Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Phoenix, Arizona (Day #2) – As is my custom when visiting a beautiful resort, I arose quite early and explored the lush, oasis-like grounds of the Royal Palms Resort and Spa.

As I was roaming, the only stirring human beings were me and the resort’s gardeners.  I also enjoyed the company of scurrying rabbits, desert songbirds that were busily sounding their throaty tunes, and an occasional small lizard.

I made my first photographic stop of the resort’s pool.  I had to get my shot off quickly as there was a young father present with his very young son who was simply dying to swim in the pool.  It was only a smidgen past seven o’clock in the morning.  I smiled as I imagined the scene in their hotel room as this young family was dealing with a very persistent young swimmer wannabe.

As I pressed on past the pool, and into the resort’s nine acres at the foot of Camelback Mountain, I was immediately taken with how incredibly lush this place was for being in the middle of the desert.  These gardens are over 80 years old, and the lush magenta bougainvillea, the many exotic plants, the palm trees, the orange groves all made testament that this is truly one of the Phoenix Valley’s most mature landscapes.

Here is a beautiful Mexican Bird-of-Paradise that was begging to be photographed.

Another striking feature of the Royal Palms Resort and Spa are the copious numbers of fountains, doorways into private alcoves, antique wooden doors, iron gates, outdoor fireplaces, and comfortable small sitting areas that are discovered as you explore the resort’s maze of curving walkways.

At nearly every turn, I felt as if I had discovered yet another secret garden hideaway.

Even further, the terra cotta Spanish architecture that lays the foundation to the resort is simply stunning.  Here’s an example…

Later in the morning,  we headed over to the pool to enjoy a cabana that the Royal Palms Resort and Spa had reserved for us.  We were greeted by eager pool waitstaff, ushered a metal bucket full of iced bottled waters, and told that they were there to wait on us hand and foot.

When it was time for lunch, all I had to do was gaze towards the wait-stand and immediately there was someone rushing to our aid.

We enjoyed mahi mahi tacos, wonderful olives, and a wonderful smokey humus.

Here’s a photograph of Carol in ultimate pool luxury wearing her secret agent sunglasses. 🙂

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.  Around two o’clock we packed up our things and headed back to our home in North Scottsdale.

But, stay tuned.

We still have a video to share with you, and we simply can’t forget to tell you about our wonderful dining experience at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa’s T. Cook’s restaurant.