Situated at the base of famed Camelback Mountain is an Andalusian-inspired retreat complete with an award-winning spa, AAA Four-Diamond restaurant and one of the best ceremony sites in the valley — The Montelucia Resort and Spa.

The property offers a modern twist on Old World Mediterranean style. Just turning a corner greets you with something unexpected. From their uber-modern Centro Lounge to their outdoor patio at Prado, you are transported to something new again and again.

Joya Spa is one of the property’s highlights sending you on a journey of rejuvenation and relaxation from the moment you set foot inside. Before you even get into the main area, a spa attendant will walk you through the “Joys of Discovery,” which aims to free you of stress and negativity. Once you’re in the main spa, the dim lighting, exotic smells and tranquil lounge areas do their trick to ready you for your treatment. Once you’re treatment is complete (I highly recommend the Joyambrosia Signature Massage), visit their rooftop pool on Joya Terrace with picturesque views of Camelback Mountain, or enjoy their saunas and steam rooms.

While on property, an absolute must is dinner on the terrace at Prado. We were lucky enough to get a table with an amazing view and started off the meal with an ice-cold glass of bubbly.  The offerings were unexpected (kale salad and tomato with watermelon gazpacho), but absolutely mouth-watering and satisfying. We ended the meal with the ultimate bang – a caramelized banana split with salted caramel gelato and bacon. Yes, bacon.

The wedding ceremony and reception locations here are also a major highlight of the property. Their Valencia Lawn has one of the best backdrops for a sunset ceremony I’ve seen in Arizona.  Pair that with the countless reception spaces and any couple would be overjoyed at their decision to get married here.

From sunsets and ceremony locations to a soothing spa and scrumptious eats, Montelucia in Scottsdale, Arizona is a luxury getaway with that little extra “something.”

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Fall2013/Winter 2014 issue. You can order a copy here.