Posts Tagged ‘Paradise Valley Homes’

Joya Spa is Indulgent Experience in Paradise Valley

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

Looking at some of the beautiful Paradise Valley homes for sale? If so, you might be interested in learning about the superb amenities nestled inside the exclusive Paradise Valley enclaves. Part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley are both filled with many luxury homes as well as world-class resorts, one of which is the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa.  

The Montelucia boasts a wealth of amazing amenities including the renowned Joya Spa, designed by award-winning spa designer Sylvia Sepielli. Inspired by the deserts of Morocco, she has created a one-of-a-kind pampering experience that uses indigenous materials and incorporates the best of cultural traditions.  

The Joya Spa extends over more than 31,000 square feet, including 19 sumptuous treatment rooms, plush lounges and a peaceful spa pool terrace. Luxury suites include the private Grand Palace Suite, an 850-square-foot suite with a king-size daybed, whirlpool, fireplace and floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to the pool terrace.  

In addition, Joya Spa is host to Arizona’s only authentic Hamam, a luxurious bathing ritual designed to relax the senses on a profound level. Whether experiencing a meditative moment in the Hamam or lounging on the terrace gazing at the majesties of Camelback Mountain, every corner of Joya Spa is simply sublime, to wit, the private rooftop pool terrace (complete with cabanas and spectacular views), a top-of-the-line fitness center (with a group exercise motion studio and a refreshing juice bar) and the Joya Terrace, which proves that healthful and indulgent are no longer mutually exclusive.  

From luxurious jewelry pieces to skin care and makeup, organic perfume oil to wellness programs, musical selections to personalized adventures with friends or loved ones, Joya Spa has truly refined the art of customization.  

Source: www.icmontelucia.com. Information used with permission.    

The Arts Are All Around Paradise Valley Residents

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Those with Paradise Valley real estate are offered convenient access to some of the top places to view and experience art in the Phoenix metropolitan area. For example, not too far away, the Scottsdale Center for the Arts offers world-class comedic, dramatic and musical performances that range from cutting-edge to traditional, plus interactive, thought-provoking educational programs. A highlight of its recent $16 million renovation is the high-tech Virginia G. Piper Theater’s intimate atmosphere, plush seats and state-of-the-art lighting and acoustics. A public art installation by artist Kana Tanaka showcases more than 100 blown-glass pieces illuminated with fiber-optic lighting.

The nearby Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art shows off a variety of contemporary art and architecture. The five-gallery minimalist building itself is a work-of-art that award-winning architect Will Bruder designed as a remodel of a movie theater. A sky-space allows visitors to experience the changing desert lights safely out of the desert heat, and a constant rotation of educational programs and new exhibits keeps visitors coming back.

A wide variety of museums in neighboring Phoenix host an amazing array of cherished exhibits and art-works. The Phoenix Art Museum, about a twenty-minute drive from Paradise Valley, offers a glimpse of some of the world’s most beloved art, and boasts traveling exhibits ranging from Rembrandt to Cezanne to the mummies of ancient Egypt. In addition, the museum’s permanent collection spans the art of Asia, Europe, America, the Southwest and more.

Also in Phoenix you will find the Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona and the Phoenix Symphony. Known for their first-class performances, these theatrical and musical troupes perform at Symphony Hall, which is just across the street from the Herberger Theater Center. The Herberger is home to several theatrical companies and a dance company and features an upper-level gallery that exhibits an ever-changing display of works from local artists.

Paradise Valley Houses Great Annual Events

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

Thanks to a wealth of sunshine and an upscale lifestyle, residents of Paradise Valley, Arizona live near a plethora of cities and towns that boast numerous indoor and outdoor events, many of them just a hop, skip and jump from Paradise Valley homes.

For example, neighboring Scottsdale has a number of signature events. In January you can expect P.F. Chang’s Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon; the Native Trails Celebration of Native American culture, song, dance and food; the PGA’s Waste Management Open (known forever to locals as The Phoenix Open); and Barrett-Jackson‘s dramatic multi-million-dollar auction of classic and collectible automobiles. About a half-hour away in Glendale, the Fiesta Bowl is held shortly after New Year’s, pitting two of college football’s best teams against each other.

Early February marks the beginning of rodeo season with parades and professional rodeo competitions to delight the whole family, while March is one of the most exciting times in the Valley, as Major League Baseball teams from across the country come to stadiums all across the Phoenix metropolitan area for Spring Training.

In April, nearby Scottsdale celebrates the Scottsdale Culinary Festival as well as Arizona Bike Week, which offers daily charity motorcycle rides, bike races and parties. Things tend to slow down in the summer, but September brings the Scottsdale Classic Horse Show and Arizona Restaurant Week where three-course dinner menus are offered at amazingly discounted prices at over one hundred Valley restaurants.

The fall is also host to Scottsdale Fashion Week, which allows fashion designers to show off some of their finest creations. Wearable ArtWalk, an on-the-street Milan-Style fashion show, adds to the fun. Then it’s on to the Goodguys Southwest Nationals’ Show featuring customs, classics, rods and muscle cars. ArtFest of Scottsdale and “Book Street” round out September. Finally, it wouldn’t be December in the Valley of the Sun without ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo and Holidays at the Heard Museum, with artist demonstrations, music and dance performances, and special programming that celebrates the Southwest.

Paradise Valley Houses Exquisite Montelucia Resort

Monday, October 25th, 2010

Many people own beautiful luxury Paradise Valley homes and real estate. But what if you’re a visitor or want to enjoy fine dining or entertain special guests? Nestled on the boundary of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, one of the most sumptuous resorts in the entire Phoenix metropolitan area is the luxurious InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa. This breathtaking resort is a magical place reminiscent of a European town square with floral walkways, arching entryways and splashing fountains. While at the resort, you can indulge yourself at the exotic Moroccan-inspired Joya Spa or dine at Prado Restaurant and enjoy locally grown ingredients crafted into award-winning dishes. If you’d rather sit poolside at ROQ, this outdoor American bistro features an elegant menu of American classics updated with a modern twist.  

 

The InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa boasts 253 luxurious guest rooms and 40 suites, including the Andalusian Presidential Suite and the Camelback Villa, host to 3,000 square feet of indoor living space, plus a private patio and pool. Each guest room enjoys flat-screen televisions, high-speed and wireless Internet access, individual climate controls, a fully stocked mini bar, feather beds and large working areas. In addition, all guest rooms pamper the senses with lavish baths flaunting an oversized sunken bathtub and a roomy walk-in shower with dual showerheads. All rooms also have private terrace patios with mountain or pool views and living-room style seating.  

When it comes to upscale dining, the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa wows with six unique restaurants and venues, highlighted by Prado, the resort’s signature restaurant that reflects the architectural motifs of Villa San Michele which was designed by Michelangelo in Florence, Italy. Prado offers an amazing menu of delicious fare, flavored with an Italian accent and focused on locally grown, seasonal and sustainable ingredients prepared over a wood-fired grill. Within Prado is Mbar, featuring an extensive collection of premium 100 percent agave tequilas, authentic tapas and an ambience ideal for socializing.  

For Joya Spa guests, Joya Terrace serves healthful food and drink to savor by the rooftop pool whose spectacular views are of the dramatic majesties of Camelback Mountain. Meanwhile, ROQ entices guests with a sparkling pool and showcases a bar that prepares sensational poolside cocktails and delights the palette a wealth of fabulous dishes including a variety of flavorful French fries from around the world. Another poolside option is Oasis Pavilion, a tranquil pool with seasonal service of beverages and light fare.  rl0z1

Source: www.icmontelucia.com; information used with permission.

Many Luxurious Resort At Home in Paradise Valley

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

The town of Paradise Valley, Arizona real estate houses several  gorgeous resorts that offer guests classic elegance in peaceful settings with amenities and charm galore.  

For example, the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa is well-known throughout the state as one of the Valley’s premier resorts. In fact, President Obama stayed at the Montelucia during a recent visit to Phoenix. Snuggled at the foot of Camelback Mountain, the facility is awash with the ambience of a quaint European town square thanks to its crystal clear fountains and flower-draped walkways. If you’re feeling stressed, book a treatment at the Moroccan-influenced Joya Spa or go for a relaxing swim in one of the resort’s smooth-as-glass swimming pools. When you’re ready for dinner, the resort has six on-site restaurants including the delectable Italian eatery Prado and the poolside bistro, ROQ. If children or grandchildren are along for your stay, be sure to check out the Planet Trekkers Kids Club.  

Paradise Valley Resort InterContinental Montelucia

Tucked high up on a mountainside overlooking a sea of shimmering city lights, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain boasts 105 luxurious casitas with incredible views of the surrounding area. Sanctuary Spa has a soothing meditation garden and fitness center as well as Asian-inspired treatments. The on-site restaurant, elements, is famous locally for its fresh cuisine, while jade bar features an impressive wine list. Close to distinctive Scottsdale shopping and championship golf courses, guests of the resort may also enjoy spending time in the infinity pool, playing tennis, or perhaps hiking trails nestled along Camelback Mountain. Some of the casitas even come with private outdoor soaking tubs, kitchen alcoves and/or alfresco balconies from which to admire the panoramic views.  

Backed by the scenic terrain of majestic Mumm
y Mountain, the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is located on a spectacular 125-acre parcel of prime Paradise Valley real estate. The resort, which originally opened in 1936 as a seasonal getaway with rates ranging from $10 to $25 a night, was used by the late U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater as his headquarters during the 1964 presidential campaign. In 1967, the Camelback Inn was sold to the Marriott Corporation, and it has since been renovated to become a AAA Five-Diamond resort. Start your day with 36 holes of fabulous golf and then spend the afternoon at the Spa at Camelback Inn, followed by a memorable meal at one of the resort’s six delightful restaurants. rl0z1

If You Love to Golf, Paradise Valley is Home to Great Courses

Friday, October 15th, 2010

If you love to golf, you will definitely love Paradise Valley, Arizona. The exclusive Paradise Valley real estate is tucked against beautiful Camelback Mountain near Scottsdale and Phoenix, has some of the most scenic golf courses in the entire state of Arizona.  

Let’s start with Mountain Shadows Golf Club. Located in the foothills of Camelback Mountain, Mountain Shadows just might be one of the most gorgeous courses in the state. This 3,081-yard, par-56 executive course, which gives the illusion of playing right into the mountain, is landscaped with lush oleanders and tall palm trees that help visually guide you through your play. PS: If your tee-time is late in the day, you could be lucky enough to witness an awe-inspiring sunset as you finish out your round on the 18th hole.  



If we cruise on over to Tatum Boulevard, we’ll find the Paradise Valley Country Club, home to the Paradise Valley Golf Course, an 18-hole par-72 course featuring over 6,800 yards of amazing golf. Opened for play in 1954, the course was designed by noted golf course architect Lawrence Marion Hughes.  

Meanwhile, the JW Marriott Camelback Inn has 36 holes of championship golf that are sure to please golf aficionados. The Padre Course has water holes, challenging bunkers and mature trees, all spread across its 6,903 yards, and here’s an interesting factoid: Its 18th hole was once voted the “Best Water Hole” by Arizona Golf Magazine. The Indian Bend Course is a more traditional American-links course with sensational mountain backgrounds as well as eucalyptus- and palm tree-lined fairways. Formidable, but also very laidback, this par-72 course offers golfers of all skill levels a great day on the links.  

What else? How ‘bout Stonecreek Golf Club on East Paradise Village Parkway…this links-style 18-hole course boasts five separate holes with water hazards. In 1989, the course was redesigned by Arthur Hills to maximize its speedy greens and hilly fairways. Each year, the club hosts the LPGA Mitsubishi Pro Am along with a number of local tournaments.  rl0z1

Fast Facts About Paradise Valley Arizona

Friday, October 8th, 2010

Magnificent scenery and topography, majestic urban mountains, breathtaking mansions and sumptuous estates have made the aptly-named town of Paradise Valley one of the premiere places in the entire Southwest in which to live.  

Details: An exclusive enclave of luxury homes and prime Paradise Valley real estate intimately nestled in the center of the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. Although the town is relatively small in terms of land and population, the home-buying market is definitely high end—median home prices are currently $1.74 million, with many exceeding $5 million and some over $20 million.  

According to the town’s website, Paradise Valley is primarily zoned for single-family residential use, allowing just one home per lot. No multiple housing units are permitted, and since most of Paradise Valley is zoned R-43, the size of each lot must be at least one acre. There are some smaller residential lots that are also zoned R-43, but they were less than one acre when they came into the town and are considered “grandfathered”. Complete zoning ordinance information, including information on building and structure heights, setbacks, etc., is listed on the town’s website.  

Here are a number of interesting and useful “Fast Facts” about Paradise Valley.*  

  • Incorporation date: May 24, 1961
  • Population: 14,215
  • Area: 16.5 square miles
  • Borders: Shea Boulevard to the north; Scottsdale Road to the east; 32nd Street to the west; Chaparral Road to the south
  • Town mailing address: 6401 East Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253
  • Paradise Valley Town Website Information: 480-948-7411 (Town Hall) or 480-948-7418 (Police)
  • Police, Fire or Medical Emergency: 911
  • Type of government: Council/Manager
  • U.S. Congressional District Number 3
  • State Legislative District Number 11
  • Maricopa County Supervisorial Districts Numbers 2 and 3  

*Source: (http://www.ci.paradise-valley.az.us)  #RL-bp~2

Beautiful Paradise Valley Homes Offer Excellent Schools

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

There are a number of reasons that Paradise Valley homes are so highly sought after by families. Here’s one: excellent schools. Chances are, if you’re looking to buy a home, land or other residential real estate in Paradise Valley, you’re already interested in the local school district. While there are many exceptional private schools nearby, the top-rated Paradise Valley public schools are also an outstanding choice for many families. In fact, the Paradise Valley Unified School District is currently considered one of Arizona’s most “Excelling” school districts, with 22 schools earning the highest rating from the Arizona Department of Education.

The Paradise Valley district consists of 45 schools: 31 elementary schools (kindergarten through grade six), eight middle schools (grades seven and eight) and six high schools (grades nine through 12). The district offers a variety of specialized education choice programs, including K-12 International Baccalaureate, Core Knowledge©, S.T.E.M.G2 (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Global Geography), Digital Learning Center and much more.

With a total enrollment of over 33,000 students, the Paradise Valley district is the seventh largest school district in Arizona. The district’s 98-square-mile boundaries include a significant portion of northeast Phoenix as well as a portion of north Scottsdale, and extend from Seventh Avenue on the west to Pima Road on the east. The southern boundary is Northern Avenue, with the northern boundary being Jomax Road.

One important note is that even if your home is outside the Paradise Valley school district boundaries, you still have the opportunity to enroll your child in a Paradise Valley school through the Open Enrollment process. Open Enrollment packets are available at the school sites or at Paradise Valley Unified School District.

Paradise Valley Houses the Excellent Tesseract School

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

There are a number of reasons that Paradise Valley homes are so highly sought after by families. Along with excellent public schools, the community is also home to several outstanding private schools. One of these is the Tesseract School.

Founded in 1988, the Tesseract School is a non-denominational, co-educational school for children in pre-school through high school. Boasting an overall student/teacher ratio of 8:1, the school has two campuses located around the corner from each other – Upper and Lower campus.

Utilizing a multi-sensory, integrated approach to learning, Tesseract students are encouraged to develop their natural talents in areas including foreign language, numeric analysis, communication, written reflection, athletics and the arts. Grounded in the belief that learning does not begin and end in the classroom, middle school students regularly enjoy visits from guest speakers, participate in local field trips and take an annual curriculum-related class trip.

Meanwhile, Tesseract’s college-preparatory high school features an innovative, student-centered curriculum emphasizing cross-curricular connections, authentic learning and international exposure. Freshman study the foundations of civilization with hands-on experiences at historic landmarks, ancient ruins and museums. Sophomore year highlights science and math, showcased by a trip to research labs and universities in California. Juniors study foreign language and cultures, including class trips to China and South America, while senior year’s focus is on independent exploration and internal development.

If you are interested in an independent, private education and you are considering purchasing a home or residential real estate in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Phoenix or surrounding communities, you should take a look at the Tesseract School to see if it meets the needs of you and your family.

Paradise Valley is Home to a Mummy – Mountain That is

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Have you ever heard of a mountain named after an Egyptian burial symbol?

Probably not, unless you own a home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, Mummy Mountain is part and parcel of your daily life and visual landscape.

But how did this rugged mountain get its funky name?

Back in the day, this saguaro-studded mountain was known by some as Windy Gulch while others called it Horseshoe Mountain, but according to the Town of Paradise Valley website, it was long-time resident Charlie Mieg who finally named it Mummy Mountain. Charlie, a Swiss by birth, made his money in real estate and banking in New York City. Later, he continued to hit it rich in Florida, before relocating to Arizona in the early 1940s and making his home in the area that would become Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.

Good old Charlie, who was now prospecting for gold, was so enamored by the barren beauty of the area that it is said he borrowed $8,000 of the $12,000 purchase price from his mother-in-law so that he could purchase real estate all along the north and east sides of Windy Gulch. You see, in addition to being a miner, Charlie was a savvy businessman. He knew that the mountain views were exceptional, and that people would some day want to build homes in the valley. Ergo, he tossed off his miner’s hardhat and went back into the real estate biz so he could sell parcels of land from all around his mountain property.

Okay, finally, we’re getting to the part about the mummy. The historical grapevine has it that Mieg felt “Horseshoe Mountain” and “Windy Gulch” weren’t particularly sexy and didn’t have much marketing appeal. One day, he took a long look and decided that the mountain closely resembled an Egyptian mummy lying down, and apparently believing that a more interesting name would help sell his properties, voila – Mummy Mountain was born.