For more than a millennium, the ancient Hohokam tribe tended the desert in which Phoenix now sits, irrigating it with a series of canals bringing water from the rivers running from the White Tank Mountains. Then, in the centuries preceding Columbus, they vanished, leaving their ruined waterways as their only legacy.
Phoenix was born out of the Hohokam ashes and today thrives as America’s fastest growing metropolis. Those same canals have created a landscape both stunning and surprising, as the striking pillars of red desert rock rise out from verdant green lawns and leafy copses, in a true triumph of engineering over nature.
This has all the trappings of Wild West country, yet this is one of the golf capitals of the US and is currently experiencing rapid growth in its fine arts scene.
Where to stay
The Royal Palms excels on every front. The Arizona Grand Resort caters superbly for both business and leisure, with comfortable rooms and a wide range of facilities.
Where to eat
Binkley’s is a great American restaurant serving the latest in molecular gastronomy; for the super-foodie, Bourbon Steak is the brainchild of former Bon Appétit magazine chef of the year Michael Mina. Adventurous, eclectic Tai sources many ingredients from local Native American tribes, combining them to great effect.
What to see
The Desert Botanical Gardens are a great chance to learn about desert flora and a cool contrast to other such gardens elsewhere. Hike up Camelback Mountain to catch the amazing sunshine. Phoenix Zoo is extensive and well-stocked; alternatively, there is an amazing number of local golf courses.
