Desert Babes Do It Better: The Ultimate Girls' Trip To Arizona

There’s something about the desert that makes you want to live a little louder, laugh a little longer, and glam a little harder — and Arizona gave us all that and more. From soul-healing spas to fire fits at the SZA and Kendrick Lamar show, this girls’ trip was a beautiful blur of desert sun, luxury, and soft-life energy. Here’s a recap of how the desert babes did it better.

Touchdown & Taste: Toca Madera

We kicked things off with dinner at Toca Madera, Scottsdale’s crown jewel of fine dining and fire ambiance. Think: elevated Mexican cuisine, moody lighting, tableside flames, and the kind of cocktails that get your group chat buzzing. We laughed over guac, shared spicy margaritas, and immediately declared, “This trip is about indulgence.” And we meant it.
Now, I do want to give my true Keith Lee review. While Toca Madera is a whole vibe, the food was mid. I give it a 5/10. We got the branzino, seasonal veggies and mac n cheese and it essentially left something to be desired, suggesting a need for greater attention to flavor development in their menu offerings. 

Reset & Recharge: Civana Wellness Resort & Spa

Nestled within a sprawling 20-plus acre expanse of Arizona’s breathtaking Sonoran Desert, where majestic saguaros stand sentinel amidst a tapestry of vibrant succulents, lies CIVANA. More than just a destination, CIVANA offers a transformative journey dedicated to cultivating a happier and healthier you through the power of meaningful human connections. Imagine escaping the everyday and immersing yourselves in a serene sanctuary designed to inspire well-being and foster lasting bonds. This is the promise of CIVANA, the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable girls’ trip.

Perfectly located in the serene desert of Carefree, Civana was our oasis. Between sound baths, chakra-balancing meditations, and deep tissue massages that might’ve changed our lives, we truly tapped into our wellness girl era. We woke up to golden sunrises and fell asleep in fluffy robes with refreshing mocktails in hand. Civana reminded us that slowing down is revolutionary — and luxurious.

Sky-High Moments: Hot Air Expeditions

What’s a desert trip without a little altitude? Hot Air Expeditions took us soaring above the Sonoran landscape at sunrise, and honestly, we cried a little. Floating above cacti and coyotes with nothing but silence and sky? Absolutely unmatched. The post-flight champagne toast was the perfect touch. 10/10 would recommend putting your fears in a basket… literally.

The Main Event: SZA & Kendrick Lamar at State Farm Stadium

The Grand National Tour was our emotional apex. SZA gave us permission to feel it all — soft, sad, sexy, unsure — and Kendrick gave us bars, power, and presence. From “Broken Clocks” to “Alright,” the stadium was a sanctuary. We danced, we cried, we screamed. The desert air held all our feels, and we let them fly.

Things We Plan to Do When We Return

Hitting the trails for some UTV action is a must when we return. The thrill of tearing through the stunning desert landscape with the wind in our hair and nothing but open terrain ahead just seems like something from a movie. The adrenaline, the breathtaking scenery, the pure joy of the ride – we just know this would add more fire to an already epic girls’ trip.

The locals insisted we visit to SugarJam upon our return. This charming spot, with its irresistible Southern-inspired menu, is said to be a delightful recommendation. 

One slight disappointment was missing the opportunity to explore the awe-inspiring Antelope Canyon. Its natural beauty, renowned for its slot canyon formations and mesmerizing light beams, was high on our list. However, time constraints meant we had to leave it for a future visit. Consider it a compelling reason to plan our return to Arizona! The allure of Antelope Canyon will undoubtedly draw us back to experience its majestic splendor firsthand. This trip, though incredible, has only fueled our desire to see and do even more in this captivating state.

Final Thoughts: The Desert Hits Different

From spa serenity to hip-hop healing, Arizona held space for every version of us — the glam girlies, the wellness warriors, the music lovers, and the foodies. This trip reminded us that girls’ trips aren’t just fun — they’re necessary. And next time someone questions your desert itinera, just smile and say: “Desert babes do it better.”

Desert Babes Do It Better: The Ultimate Girls’ Trip To Arizona  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com