Pumpkin Pedicures and Flaming Coffee at the Fairmont

By Susie Timm, Head Cheese

When I was in high school, I spent 4 years as a ball kid working the professional tennis tournaments at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

I was outfitted in super slick Reebok clothing and I got to meet every major tennis player from Andre Agassi to Jim Courier.

It was my first real experience at the Princess and one that lives in my mind forever.

As an adult, I spent a few dinners at the hotel here and there, but for the most part the hotel and the memories faded into my past.

Last year, I had the opportunity to spend some time at the restaurants on the property and slowly but surely remembered the joy of my youth.

This time instead of professional tennis and new shoes, I experienced great food and cocktails at a number of the fabulous restaurants.

I received a press release recently from their PR office and was drawn instantly to the “Pumpkin Pedicure” they were offering at the Willow Stream Spa.

“Sign me up!” I told the hotel.

They took me seriously!

Eric (dear meaty husband) and I checked into the hotel last Saturday for a new memory making weekend of fun.

I started out at the absolutely stunning Willow Stream Spa. I had spent the morning doing a photo shoot for my website, so I had my pedicure at 3 pm.

I was fairly regretful I didn’t spend more time using the spa facilities. It was so large and clean and since I am a huge fan of jacuzzis, the indoor and outdoor options looked simply amazing.

I headed to the salon for my pedicure and was greeted warmly by my therapist Anna. She offered me tea, coffee, cookies, a warm neck pillow and reading materials.

I was mesmerized by the orange bubbling water that I was to put my footsies in to soak.

It was pumpkin and cinnamon scented and smelled good enough to drink!

I will skip every minute detail of the pumpkin pedi experience, but it was truly delightful.

I got a pumpkin sugar scrub, a pumpkin leg mask and various other foot treats.

My peds haven’t been that happy in a long time.

The pumpkin pedicure is being replaced this month by a winter peppermint version, and if it’s anything like my experience, it will be well worth a repeat visit!

After the pedicure I headed back to our beautiful suite to really check out the room. We stayed in the Fairmont Gold section of the property overlooking the 2nd hole of the golf course that the Waste Management Open is played on. (Eric knew it was the 2nd hole by my phone description prior to his arrival)

I relaxed, and waited for my husband to join me. After he arrived we headed to the Stone Rose Lounge for a pre-dinner cocktail or two.

I really like the environment of Stone Rose. From the outside fire pits and large outside bar, to the big screen TVs and sleek interior, I love how “hip” that Stone Rose makes me feel.

We enjoyed a few libations and headed to La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval for dinner.

Back in my ball kid days, my friend Kirstin and I used to go to the original La Hacienda for the killer nachos they used to have on the menu.

Today, Sandoval has created a lush and flavorful menu with various interpretations of Mexican classic dishes.

We tried the appetizer sampler and seriously loved every bite. I especially enjoyed the empanadas and sopes because the flavors stood out but did not overpower.

The table side guacamole was as good as any I’ve had in the Valley or in Mexico. I would like the chips to be a little less crunchy, but hey, that’s my only complaint about the entire weekend.

Our main courses arrived and I had the filet and Eric the slow roasted pork. Eric’s pork was paired with a sweet corn sauce and my filet was cooked to perfection.

Throughout the meal, we were joined by Danielle, the Tequila Goddess (her actual title) and she tempted our taste buds with a tequila flight unlike any I had ever tasted.

I’m by no means a tequila expert so I won’t even try to describe it. Except I will say the tequila left such a delightful burn on my lips I felt like I had a much cheaper Restalyn treatement.

For dessert we had homemade churros that were a show stealer, but the actual show stopper was the flaming coffee made tableside.

Our server wheeled a cart over and doused the glass with cinnamon and then lit it on fire. And then the fireworks ensued. I really had no idea that cinnamon could create such a fantastic show. The coffee was warm and rich and of course very alcoholic.

The atmosphere in La Ha is warm, cozy and incredibly romantic. We enjoyed every moment and every bite. I cannot wait to return for another date night in the near future.

After dinner we headed over to one of my very favorite restaurants, Bourbon Steak for a night cap.

I was so full all I could manage was a glass of H20 but Eric had a couple of cocktails as we caught up with Sommelier Nick and the other members of the hospitable staff.

We headed back to the room for some much needed (meow-free) shut eye and I slept like a rock.

I woke up to a beautiful Scottsdale morning and headed the 10 minutes back to reality.

If you are in the market for a staycation or a vacation, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is by far one of the most stunning properties I have ever stayed at. The service is impeccable and the food divine. Of course I also recommend a trip to their spa.

All in all, it was a terrific weekend and one that a whole bunch of new memories are made of.