The name says it all: Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa is a stay where you can refresh your spirit and enjoy the peace and serenity you've been searching for. The property is located in the quiet nooks and crannies of Camelback Mountain and the views from the rooms are spectacular. Let's not ever forget to mention the food, which has always been exquisite whenever I dine with them.
One of the things I truly enjoy about this resort, is the rooms and how it simply feels like a small house you're staying at, not a hotel room. That's true comfort. My room was equipped with a large living space with TV and dining area, a large soaking tub and separate shower, a room with a super comfy bed and another TV, as well as a balcony that gave me a full view of the valley and a bar area with drinks, coffee maker and snacks for purchase.
The other draw to this resort, for me personally, is the restaurant, Elements. Make sure to try and reserve a table with a front row view of the sunset. In our case, there was a storm rolling in and we got to see the sky light up with lightning after the sun set with magnificent colors reflecting off the clouds. We started with a soft burrata with Duncan Farms melon and prosciutto, it was super creamy and the whole dish was light and fresh. We then opted to try the fish collar, which was a special for the night and the buns. For my entree, I had the most memorable seven spice nairagi with green onion sticky rice and rock shrimp avocado salad, which I would literally order on a daily basis. For dessert, we had the chocolate fudge flourless cake and the buttermilk cheesecake with peaches and fresh citrus. Both of these desserts were knock outs and even though we had ordered quite a bit of food, we cleaned those dessert plates.
The rest of the night was spend enjoying the nice bed and watching Shark Week. We spend the following day at the pool but not the main pool, as we had small children with us. There are no kids allowed in the main pool during the weekend, they do have two small pools on property where you can have children.
So who should stay at this property? Couples looking to have a nice, quiet and delicious stay or even the solo traveler looking to recenter themselves or a trip with friends looking to have a more relaxing of a trip.
If you fall into one of these categories, I highly suggest you grab one of these staycation deals before it's too late and we head into peak season again.
For wellbeing:
· Paddle Board Yoga
Elevate your yoga experience with Paddle Board Yoga. Classes are held in the Infinity pool at 7 a.m. every Thursday through Sunday for just $55 per person.
· Spa Steals
Guests can escape the heat at the Sanctuary Spa. The 60-minute Swedish Massage and Sanctuary Jewel Facial drop to $119 midweek and $139 weekend (regularly $175/$185). Post treatment, guests can relax in the new Women’s Quiet Room – a windowless, cocoon-like escape designed for tranquility that opened this year. And day guests that enjoy a Monday-Thursday spa treatment receive access to the spa and amenities—including the infinity pool, lap pool, steam room, whirlpools, relaxation lounges and fitness center—for the entire day.
For foodies:
· Summer in Paradise
Simmer down to a three-course meal by Food Network favorite Executive Chef Beau MacMillan at elements restaurant. Available for $49 per person (plus 50 percent off select wine bottles), not including tax and gratuity from Sunday to Wednesday, June 3 through Aug. 30.
· Lunch and Learn
Impress friends with new skills after a culinary lesson from Chef Carl Ruiz, Master Mixologist Tony AbouGanim and Chef Danny Grant. Lunch and dinner events will be Saturdays, Aug. 4, 11, 25 and Sept. 1.
· Brunch at elements
End the weekend on a high note with Sunday brunch at elements from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. A must-try on the a la carte menu: black truffle benedict on English muffin with breakfast potatoes, nueske’s bacon, grilled asparagus and foie gras hollandaise. For more options, click here.