The Phoenician Resort Amenities and Activities
If you love luxury points-friendly resorts that offer something for all members of the family, then The Phoenician, A SPG Luxury Collection Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, may fit the bill nicely. We visited the resort in May of this year using a combination SPG points and a cash upgrade to score a large suite. You can read all about how and why we selected the resort, as well as get a detailed look at our suite in this post.
One of the main attractions for us at the resort were the pools, water slide, and splash pad area, so I dedicated a whole post to those attractions here.
However, even though there are nine pools, a 165 foot water slide, and a splash pad, that is really just the beginning of what this resort has to offer. Here's a look at some other amenities available at The Phoenician that we were able to see or sample on our weekend visit.
Tennis Courts
This resort has an impressive array of tennis courts including a Wimbledon championship grass court, seven Plexipave hard-surface courts, two courts with a Rebound Ace surface, and a Prestige Plexicushion surface on center court. I'm not sure what all of that means exactly, but I can tell you it looked impressive. Included in your $29 daily resort fee is complimentary tennis court and equipment rental for up to one hour of play, excluding the grass court.
There are also tennis pros available for instruction, as well as a tennis shop. We didn't play any tennis on our visit, but we did see the courts on our way to the outdoor chidlren's play area...
Children's Outdoor Play Area
The resort has an outdoor children's play area near the tennis courts that is covered at least somewhat from the pretty powerful Arizona sun. Adjacent to the play area is a half basketball court that isn't protected from the shade.
Even though it will be quite hot outdoors during the summer at this resort, it is still pretty awesome that they offer kid-friendly amenities such as this play area.
The Centre for Well-Being Spa
One of the things I was most looking forward to on this trip was a visit to the 22,000 square-foot spa, especially since I was able to score a discounted massage via a Living Social coupon, saving about 40% over the regular massage prices. A quick call to the resort verified they would accept the coupon for a prenatal massage, and we were all set.
The large spa looked pretty impressive going in, and they even had a massage table with an indention for my (quite large) belly. I have had a few prenatal massages during my two pregnancies and I can tell you that the quality and techniques used during those massages varies tremendously. Some people seem very hesitant to really apply pressure to pregnant ladies, some have you lie on your side, some have these belly contraptions as shown below, some have you lie on your backs, etc.
I think this massage contraption would have been good if I was earlier in my pregnancy, but given how far along I was it still wasn't really comfortable with my big belly, and I spent most of the massage being stressed out that I was on my back or my belly, neither of which was very good at that point. I should have expressed my preference to switch to laying on my side at some point, but I didn't, and as a result my massage ended up being kind of stressful instead of relaxing. Whoops. That was largely my fault, so I don't blame the spa, but just wanted to mention it for those who may consider getting a prenatal massage at some point.
The Funician Kid's Club:
Our older daughter has grown to love resort kid's clubs and really looks forward to going to them while we are on vacation when they are available. This resort has what they call a "Funician" Kid's Club for children 5-12. You can book full day, half-day, or Saturday evening sessions at prices that range from $85 for a full day from 9-4 and a half-day or evening 4 hour session for $65. If your child or you just want to check out the facility they offer daily tours from 4P - 5P where you can meet the staff and adopt a complimentary stuffed bunny.
Little C went to the Kid's Club for their Saturday evening session while my husband and I went to dinner at the resort. One really cool bonus with the Kid's Club's Saturday evening session is that they give you a voucher for 25% off at the Il Terrazzo or Relish restaurants which happened to cover where we were headed. This helped offset the cost of the Kid's Club a little bit and was a nice gesture that they offer for the parents.
While at the Kid's Club she did crafts, was fed dinner, roasted marshmellows, watched the evening release of the Phoenix (a bird), and basically had a blast for a few hours. Even when we ran into her and the kid's club instructor after dinner she wanted to keep playing for a bit longer!
Dining at The Phoenician:
We ate most of our meals either in the room or by the pool, but we did have one "adults" dinner at Relish, which is located at the resort golf course. This was a casual burger spot that seemed to be pretty popular with the golfers finishing up their late afternoon rounds.
We had a reservation, but as long as you weren't picky about whether you were sitting indoor or outdoors that reservation didn't really seem necessary the day we visited. The menu is made up of soups, salads, starters, milkshakes, beers, and of course burgers. I had the delicious black bean burger, but there are "meat" burgers ranging from the kobe beef burger to salmon, turkey, and tuna burgers.
The service and food here were very enjoyable, especially given the relatively painless dinner prices (for a resort). If we come back to the resort I would certainly visit Relish again with or without the kiddos with us. One money saving tip if you want to eat or drink at Relish is to go during happy hour from 3:30 - 6PM daily where there are $6 margaritas, $4 beers, and appetizers ranging from $3 - $9.
Many of our other meals were eaten by the pool at the Oasis Pool Bar and Grill both for convenience and to keep the prices a bit lower than room service or some of the more formal restaurants might offer. The food quality was good and the prices weren't terrible with the children's prices being especially gentle on the wallet as far as resort prices go...and we might have ordered several of the entrees off the children's menu for ourselves. The spring rolls below were $7 and Little C's smoothie was $2.25!
If you want to stay here using some of the points earned from via the Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express note that the resort is currently 20,000 points per night on points or 10,000 points + $180/night via a cash and points rate. I also recommend simply checking cash rates as during some times of the year you may get better deals that way rather than using valuable SPG points since I like to get well over 2 cents per point value from my SPG points.
Have you ever visited The Phoenician? What did you think of the resort?
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.