We are looking for a getaway this Xmas for 5-7 days and I thought Arizona may have nice warm weather. We initially planned an "out of country" trip, but the air, car rentals are so high, I decided to look for something in the states.
We live on the east coast and have been up and down the coast at Xmas and would like to try another area. Been to NM, CA, MT, WY, UT, TX...so thought about Arizona after a friend mentioned the weather could be very nice in Dec. Any suggestions???...would love a romantic getaway with some horseriding, maybe a day of golf (maybe not), luxury accommodations would be great but a wonderful b*b could work as well. Good restaurants,hiking, nice scenery -
not particularly interested in large city-style vacation.
Would appreciate any input.
Thanks, Cc

The Royal Palms Resort and Spa is wonderful! We were there just before Christmas last year and loved it!

Great rooms, beautiful grounds, excellent dining room, wonderful spa, lots of things to do in area.

I will see if I can find my trip report on here.

Here are some pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/DebitNM/RoyalPalms

There are lots of places to hike, do some 4 wheel drives, golf etc.


Franak Lloyd Wrights home --
http://picasaweb.google.com/DebitNM/TALIESINWEST

Apache Trail --
http://picasaweb.google.com/DebitNM/ApacheTrail

Hope these help,
Deb

I topped report, but here is link in case it sinks

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35098882

Deb

Tucson has all the activities you listed, the weather, and the resorts. Check out JW Marriott Starr Pass, Westward Look, Ventana Canyon Lodge, Canyone Ranch...

Marriott Starr Pass in Tucson is really nice too, but the Royal Palms is way more luxurious, romantic and has Starr Pass beat hands down. Phoenix iseasier to get to from east coast, too.
Deb

What does "nice warm weather" mean to you? The average high in Tucson around Christmas is 63 degrees, and in Phoenix is 64. Not trying to discourage you, I just think you should know it won't be beach weather (not that there are beaches in Arizona LOL!)

Yeah, that 45 minute connecting flight is a killer.

I wasn't thinking just about the 45 minute flight, more along the lines that there is connection time, wait time, luggage transfer, number of flights to Tucson from PHX and 2 more take offs and landings.

That 45 minutes can end up taking more like 2+ hours and I hate to lose any time while on a romantic getaway.

Deb

Either Tucson or Phoenix would have several places that meet your requirements.

Christmas weather is USUALLY quite nice and sunny. Sometimes it can be rainy for a few days, so you want to have some indoor activities planned if necessary.

Hi all, THANKs to everyone for such great tips - I have a lot of research and pics to look forward to..

DebitNM - great pics and thanks for the links; will spend today going through them all!

lennyba - Tucson sounds wonderful & my dh has always wanted to go...
All our trips west have been fabulous - NM, CO, MT, etc. I could live there (warm weather a requirement though!)

dmlove; warm weather to me would be sunny in 60's; no coats, no snow, a lovely cashmere sweater is all I need!

We planned an island getaway but the logistics got too involved and too expensive.

We can fly to AZ for much less and there seems plenty to do without freezing.

So I recommended that as our Xmas getaway (we have no family and always escape that week) We've never been & can golf, ride horses, hike, have some spa time...seemed like a great week to me!

Thanks again for all the suggestions. When I figure it out, I will post the itinerary.
As usual Fodors experts always pull through!
Appreciate it, Cc

DebitNM-
Deb, just looked at your pics and they were so great; just what I imagined; so I took a quick look at your trip report.
So this was in Phoenix?
I am thinking Phoenix and Tuscon have similar weather. I love warm sunny days and cool nights, esp. if there is a fireplace around!
Thanks for the hotel.com suggestion. Pretty great price.

Can't wait to figure all this out!

Cc

I would vote for Tucson. It's smaller than Phoenix, more scenic and the easy-access hiking around the city feels more like you're out there. Phoenix has some great parks and trails, but it still feels like you're in the city when you're out on the trail.