LOVE BLOOMS IN THE DESERT - PHOENIX
Fine hotels, scenic vistas and a wealth of activities make Phoenix a good spot for couples. Valentine's Day has nearly come and gone, and so have the Valentine's Day package offerings. But romance lingers on, as sweethearts everywhere continue to think about an amorous escape. Agents should tell those clients about Phoenix, which offers cultural venues, desert beauty and a number of romance packages.
If couples are looking to spend a lazy day curled under the shade of a tree watching passersby, or hike up the side of a mountain, they can spend a day in any number of Phoenix's parks. A great view of the city can be found at the summit of Squaw Peak Recreation Area.
Tel: 602-262-7901.
PHOENIX MOUNTAINS PRESERVE
One of the city's best-known landmarks and part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. A 1.2-mile trail leads to the peak. Camelback Mountain
Tel: 602-256-3220
Among the city's most prominent landmarks, showcases sheer red cliffs, the Praying Monk rock formation and the familiar camel's silhouette, as well as hiking trails. Papago Park/Hole-in-the-Rock. Consists of more than 1,200 acres of rolling desert hills and rugged mountains, and facilities include a golf course, museums, picnic areas, fishing lagoons (an urban fishing license is required), hiking trails and the famous peek-through rock landmark.
Tel: 602-256-3220.
Facilities at the 222-acre Encanto Park include a picnic area, two golf courses, fishing lake and nature trail in addition to a boathouse and lagoon. None of these parks charges admission fees.
Tel: 480-941-1225.
DEER VALLEY ROCK ART CENTER
Another interesting stop for lovers could be the Deer Valley Rock Art Center. A research center for Arizona State University. The facility features a short trail that leads to rocks covered with thousands of well-defined petroglyphs, and an interpretive center that helps explain their meanings and origins.
Tel: 602-582-8007.
PHOENIX ART MUSEUM
Couples in search of art displays in less rugged settings should try the Phoenix Art Museum. Which houses 16,000 works. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and $2 for children 6 to 17. Through May 6, the museum is featuring a Norman Rockwell exhibit presenting more than 70 oil paintings and other works of the famed artist, covering more than 60 years. In addition, The Shemer Arts Center and Museum showcases the works of local and national artists in a Santa Fe mission-style home. Admission is free.
Tel: 602-257-1222.
THE DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN
Is an invitation for romantics to stroll through one of the world's most extensive collections of desert plants. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and $4 for students.
Tel: 480-941-1225.
ORPHEUM THEATRE
A night on the town might include a live performance at the Orpheum Theatre. The theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a look at the building's Spanish Baroque exterior alone is worth the price of admission to the event.
Tel: 480-941-1225.
THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY HALL AND TERRACE
Home to the Phoenix Symphony and Arizona Opera, is perfect for couples who love music. The hall showcases theatrical and musical events ranging from touring Broadway shows to live concerts.
Tel: 480-941-1225.
FOLLOWING IS A SAMPLING OF PACKAGES YOU CAN SELL TO COUPLES HEADING TO PHOENIX
ARIZONA BILTMORE RESORT & SPA
Available until Dec. 31 is the Biltmore's "Romance" package. The two-night deal includes deluxe accommodations, breakfast daily, dinner one night, a welcome amenity, unlimited use of the spa and fitness facilities, daily newspaper, unlimited use of the tennis courts and 18-hole golf course, and shuttle service to the Biltmore Fashion Park.
Through May 5, the rate is $1,020 per couple; from May 6-24 the price is $910 per couple; from May 25 to Sept. 10, and Sept. 11 to Dec. 31, it is $610 per couple.
POINTE HILTON
The Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort and Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort both offer the "Hilton Romance" package. Included are suite accommodations, champagne upon arrival, breakfast one morning, use of the fitness center and late checkout. No minimum stay is required.
Nightly room rates start at $259 per couple through April 28, $129 per couple from May 24 to Sept. 8, and again from No v. 18 to Dec. 31, and $199 per couple from April 29 to May 23, and again from Sept. 9 to Nov. 17.
POINTE SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESORT
The one-night "Occasions" package at the Pointe South features suite accommodations; turndown service with champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and rose petals; and a book to mark the occasion. The rate is $325 per couple; additional nights can be purchased.
ROYAL PALMS HOTEL AND CASITAS
Couples who are looking for historic surroundings will especially love the "Winter of Romance" package at this hotel, which is listed on the National Trust of Historic Hotels of America.
The deal offers one night's accommodations, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, a rose petal turndown and dinner. Through May 31, the package rate is $529 per couple for Friday or Saturday stays and $499 midweek.
