influence that Nicklaus and other golf legends have made.
The design also incorporates a piano bar and upgraded lounge area, which provides members a relaxed atmosphere to mingle and entertain. Additionally, the eatery’s entrance offers a “walk through memory lane” feel, featuring images and classic golf memorabilia. The overall aesthetic is a modernized take on a historical clubhouse. And Jack’s incorporates an entire interiors refresh designed by Sam and Mike Hatch of the Hatch Design Group.
Construction of the gastropub, along with a renovation of the Desert Highlands kitchen was part of a $2 million project that began in June.
The kitchen renovation, which finished a month ago, includes the creation of an efficient layout that allows the club’s culinary team to be more imaginative. An additional 16 feet of space allows Executive Chef Todd Allison to oversee the entire operation and create direct service lines for both the gastropub and the club’s intimate Ventana Room. Additional enhancements include improved acoustics, which provides a more positive overall dining experience.
“We are excited to showcase Jack’s to our members and provide them an engaging and festive dining experience,” says General Manager / COO Monty Becton. “Our culinary team constantly evaluates the immediate and long-term needs of our membership and wants to create a completely seamless and first-class dining experience for our members. The gastropub, along with the kitchen renovation and other enhancements, allows us to accomplish this and remain a standard bearer for upscale private communities.”
Desert Highlands’ energetic lifestyle consistently draws discerning families and active Boomers in equal measure – golfers, tennis enthusiasts, pet lovers, and health and wellness enthusiasts.
A full social calendar allows residents to fully enjoy this peaceful community.
Stretching to over 7,100 yards, the Desert Highlands golf course recently re-opened after a $7 million renovation project that included refurbishing every bunker, restoring the 13th hole to its original design, installing a new irrigation system and updating cart paths. The splendid golf course offers a challenging, but fair test, and striking views of Pinnacle Peak and the lights of the Valley spread across the horizon in the distance below. Desert Highlands was Nicklaus’ first design in Arizona, and immediately set the bar for desert golf experiences, not only in Scottsdale but statewide and nationwide.
Just as impressive is Desert Highlands’ Racquet Club, which sports 13 tennis courts featuring all three Grand Slam surfaces – grass, clay and hard. Noted ATP player Nick Kyrgios considers Desert Highlands’ grass courts “better than Wimby [Wimbledon].” The Racquet Club also added two regulation-size pickleball courts earlier this year.
In addition, Desert Highlands boasts a 7,700-square-foot Wellness Center, an 18-hole professionally designed putting course and a spacious dog park.
Inside, the club provides residents peace of mind with a state-of-the-art security system, professionally trained security personnel, visitor control and access, and other protection amenities. Among the acclaimed residential services that truly pamper residents and meet their specific needs – shipping and transportation assistance, pool and spa maintenance, auto detailing and other customized services.
Scottsdale’s premier private community and club, Desert Highlands melds Sonoran Desert luxury with world-class golf, tennis, dining and residential services. Located just 30 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Desert Highlands is easily accessible for second and vacation home owners. It is only minutes away from famed Old Town Scottsdale and its myriad shops, restaurants and art galleries. Homes (all resale) range from $1 million to over $6 million, and feature architecturally adapted styles and systems for life in America’s most vibrant desert. A residential remodel program offers investors the opportunity to have the membership fee waived during the period in which they are restoring / upgrading their investment property. The club’s Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is considered one of the best layouts in Arizona, and hosted the first two Skins Games back in 1983-84.
Each year, we take a family trip to one of the Hawaiian islands with the hope that one day we will have a house there. 2020 was a bit different as we all know. The state of Hawaii and her islands were one of the last to open back up to tourists and we took every precaution to be able to get to visit her beauty this fall. Here’s how we safely traveled to Hawaii with our children amid COVID-19.
How to safely travel to Hawaii amid COVID-19
Hawaii pre – flight testing
The first thing we did when setting out to take this trip was to plan the days, and which island. This may not seem important or much different than any other trip, however it is in current times. Some of the islands require additional quarantine or won’t rent for less than x amount of days.
Another consideration is to be flexible in your travel dates as not all flight paths have been fully restored yet. You may want to take a 10 day trip but may need to cut to 9 or extend to 11 to get a flight home.
Once you decide where and when, the need for pre-flight testing comes into play. If you don’t mind quarantining for the first 14 days you arrive and not leaving your place you are staying for anything, no testing is needed.
Our travels were only for 9 days, so we opted to get a COVID-19 test from Vault Health. It was an approved provider that mailed a saliva test to our home with the cost being $150. You can file with your insurance company for reimbursement if you’d like. There are several other providers listed on the site, but this was specifically recommended and used by Hawaiian Airlines, which we always fly.
The test is required 72 hours before the final leg of your trip into Hawaii, and must be done on a Zoom call in front of personnel from Vault Health. You call in and wait for a practitioner and then take the test. Because it’s a spit test, you can’t eat or drink or smoke or chew anything 30 minutes before the test.
Testing Process
It’s a very simple process, the hardest part being creating enough spit to fill the tube. The average time it took the 6 of us traveling to take it was about 10 minutes. Leila, our 9 year old, took about 30 minutes because she wasn’t sure how to spit I think.
Once your test is completed and sealed, you simply drop off and wait for the results. Everything is logged and tracked, and Vault Health emails you with status updates.
Most everywhere you go, the QR code as well as the Negative test results are required for entry, so getting the result before leaving or landing on the islands is pretty important.
Some airports have testing right at the airport for Hawaiian Airlines passengers while the home test is the only option for others. The two options that had testing when we went were LAX and San Francisco. If you are flying from the east and have a layover in one of these airports, this might be the best option for you since the test is required to be taken within 72 hours of the final leg of your trip.
In order to be able to do anything when landing and not quarantine, the self testing in front of a practitioner was the only option for us. We were very careful before testing as well as before traveling to limit exposure and to hopefully pass our test.
We sent our test out on Sunday a few hours after completing the test, and it didn’t leave the UPS store until Monday evening. Tuesday afternoon, we received an email saying our sample had arrived at the facility. Overnight, our test results arrived via email, and we were able to upload them into the required Hawaii.travel.gov site so we could pass through screening much quicker.
If you plan to travel to the islands, doing the self testing before leaving is the easiest and quickest if you want to do anything when you land. The state requires online forms to be filled out within 24 hours of departure, and this is where the QR Code and COVID-19 test results are uploaded to keep everything together. The QR Code is required or Contact Tracing is recorded when you visit restaurants or places of leisure.
The islands are opening back up and her people want you to come visit safely. We are still in a pandemic, and be sure to bring your mask and wear everywhere unless actively eating or drinking. Personally, we knew what we were getting into, and it Hawaii has been closed for 7 months, so they are being very cautious, probably like we all should.
It’s time to visit the islands if you want, but there’s some things I’ve outlined above you need to keep in mind and line. If you don’t have everything done you could be denied entry or cause a longer wait when you arrive. Also – if you don’t comply or abide by their masking guidelines, you can be kicked out of the place, and the airlines can ban you from flying with them again.
majestic landscape was formed. With enormous desert spires lining the landscape, river canyons as far as the eye can see. And a maze of red rock formations, a visit to Sedona is as awe-inspiring as it can get.
border of Arizona and Utah, it may just be one of the most sought-after hiking trails in the entire world. 
king of them all. This stunning canyon was created by harsh floods flowing into the cracks of sandstone in the area. Which created a spectacular swirl of colors that brim to life when light reflects off the rocks. With light beams brimming from high canyon walls, Antelope Canyon may just be one of the most photogenic sights in entire Arizona.
The authentic island of Koh Mook is located in the south of Thailand and more exactly in the Andaman Sea. Sabai beach is located southwest of Koh Mook. This beach deserves its 2nd place in this top 10 of the most beautiful beaches globally. And we will quickly understand why. Sabai beach is a deserted and heavenly beach as one can dream of, and also, it is surrounded by impressive steep cliffs. It’s seclusion is a major draw to have your own beach time to yourself away from the rest of the world.
Located on the Côte Vermeille 3 km from the small town of Port-Vendres, the pretty Bernardi beach is located in a paradisiacal cove with a very Mediterranean atmosphere. Its waters compete in shades of turquoise, and it is possible to go for beautiful walks on the coastal path.
8) Podrace Beach, Brela, Croatia
10) Oka beach, Laurentians
open. Right off of the bar area, guests can enjoy outdoor seating and the pool. The artwork and thought that went into the design is incredible. You will be in awe everywhere you look, not overwhelmed.
commissioned by an artist who flew Internationally to Arizona to visit the Grand Canyon and create the pieces after its beauty. I loved all the textures, the heights, and the simplicity. Real plants and succulents are featured throughout the property to bring the beauty of the outdoors, in and create unexpected color.
community, Desert Highlands, which was specifically made for the members of the community. Jack’s Gastropub is modeled after the famous golf legend and course architect, which is exclusive to the members of the community. When visiting Desert Highlands, I had no idea it even existed in the desert. Even though I have driven by it many times on the way to my family’s home.
The remodel started in 2018 which was originally part of the library. And they modeled it around Jack’s first course in the desert, which is also on the property. 
Construction of the gastropub, along with a renovation of the Desert Highlands kitchen was part of a $2 million project that began in June.
restoring the 13th hole to its original design, installing a new irrigation system and updating cart paths. The splendid golf course offers a challenging, but fair test, and striking views of Pinnacle Peak and the lights of the Valley spread across the horizon in the distance below. Desert Highlands was Nicklaus’ first design in Arizona, and immediately set the bar for desert golf experiences, not only in Scottsdale but statewide and nationwide.
In addition, Desert Highlands boasts a 7,700-square-foot Wellness Center, an 18-hole professionally designed putting course and a spacious dog park.
took the 6 of us traveling to take it was about 10 minutes. Leila, our 9 year old, took about 30 minutes because she wasn’t sure how to spit I think.
The islands are opening back up and her people want you to come visit safely. We are still in a pandemic, and be sure to bring your mask and wear everywhere unless actively eating or drinking. Personally, we knew what we were getting into, and it Hawaii has been closed for 7 months, so they are being very cautious, probably like we all should.
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