Rubbing shoulders with Barack Obama (From Dorset Society)

Rubbing shoulders with Barack Obama

6:30am Wednesday 1st July 2009

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THERE aren’t that many people who can say they have slept with the President of the United States of America.

Granted, there was at least 100 yards and several thick-set men in dark glasses between his suite and ours in the new Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, but why let such trifling details get in the way of a good intro?

Publicity coups don’t get much better than the new President choosing your recently-opened hotel to decamp his enormous entourage for the night, but Scottsdale’s winning mix of gravitas, fun and sophistication has much in common with Barack Obama.

To the casual observer, the city of Scottsdale is simply a large suburb adjoining the state capital Phoenix, but its residents are fiercely protective of its standing as a city of sophistication, culture and adventure.

Stretching 31 miles from top to toe, Scottsdale boasts more than 600 restaurants, hosts an estimated 12 million rounds of golf a year and has 130 art galleries, studios and museums and.

As well as the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, millions visit Taliesin West, the former home of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Of course, the weather helps. Even at it’s lowest in what is laughingly called winter, the temperature rarely drops below 56 degrees, while at its height, you can fry eggs on the pavement. The year-round average is an enviable 72 degrees, so it’s no wonder so many people choose to move here.

Add to that more than 25 day and resort spas – the highest per capita in the country – and one of the biggest upscale fashion malls in the country and you can understand why the New York Times dubbed the place “a desert version of Miami’s South Beach.”

Out of season, basking in the February sun in downtown Scottsdale, it’s easy to see why Scottsdale is developing into one of the country top tourist and convention destinations in the States.

In the day, wander around the pristine streets, shoot the breeze with some of the many art gallery owners, marvel at the prices of Jimmy Choos in the enormous Scottsdale Fashion Square and enjoy a relaxed meal at one of the hundreds of quality restaurants.

All this luxury and sophistication hasn’t made it cheap to live here and the real estate market in Scottsdale is among the most expensive in the U.S.

But for the people lucky enough to live here – and 8.4 million who visit each year and wished they could live there – it’s probably worth every penny.

YOU MUST…

Take a horseback ride with Fort McDowell Adventures. Saddle up and enjoy a spectacular trail ride through the Yavapai Nation, criss-crossing the Verde River valley, spotting bald eagles and other wildlife along the way.

Lose yourself in a Joyambrosia Signature Massage at the Joya Spa in the Intercontinental Montelucia Hotel. Possibly one of the most relaxing 90 minutes of your life.

Visit the world-renowned annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. Held at West World over 11 days every February, it sets the pace in the Arabian horse world, with almost 2000 horses bringing top owners, trainers and breeders from around the world competing for a chance at winning.

WE STAYED AT:

If it’s good enough for the President… The Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley opened late last year and is a stunning addition to Scottsdale’s roster of top-notch hotels. With views over Camelback Mountain, the resort has a distinctly Spanish feel, with 293 rooms including that 3,000 square foot presidential suite. The enormous Moroccan-inspired Joya Spa, the fine dining Prado restaurant, the five pools and the luxury suites help make staying here a true indulgence. Go on, spoil yourself.

Visit icmontelucia.com

THANK goodness for the postmaster’s wife. Without Sedona Schnebly - and a 1902 U.S. government that deemed the name too long - this 19 square mile city of high altitude wonders could have been clumsily dubbed Schnebly Station.

It certainly wouldn’t have done the place justice.

As upscale tourist destinations go, little Sedona has a reputation as big as the stunning sandstone rock formations that create a breathtaking backdrop for the many hikers, mountain bikers, adventurers and art lovers that flock here throughout the year.

Film stars like Al Pacino, Nic Cage and Sharon Stone reportedly have second homes looking down on Oak Creek Canyon, where writer Zane Grey once hunted and fished before the Schneblys moved into town, and it’s easy to understand why.

As an escape from the rat race, Hollywood or not, Sedona has few non-coastal equals, but as well as having a cultural heart that attracts artists and art lovers from across the U.S. and beyond, it has forged itself a reputation as being a spiritual fulcrum for New Agers.

It four ‘vortexes – Bell Rock Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa and Boynton Canyon – were ‘discovered’ by psychic Page Bryant in 1980 – and have since been celebrated as energy centres with remarkable spiritual powers.

Whatever you believe, Sedona is a mesmerising place with a wealth of sightseeing opportunities for the adventurous and who simply want to drink in the views.

YOU MUST…

Take a Pink Jeep Broken Arrow tour. Two hours of 4x4 off-roading that leads you all over the red rocks. Not for the faint-hearted, but immense fun.

Try the elk chops at the Silver Saddle restaurant and a B&B (brandy & Benedictine) to finish it off. Jump on the Sedona Trolley for both the Sedona Highlights and Seven Canyons tours, both informative trips visiting the area’s attractions, including the Chapel of the Holy Cross and the four vortexes.

Visit the Tlaquepaque arts and crafts village or take an early morning hot air balloon ride over the red rocks.

WE STAYED AT:

The Best Western Arroyo Roble Hotel in the heart of uptown Sedona has stunning views over Oak Creek Canyon and the red rocks and access to a private area of the creek. It features indoor and outdoor pools, floodlit tennis courts and a gym.

Visit bestwesternsedona.com for details

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