Posts Tagged ‘Paradise Valley real estate’

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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.    

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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.

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Most Famous Landmark of Paradise Valley is Camelback Mountain

Wednesday, April 6th, 2011

Nestled in the midst of Paradise Valley, Arizona, Camelback Mountain is one of the most famous landmarks in the entire Phoenix metropolitan area. This majestic mountain sprawls across some of the most expensive Paradise Valley real estate, providing a dramatic backdrop for luxurious homes, stunning estates and sumptuous resorts.

Here are a few “fast facts” about this beloved hallmark of the Valley of the Sun.

History: During the late 1800s, the federal government reserved Camelback Mountain for an Indian reservation, but by the 1940s, most of the mountain had fallen into private hands and remained so for the next two decades. Efforts on the county, state and federal level to restrict development above the 1,600-feet level largely were unsuccessful, including failed efforts in 1963-64 in the state Legislature to arrange land exchanges.

Barry Goldwater to the rescue: In 1965, the Preservation of Camelback Mountain Foundation, led by local resident and United States Senator Barry Goldwater, was created to spearhead community efforts to save as much of the summit as possible. Ultimately successful, this effort was capped off by a ceremony in 1968 marking a land exchange that then-President Lyndon Johnson and then-Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall attended.

Geology: The “head” of Camelback Mountain, which comprises the area of Echo Canyon Recreation Area, is made up of layered sandstone. The “hump” is primarily composed of granite that, in geologic terms, is much older than the sedimentary rock that makes up the head section of the mountain.

Flora and Fauna: Because of urban encroachment, large mammals are not normally found on the mountain, however a number of smaller animals typical of the Sonoran Desert populate the park including cottontail rabbits, lizards, Harris antelope squirrels and a variety of birds. In addition, rattlesnakes are common on the trail; the best advice is that if you see one, allow it space and time to escape. Cactus species on the mountain include saguaro, barrel, hedgehog, pincushion, jumping cholla, christmas, staghorn, cholla and prickly pear. Tree species include palo verde, mesquite and ironwood.

Highest Point: The summit of Camelback Mountain is at 2,704 feet above sea level. Elevation gain from the two summit trails is approximately 1,200 feet.

Source: http://phoenix.gov/parks

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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Interesting Information About Paradise Valley and Real Estate

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010
Nestled in the center of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Paradise Valley, Arizona is located about three miles from Scottsdale and about eight miles from Tempe. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 15.5 square miles.

The Paradise Valley real estate market is definitely high end—median home prices are currently $1.74 million, with many exceeding $5 million and some over $20 million. Although Paradise Valley is relatively small in terms of its land and population, its dozen or so exclusive resorts and its wealth of gorgeous mansions, sprawling estates and magnificent topography have made it one of the state’s premiere tourist destinations. Speaking of terrain, Paradise Valley is surrounded by some of the best-known and most scenic natural formations in the metropolitan Phoenix area. Mummy Mountain is close by, as is Camelback Mountain to the south and Piestewa Peak to the west.

Piestewa Peak

The population of Paradise Valley is estimated to be about 15,000 and the 2000 Census report found 5,549 households, representing about a 17 percent growth rate from 1990. The home-ownership rate is about 97 percent.

Overall, the average household size in Paradise Valley was 2.71 people and the average family size was 2.98; 76.1 percent were married couples living together. One-third had children under the age of 18 living with them and just over four percent were headed by a female with no husband present. Almost seven percent had someone living alone who was over the age of 65.

Just under 25 percent of Paradise Valley residents are under the age of 18; four percent are from ages 18 to 24; almost 19 percent are from ages 25 to 44; and almost 36 percent are from ages 45 to 64. The median age was found to be 46, with just over 16 percent aged 65 years or older. Meanwhile, the male-female ratio is pretty evenly split, with 98.7 men for every 100 women.

The racial makeup of Paradise Valley is about 95 percent White; 0.73 percent African-American; 0.20 percent Native-American; two percent Asian; 0.04 percent Pacific Islander; and 2.66 Hispanic or Latino. Crime statistics in Paradise Valley tend to be much lower than the Arizona average and violent crimes are also much less than the state average.

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Camelback Inn Real Estate is True Paradise In the Valley

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

Way back in the day, i.e., around 1936, an ambitious would-be hotelier named Jack Stewart persuaded a group of investors to finance construction of a new resort nestled in the lush high Sonoran desert. The investors were led by Stewart’s friend, John C. Lincoln, an Ohio businessman who believed in Stewart’s vision of a world-class retreat snuggled in the shadows of Camelback Mountain on acres and acres of prime land. In years to come, the gorgeous Scottsdale and Paradise Valley real estate area that is home to the Camelback Inn, became a haven for luxurious homes, estates and mansions.

Designed by architect Edward Loomis Bowes, the Camelback Inn originally accommodated 75 guests and cost an at-the-time whopping $75,000 to build. The resort immediately attracted affluent travelers who endured long train rides to Phoenix from the East Coast and Midwest, then suffered another 12-mile trek down bumpy dirt roads to reach their Southwestern adventure. But the trip was well worth it, culminating in a serene setting and activities such as horseback riding, desert exploration and other outdoor excursions that introduced vacationers to the wonders of their secluded surroundings.

Welcoming guests and making them feel at home is a Camelback Inn tradition that was begun by Stewart and his wife, the former Mabel Louise Shoemaker. Louise was known as a social dynamo who organized grand events instilling a spirit of camaraderie among guests that lives on to this day.

Early guest-lists were rife with rich and famous business leaders, high-placed politicos and A-list Hollywood celebrities including Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart and Bette Davis. J. W. Marriott, Sr. shared the Stewarts’ love for the Camelback Inn, and in 1967, Marriott proudly made the Camelback Inn the company’s first resort.

J.W. (Bill) Marriott, Jr., sustained his father’s commitment to the Camelback Inn by overseeing further expansion. These continuous improvements have earned the resort numerous accolades over the years, and in February 1989, another magnificent addition was unveiled: The Spa at Camelback Inn. The 31,000-square-foot full-service facility has been ranked one of the Top 100 spas in the world.

While spa-fans will fall in love with The Spa, golf aficionados will definitely appreciate the Camelback Inn’s 36 holes of championship golf. In fact, the Padre Course features soaring shade trees and strategic bunkering, while desert and mountain views, towering palm – and eucalyptus-lined fairways and multiple lakes surround the Indian Bend Course.

The Camelback Inn, a celebrated fixture at the foot of Camelback Mountain for nearly eight decades, saw some major updates in 2007, including new restaurants, a reinvention of the main building, a complete rebuild of the ballroom and the creation of a soothing experiential courtyard with water and fire elements. Known for some time now as the JW Marriott Camelback Inn, all of these new changes were designed to showcase the unique essence and soul of this legendary historical landmark whose tag-line says it all: “In all the world, only one.”

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

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The Pleasures of Living in Paradise Valley

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

If you’re looking for multi-million dollar homes on acre-plus homesites, as well as amazing vistas and a community that has a sophisticated yet rural look and feel to it, you are looking for Paradise Valley, Arizona. This town of Paradise Valley is nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain and Mummy Mountain, and is almost perfectly situated between Scottsdale and Phoenix. Here you can find sprawling properties that are home to man-made masterpieces, as well as nature-created scenic views that simply have to be seen to be believed.

There is not a lot of Paradise Valley real estate, with only 16 miles worth of homes, making this a high-class real estate area. There are also a number of private schools and world-class hotels and resorts that call Paradise Valley home – names like the Camelback inn, the Phoenician, and the Sanctuary Resort and Spa are names that you’ll instantly come to associate with luxurious. These places, however, not only cater to the rich and famous, but they offer amazing venues that the locals and visitors can also enjoy, including tennis, hiking, and golf.

This luxurious area was not always an expensive place to live. In the 1880’s, the Rio Verde Canal Company used it as a place for cattle to graze as well as farmland. In 1889, Rio Verde sent three surveyors to work on the project, and they became so enthralled by the tranquility and beauty of the desert landscape that they deemed the name “Paradise Valley” to the area. It wasn’t until 1961, however, when it became what it is today. At that point the residents opted to keep real estate zoning to one house per acre minimum, and to keep the community largely residential, which allows Paradise Valley to have a charm-filled ambience, and what transformed it into a place that is synonymous with luxury and high class. With large open spaces, sensational views, amazing mountains and desert vistas, Paradise Valley will always be a little slice of paradise for not only people who live there, but also for those who visit.

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