The Phoenician resort is flying high in the Scottsdale desert

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Inside and out, The Phoenician, which opened in 1988, delivers a five-diamond experience for guests.

Outside looms the gorgeous Camelback Mountain in the Sonoran Desert. This picturesque setting is great for hiking or for playing golf on the resort's 27-hole course.

Guests can hang by the heated outdoor pools and soak up the sun. Inside, live music and cozy furniture make the sprawling lobby and Thirsty Camel bar good places to unwind. Visitors can tour the resort's $25-million collection or breeze through the shops. The Centre for Well-Being spa is a good way to check out -- not from the resort but from reality. Dining choices run from the Relish Burger Bistro at the golf clubhouse to more sophisticated tastes at J&G Steakhouse and Il Terrazzo.

The Phoenician resort

The Phoenician resort is a Scottsdale icon.

Courtesy of The Phoenician

The Phoenician resort - lobby

The Phoenician lobby introduces this grand resort.

Courtesy of The Phoenician

The Phoenician resort - spa

The Phoenician Centre For Well-Being spa induces relaxation.

Courtesy of The Phoenician

The Phoenician resort - pool

The Phoenician pool is a great place to relax after golf.

Courtesy of The Phoenician

The Phoenician resort - Il Terrazzo

The Phoenician's Il Terrazzo offers a great dining experience.

Courtesy of The Phoenician

The Phoenician resort - Canyon nine

A golfer tees off on the first hole on the Canyon nine at The Phoenician.

Courtesy of The Phoenician

The Phoenician resort - room

Classy rooms are found at The Phoenician resort.

Courtesy of The Phoenician

• Destination Guide: Plan your Scottsdale golf outing with GolfArizona.com
• The Phoenician: Twenty-seven working-class holes at a world-class golf resort in Scottsdale
• Ten reasons to hit the desert for a Scottsdale golf vacation