As you plan your destination wedding, you want to make sure the location you select offers not only an ideal escape, but sumptuous food, crowd-pleasing activities and breathtaking backdrops. One getaway I experienced first-hand, provided all of this and more.

The Four Seasons Scottsdale treated my husband and I to an overnight stay, culinary delights, a relaxing spa treatment and just enough quiet time to refuel and rejuvenate.

First stop: signature margaritas and a lazy dip in the pool. After meeting some “regulars” from New York and hearing why they have been coming back every year for five years, we headed back to our luxury-appointed room, complete with panoramic views of the sprawling desert landscape. We were greeted by home-made seven layer dip and pomegranate sangria.

Reservations at Talavera Restaurant kept us from eating every last bite of our in-room snack and promised even more culinary talent and breathtaking views. Our server gave suggestions and brought over a few favorites: Wagyu Short Rib Ravioli and Chilean Sea Bass with Potato ‘Risotto.’ Our table was quiet and romantic, the service and experience start-to-finish was outstanding.

The next day we indulged in spa treatments and a simple Swedish massage with a few Thai elements had us both relaxed and recharged. We walked through the resort to check out the different areas to hold a destination wedding and were struck by how peaceful and serene the property was. The three on-site ceremony locations are ideal for any destination couple and would promise a flawless backdrop and place to say “I do.”

From sunsets and scrumptious food, this was no ordinary overnight getaway, but one aimed to fulfill every one of our senses at every turn.

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