Best of 2023 - Arizona
What a year it was for travel! It felt like the whole world was opening up to travel of all kinds. So my travel diary turned out to be a colorful potpourri of domestic and international trips. Starting with Arizona, a short trip to Mallorca and Portugal, a city trip to Palma with golf, a 9-hole excursion on the Costa Blanca and, last but not least, golf in Bali at the end of the year.
Arizona - the synonym for desert golf
America's year-round golf paradise attracts golfers around Scottsdale and Tucson with world-class courses that stand out like green oases in the fascinatingly barren desert landscape. We played the Camelback Golf Club here, which was an obvious choice as it was located right next to the JW Mariott of the same name. 36 holes and a pueblo-style clubhouse are outstanding features, as are the giant steaks at the Lincoln Steakhouse & Bar in the hotel. Old Town Scottsdale with a detour to the LDV Winery, the Scottsdale Museum often the West and the Rusty Spur Saloon were our highlights here. In Tucson, I have fond memories of the Hacienda des Sol Guest Ranch, a resort with all kinds of art in the beautiful gardens where Hollywood stars once strolled. Golf at "The Lodge Ventana Canyon Golf Course promised the best canyon golf on two courses in the Sonoran Desert. Back in Phoenix at the JW Mariott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, we not only enjoyed the culinary delights on offer, but also a round of golf at the Wildfire Golf Club with around 100 bunkers designed by golf hero Arnold Palmer. A long version of this trip will follow shortly.
Text & photos: Elsa Honecker
