Phoenix (multi) Family Fun!

We have a group of families with kids currently ranging from 8 to 15 that go on vacation together at least once a year. Our very first trip together was to Iceland when the youngest kids were just 5 years old and we’ve been vacationing together ever since! This year, we all met in Phoenix, AZ for a long weekend getaway to escape the cold. If you have never been to Phoenix in February, you’re missing out – the weather was absolutely perfect in the low to mid 70s everyday.

We stayed at the Arizona Biltmore, a beautiful resort with plenty of activities and options for the whole family. A glamorous, expansive property inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, the resort had a fun yet luxurious old-timey, art deco vibe. 

Some of our highlights of the resort included:

• Le Petit Chef, a fun and immersive culinary pop-up at Renata’s Hearth. Prior to each course, we were able to watch as the tiny chef prepared our next course. It was truly a gastronomic adventure for children and parents alike!

• With 7 different pool options and full service, most days (and some nights) were spent poolside. The Paradise Pool, the largest pool with a swim up bar, hot tub, and waterslides, was the family favorite, but since each building had its own pool in the courtyard there were a few nights when the kids enjoyed the hot tubs closer to their rooms after dinner.

• The property had two golf courses (the Links Course and the Estates Course) so of course (pun intended) the dads had to check them both out. Though it is the older of the two courses, the Estates Course was recently updated to include new fairways, tee boxes, and white sand bunkers and was the obvious favorite for the dads.
• The moms were able to get away for an afternoon at Tierra Luna Spa. While there was a wide variety of service options (including soaking and grounding experiences in addition to the traditional spa services), the highlight of the spa is the Sol Garden, an indoor/outdoor sanctuary with a cold plunge, hot tub, and plenty of space to lounge around before and after your service. It was a lovely escape!
• Being a former fitness instructor, I know how much a good gym can motivate or de-motivate you, especially while on vacation, and the Fitness Center at the resort was definitely a motivator. The 3,000 sq ft space included plenty of machines and equipment as well as an outdoor lawn area to enjoy a workout in the beautiful weather.

While we could have easily spent the whole time at the resort, we ventured off the property to go hiking and grab a couple of meals. The Hole in the Rock is not really considered a “hike” for avid hikers, but it was just right for our large group to get beautiful sights of Phoenix.

One of our favorite meals off-property was the adults’ dinner at Different Pointe of View. Not only was the food delicious with a special Valentine’s Day menu, but the views were truly spectacular.

There was a little something for everyone on this trip and we all enjoyed our short getaway together. I can’t wait to see where our next multi-family adventure will take us!